Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Health and Physical Development (HPD)

Subdomain: Motor Development

Goal: Children develop the large muscle control and abilities needed to move through and explore their environment.

Skill Progression: Supine/prone

Age: 1-2 Months

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Observe the child during daily routines such as bath time and diapering.

The adult makes sure to put the infant on both his back and tummy.

When on his back the child turns his head to look at the adult and other objects of interests on both sides.

Parents are often worried about putting infants on their tummies due to concerns about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Let parents know how important it is for the child’s head, neck, shoulders, and trunk development to spend time on his tummy. Encourage parents to start in the first month to give the infant tummy time. The infant will work to lift his head, building neck and shoulder stability. This is important for later positions such as sitting and crawling.