ABSTRACT
This chapter describes natural motor progression in the first year. Gross natural motor development cannot be separated from the fine motor development which progresses in parallel. Freely expressed movement and play in the first year of life is foundational for the healthy development of physical, social and cognitive skills and a positive attitude to movement in later childhood. As the origins of an active lifestyle begin in the early years of life, physical inactivity during early childhood might have consequences for children’s current and future health, behaviour, social and emotional development, and cognitive function. Placing the baby on its tummy before the baby finds the position itself may cause body tension in the back, neck, arms and shoulders and, in some cases, if given too much tummy time, the skipping of essential steps in a baby’s physical development journey.
