Infant Gross Motor Development (0–12 Months)

Birth (Physiological Flexion)

Tucked flexed posture, limited head and trunk control.

Around 6 Months (Sitting)

Independent sitting supported by trunk and arm strength.

Around 12 Months (Standing & Walking)

Brief unsupported standing and initial independent steps.

0–2 Months Milestone

Lifts head briefly in prone, turns cheek-to-cheek; dominated by physiological flexion and primitive reflexes.

3–4 Months Milestone

Pushes up on forearms/elbows to 90°; demonstrates symmetry and hands-to-midline control.

5 Months Milestone

Pushes up on extended arms in prone; props forward on arms when sitting.

6 Months Milestone

Sits independently for brief periods; intentionally rolls both ways.

7 Months Milestone

Pivots on stomach in prone; begins belly crawling.

Around 8 Months Milestone

Rocks in quadruped; creeps/crawls on hands and knees; transitions into sitting.

Around 9 Months Milestone

Pulls to stand using stable furniture.

Around 10 Months Milestone

Cruises sideways while holding onto furniture.

11–12 Months Milestone

Stands briefly without support; takes early independent steps.

Prone Position Development

Progression goes from head lift → forearm support → extended-arm support.

Supine Position Focus

Focuses on midline control, hand-to-hand contact, and visual tracking.

Prop / Tripod Sitting

Infant leans forward onto arms for balance before developing hands-free sitting.

Quadruped Position Description

Weight-bearing on hands and knees; rocking typically precedes forward creeping.

Pulling to Stand vs. Cruising

Pulling up vertically occurs first (~9 months), followed by sideways stepping (~10 months).

Sitting When Placed vs. Transitioning

Balance required for sitting when placed (~6 months) versus transitioning independently into sitting from the floor (~8 months).

Primitive Reflexes in Infancy

Reflexes that dominate early movement (e.g., rooting, sucking) and integrate as voluntary control develops.

Occupational Performance in Development

Motor milestones facilitate childhood occupations such as feeding, toy play, exploration, and caregiver interaction.