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Infants need to learn how to move and to use
their bodies to perform various tasks, a process better known as motor
development. Initially, babies’ movements are simply the uncontrolled,
reflexive movements they are born with, over time, they learn to move their
body parts voluntarily to perform both gross (large) and fine (small) motor
skills. In general, babies begin developing motor skills form head to tail
(cephalocaudal), the center of the body outward (Proximodistal). They learn to
control their head and neck before they learn to maneuver their arms; they
learn to maneuver their arms before they learn to manipulate their fingers.
Babies learn to move their torso before the learn how to move their arms and
legs.
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The sucking reflex allows babies to drink
milk and nourish themselves in the days of life.
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Another permanent and life-supporting
reflex is heard turning in the first days of life.
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Another permanent life-supporting reflex is
head turning. This reflex allows a baby to turn his head if something (a
blanket, pillow, or stuffed animal) is blocking his airflow.
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Another reflex that also babies survive is
the rooting reflex. When babies root, they may nuzzle their face and mouth into
the caregiver’s chest or shoulder.
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The rest of the flexes have less survival
value but are still notable. For the first 3 to 4 months, babies have an
amazing grasping ability and reflex. They will grasp anything place in their
palm and hold it with amazing strength for their size. Some infants in the
first weeks of life can support their entire body weight through that grasp.
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While this reflex may not have any survival
function in modern times, it does help babies bond with caregivers and family
in the first weeks of life. Similarly, for the first two months, babies will
‘step” with their legs if they are held vertically with their feet touching a
surface. Even though this reflex disappears months before babies begin walking
purposely, experts believes stepping helps infants learn how their legs works
can be used.
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The Moro response is
another reflex that is present during the first 6 months of life, but doesn’t
seem to have a purpose in modern life. A baby with arch her back, flail out,
and then curl up if she feels as although she is being dropped.
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The final reflex is Tonic Neck.
During the first 4 months, when babies lie awake on their backs with their
heads facing to one side, they will extend the arm on the side of their body
that they’re facing and reflex the other arm at an angle, in a position that resembles
a fencing pose. This reflex may help prepare them for voluntary reaching later
in their environment.
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Between ages 2 and 3 years,
young children stop “toddling”, or using the awkward, wide- legged robot-like
stance that is the hallmark of new walkers. As they develop a smoother gait,
they also develop the ability to run, and hop. Children of this age can
participate in throwing and catching games with larger balls. They can also
push themselves around with their feet while sitting on a riding toy.
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Children who are 3 to 4 years old can
climb up stairs using a method of bringing both feet together on each step
before proceeding to the next step (in contrast, adult place one foot on each
step in sequence); However, young children may still need some “back up”
assistant to prevent falls in case they become unsteady in this new skill.
Children of this age will also be stumped when it’s time to go back down the
stairs; they tend to turn around and scoot down the stairs backwards. The 3 to
4 years old can jump and hop higher as higher as their leg muscles grow
stronger and many can even hop on one foot for shorts period of time.
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By ages 4 to 5,
children can go up and down the stairs alone in the adult fashion (i.e. taking
one step at a time); their running continues to smooth out and increase in
speed. Children of this age can also skip and add spin to their throws. They
also have more control when riding their tricycles (or bicycles), and can be
drive them faster.
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During ages 5 to 6,
young children continue to refine easier skills. They’re running even faster
and can start to ride bicycles with training wheels for added stability. In
addition, they can step sideways. Children of this age begin mastering new
forms of physical play such as the jungle gym, and begin to use the see-saw,
slide, and swing on their own. They often start jumping rope, skating, hitting
balls with bats, and so on. Many children of this age enjoy learning to play
organized sports as soccer, basketball, t- bale or swimming. In addition, 5 to
6 years old often like to participate in physical extracurricular activities
such as karate, gymnastics, or dance. Children continue to refine and improve
their gross motor skills through age 7 and beyond.