HomeBrowse by agesNewborn
Motor Skills: Big and Small Body Movements
Share this post:

Your newborn is physically growing and learning new things to do with her body. Find out what types of motor skills to look for at this age.

Father wearing blue shirt, baby in mothers lap

In the first three months, look for these motor skills:

  • Lifting head when on stomach

  • Kicking legs and moving arms easily

  • Grasping a finger

  • Rolling over (possibly)

For more information and videos, click here.

QUICK TIP: Remember that every newborn is unique and may develop at different rates. If you're concerned about your child's development in any way, talk to your pediatrician or family doctor.

First 5 California
Contributed by:
First 5 California
Find this useful?
Join our First 5 family – it’s free!
Enjoy personalized content based on your child’s age every time you visit our site.

  1. https://allaboutyoungchildren.org/

  2. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-2mo.html

  3. http://dcfs.co.la.ca.us/RC/documents/DevelopmentalMilestones0to5.pdf

Featured video
A Message from the California Surgeon General
Featured Download
Visit Now
Local help
First Time Parents/Caregivers Support You’ve gone through pregnancy, labor, and delivery – and now it’s time to begin the journey of parenthood!
Activities
Parents’ top 3 activities
  1. Sensory Play
  2. Bubble Fun
  3. Make-Believe
Read the reviews
Parents recommend
“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.”
O. Fred Donaldson
Get activities
Trending questions
What is Toxic Stress?
Where can I find affordable, easy-to-use parenting courses?
Does my health insurance cover dental care?
How do I teach my child to persist through hard things?
What does healthy eating look like?
What free programs are available to help me quit using tobacco products?
How do I brush my child’s teeth?
How can I reduce the chances of my child getting sick?
See all questions