Dr. Cherilyn Davis (Motor Skills Milestones)
Dr. Cherilyn Davis breaks down the importance of motor skills in early childhood development, explaining the difference between fine motor tasks like drawing or feeding and gross m...
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What Are Fine Motor Skills?
Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in the hands, fingers, and wrists, which are needed for tasks like drawing, stacking blocks, and feeding themselves Babies begin developing these skills as early as three months reaching for toys and exploring objects with their hands as toddlers. They begin using these skills in more refined ways, such as feeding themselves with a spoon or scribbling with a crayon.
What Are Gross Motor Skills?
Gross motor skills are involved in large movements that require coordination of the arms, legs, and core muscles. Walking, running, jumping, and climbing, all rely on the development of gross motor skills. Babies typically begin gross motor skill development with actions like rolling over, sitting up and crawling. Once they learn to walk, these skills progress to more complex movements like running and climbing.
What Should You Do if You Have Concerns?
If you ever have concerns about your child's development, talk to your paediatrician. They can help you take additional steps to ensure that your child remains on track.