Your baby is likely kicking their legs and moving their arms as they develop motor skills necessary for rolling over and crawling.
Developmental Milestones
Babies go through several developmental stages as they grow, and the movements you're observing are a crucial part of that process. According to research, these actions often appear around five months of age. Here's why they happen:
- Strengthening Muscles: Kicking and arm movements help your baby develop the necessary strength in their legs, arms, and core muscles. These are essential for more complex movements later on.
- Learning Body Coordination: The coordinated movement of arms and legs teaches the baby how different parts of their body work together. This is an essential step in overall motor development.
- Preparing to Roll Over: Babies often rock on their stomachs, kick their legs, and "swim" with their arms as precursors to rolling over. These are the exact movements described by the reference. These actions help the baby understand the mechanics of rolling over, a major milestone.
- Preparing for Crawling: The skills developed through these movements are needed not just for rolling over but also for crawling. The ability to move arms and legs in a coordinated way is essential for locomotion.
Typical Activities
Here are some common activities you might observe:
- Rocking on the Stomach: Your baby may start by rocking back and forth while lying on their tummy.
- Kicking Legs: Strong leg kicks are a sign that the leg muscles are strengthening.
- Arm Movements: Babies might make swimming motions with their arms, pushing themselves up or forward.
These actions are all part of your baby's natural progression of motor development. The reference states that by the end of this period, babies will probably be able to roll over in both directions.
When to be Concerned
While these movements are generally typical, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or if you see your baby demonstrating these movements very early or very late.
