Your little one is out of the newborn stage and is now starting to show bigger movements.
They are becoming more aware of their surroundings and want to interact with the world around them.
The skills needed to touch and explore their world are motor skills.
In this post, I will give you information about what a baby’s physical development 3-6 months will look like and how to encourage motor skills in babies during this time.
All children develop differently so know that if your baby is not doing the exact same things as your best friend, that is ok.
However, if you are concerned about your little one’s physical development always seek out the Early Intervention program in your area for a free screening or evaluation.
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Physical Development From 3-6 Months
Let your baby explore in a variety of positions. This means laying on their back or tummy, sitting upright, or gently bearing weight on their legs.
Use any baby seats or equipment moderately so that your baby can explore freely.
Tummy time promotes development by allowing your baby to strengthen almost all of their muscles including, core, neck, arms, and legs.
Allow your baby to have frequent short intervals of supervised tummy time everyday.
Motor Milestones from 3-6 Months
When do babies hold their head up?
Your baby’s neck muscles are getting stronger every day!
You may notice that your baby is starting to lift their head while doing tummy time for short spurts of time.
The increase in neck strength will also allow your baby to hold up their head in a supported sitting position.
When do babies roll?
I still remember the day my son rolled over…such an exciting milestone!
Your little one will most likely roll from tummy to back first and it could happen anytime now.
Back to tummy rolling usually comes a bit later, however, all babies are different.
Baby’s Hands are Open Instead of in Fists
Remember when your baby was first born and always kept those little hands balled up into fists?
Now your baby’s hands are starting to be more in an open position…ready to grab!
You may notice too that your baby is able to grasp small toys (or your hair!)
Baby Can Sit With Support
Now that your baby’s core muscles are getting stronger along with their head and neck you may notice they enjoy being in a supported sitting position.
When do babies sit without support? Every baby is different but typically this happens closer to 6-8 months for brief periods of time.
Always make sure you offer your baby support when they need it by sitting behind them.
They will need to have a lot of practice in supported sitting on the floor before they can sit unassisted.
Do baby chairs and bumbo seats teach sitting?
These activity chairs are not meant to teach your baby to sit.
They are find to use for short increments of time but your baby will learn quickest when you give them the support they need instead of a device.
Reaches for Objects
Your baby will start reaching for toys, objects, and you within the 3-6 months range.
Your infant may not be able to grasp the desired object yet, but they are showing you what they are interested in.
How can I encourage motor skills in my baby?
Encourage Development Through Play
Playing is the best way to motivate and encourage your baby to get moving!
For more easy ideas and activities on how to support your baby’s development CLICK HERE.
Rattles (these are my favorite) are a great simple toy to use at this age to encourage fine motor skills.
They fit snugly into your baby’s hand and are motivating to move because they make interesting sounds.
Baby gyms at this age are great because they give your baby something to reach and bat at.
He loved to look and feel the toys during a diaper change or just while playing on the floor.
Baby gyms are great for visual skills because the brightly colored objects are fun to look at and follow with their eyes.
Always make sure the floor is picked up and cleared of small objects as babies will pick up things and put them in their mouths.
Using a baby floor mat can be helpful as well.
Baby’s learn a lot from mouthing objects so giving them some safe ones (like these) are a great way for them to learn and sooth sore gums as their teeth start to come in.
If you need more ideas on what toys work well for babies check out this post about 7 essential toys that help encourage development.
RELATED POST: Best Baby Toys for Fine Motor Development
Use Tummy Time to Encourage New Skills
Tummy time is still VERY important for physical development from 3-6 months.
Doing tummy time on the floor or play mat (this one would work well) allows your baby to strengthen the muscles needed for rolling, crawling, and WALKING!
Always supervise your baby while they are on their tummy for playtime.
Check out this post on baby proofing if you need some help with that!
Watch your baby’s cues during tummy time.
If they do not like it then try to do it in shorter amounts of time more frequently throughout the day.
Get down on the floor with them and play to help distract and encourage them.
Using a simple unbreakable mirror (like this one) also works well to entertain your little one during tummy time.
Find out how much tummy time your baby needs HERE.
Reading Encourages Fine Motor and Gross Motor Skills
Reading is not only great at encouraging cognitive and language skills at this age, but also motor.
When looking at books with your baby show them how to pat and point out pictures.
This is a great way to encourage early literacy skills.
Soft and squishy books (like these) work best for this age as your baby will enjoy feeling and exploring the different textures.
Your baby will more than likely explore the books using their mouths so being able to through them in the laundry makes it a toy that is easy to clean as well.
If you are looking for more ways to encourage your baby’s development check out One Minute Milestones.
Best Toys to Encourage Physical Development 3-6 Months
Babies don’t need a ton of toys to learn.
Having a few simple toys is all you need to help your baby learn and keep them entertained.
Baby play mats (like this) are great at this age because babies get lots of practice reaching and grasping for toys.
You can also use the mat for tummy time.
Small toys that they can chew and mouth are perfect as well.
Having toys that are easy to wash (like this) is perfect as you will want to do this since they will be mouthing it.
They work great for teething babies as well!
Soft books (like these) are wonderful to look at during tummy time and before bed.
They are small enough to stick in a diaper bag which is great for when you are out at a doctors appointment or a restaurant.
Keep Track of Milestones
An easy way to be PREPARED for your next well-baby visit is to download the PDF below! It is FREE and PRINTABLE.
I know you have a lot going on with a new baby (I have been there too!) so print this off so you can EASILY keep track of all the exciting milestones your baby is doing!
This includes milestones to look for from birth to 12 months.
Grab your FREE Milestone Guide HERE.
Related Posts You Will Enjoy:
Social Skills: What to Expect 3-6 Months
Cognitive Skills: What to Looks for in Babies 3-6 Months
7 Essential Toys to Encourage Development 0-6 Months
Baby Standing Milestones: Everything You Need to Know
Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.