The birth of a child is a revolution in the life of every parent. There are a lot of emotions, joys, but also questions and doubts. Because the health and proper development of a toddler is an absolute priority for every parent. If you are wondering what muscle tension, positional asymmetry and what proper development is, together with the expert of the Healthy LUUdzik Club Michał Gromadziński, an experienced pediatric physiotherapist who works with newborns and infants on a daily basis, we have created a guide to the key stages of a toddler's motor development. What are milestones and do you have to stick to them rigidly? How to wisely support the child's development and what to avoid so as not to harm it? And what about problems such as colic or choosing the right accessories and equipment?

Milestones – a guide, not a race

The development of each child is an individual journey. Milestones are important landmarks that help assess whether everything is going according to plan, but they should not become a reason for a race for mothers. As our interviewee emphasizes, it is crucial to observe certain skills within a specific time frame.

Here is a simplified development calendar that is worth knowing:

• 1st month: Pay attention to the free movement of the head from one side to the other when lying down and to the opening of the hands (they should not be constantly clenched into fists).
• 3rd month: This is the time of achieving symmetry. The child should be able to keep the head straight in the midline of the body, and also connect the hands in front of the child.
• 5th month: The key moment - turning from the back to the stomach. The child also begins to grab his feet and gains high support on straightened hands when lying on the stomach.
• 6th month: Returns from the stomach to the back appear and putting the feet in the mouth - an important stage of getting to know his body.
• 8-9th month: The mobility stage begins - crawling, sitting, and soon after standing up by furniture.
• Up to 18th month: This is the physiological time for independent walking. "Physiologically, a child has until 18 months of age, i.e. up to a year and a half, to start walking on their own. Not every child will do it before the age of one, and it is worth remembering this," the physiotherapist reassures.

How to wisely support your child’s development?

Speeding up development by force is not advisable. "A child is born (...) with all these skills in a hat. And it simply needs time to show these skills," says Michał Gromadziński. Instead of speeding up, it is worth creating optimal conditions for the child to develop:

• Space and freedom: The best playground for a baby is the floor. "The best rehabilitation room for a child will be a mat on the floor, a safe room and the presence of a parent nearby," emphasizes the expert. This is where a child can safely practice turning, crawling and crawling.
• Appropriate clothing: Too tight a bodysuit or stiff, denim shorts limit the mobility of joints and can make it difficult to acquire new skills. Opt for comfortable, loose clothing.
• Bare feet: "I am a huge supporter of bare feet," declares the physiotherapist. The foot is an important sensory organ. Walking barefoot on different textures stimulates the nervous system and helps learn balance. We should mainly wear shoes outside, as protection.

Care, colic, equipment - practical tips from a physiotherapist

• Proper care: When lifting and carrying your baby, remember to make sure their back is slightly rounded (like in a shell seat) and that their head is the highest point of their body. Place your baby on their side – this gives them a sense of security.
• Tummy problems (colic, dyschezia): This is a common problem resulting from the immaturity of the digestive system. Relief may be provided by tummy massage (firm but gentle movement, with the legs tucked in towards the tummy) or anal massage (gentle circles around the anus with an oiled finger), which helps with problems with defecation. Warm compresses or a bath are also helpful.
• Sling or baby carrier? "A sling is the best place to start," advises the expert. An ergonomic carrier is good for babies who can already hold their heads up steadily, usually from 3-4 months.
• A rocker: It can be helpful, but in moderation. Let's choose models with the option of blocking the rocking function - such a stable lounger can serve as a safe place for the first attempts at spoon-feeding.

When to see a physiotherapist? Signs you shouldn't ignore

Although every child develops at their own pace, certain signals should prompt a parent to consult a specialist:

• A significant (one or two) delay in achieving milestones.
• A pronounced asymmetry (e.g. the child looks or lies mainly in one direction).
• Severe tensing and tilting of the head back.
• Constantly clenched fists after 2-3 months of life.
• Reluctance to lie on the stomach.
• Lack of interest in achieving higher positions.

"If we have even the slightest doubts, it is good to come straight away for a physiotherapist to examine and assess (...). It never hurts to consult and examine," encourages Michał Gromadziński.

An appeal to parents: trust your child and find the "golden mean"

Dear Parents, remember that your task is not to accelerate development, but to create a safe and stimulating environment for your child, in which they will be able to acquire new skills on their own. Observe your little one, enjoy their progress and do not compare them with others. "You have to find the golden mean, you cannot go to extremes, because everything is for people, and in this case for children," the expert sums up.

The article is based on a conversation with physiotherapist Michał Gromadziński, conducted as part of the Healthy Kids CLUUb.