Gross Motor Milestones for Babies: From 0 to 6 Months
Did you know that most babies begin rolling between 4 and 6 months of age—and that rolling from belly to back typically comes before back to belly? Understanding your baby's gross motor development from birth through six months is key to supporting healthy movement and meeting important milestones.
In this post, we’re diving into gross motor skills for babies ages 0 to 6 months, highlighting what to expect and how to support your little one along the way.
What Are Gross Motor Skills?
Gross motor skills involve the large muscles of the body and include movements like rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking. These foundational skills begin to develop in infancy and lay the groundwork for future mobility and independence.
Newborn to 4 Weeks: Early Foundations
Tummy Time Basics
In the first month of life, babies spend most of their time in a flexed position—curled up with their hips tucked and arms close. When placed on their tummy, newborns will naturally shift their weight forward onto their shoulders and head. You’ll likely see:
Head turned to one side while resting
Rounded back and tucked-in hips
Occasional head lifts, especially when lying on your chest
These small movements mark the beginning of head control—a critical part of early motor development.
4 to 8 Weeks: Lifting and Looking
As your baby adjusts to life outside the womb, tummy time becomes more productive.
Tummy Time
At 4 to 8 weeks, you may notice:
Head lifting to about 45 degrees
Weight shifting from the face/shoulders to the chest
Brief pushes through the forearms
Head turning from side to side
On their Backs
Your baby will start moving their arms and legs more actively against gravity. Look for:
Kicking legs, sometimes in a reciprocal pattern
Hands beginning to open and close
Hands coming toward the mouth
Batting at toys hanging overhead
Placing your baby on their side with support encourages midline play, visual tracking, and brings hands together—important for body awareness.
2 to 3 Months: More Controlled Movement
As your baby grows stronger, their motor skills become more deliberate.
Tummy Time Progress
At 3 months, tummy time should include:
Head lifting between 45–90 degrees
Improved endurance in head control
Elbows shifting forward under shoulders
Beginning weight shifting, a precursor to rolling
Watch for asymmetries—if your baby always looks one way or tilts their head to one side, this may be a sign to check in with a pediatric therapist.
On their Backs
Three-month-olds start to:
Hold arms and legs in midline
Reach and swat at toys
Show accidental rolls from belly to back (especially when turning their head quickly)
Begin side-lying transitions, like rolling from back to side
These are the earliest signs of voluntary movement and lay the groundwork for future milestones like rolling and sitting.
4 Months: Stronger and More Intentional
Tummy Time Progress
By 4 months, babies are:
Holding their head up steadily at 90 degrees
Bearing weight on their forearms
Pivoting in a circle to follow toys
Starting to reach with one hand while on their belly
On their Backs
Look for:
Chin tucking and lifting head off the floor
Legs lifting and bending toward the body
Hands to knees, feet to mouth
Greater hand-to-mouth coordination and toy exploration
Side-Lying: The Hidden Gem of Development
Side-lying isn’t just a cute position—it’s an essential developmental tool! It promotes:
Midline awareness
Anti-gravity arm movement
Visual tracking
Proprioceptive input (awareness of where the body is in space)
Place toys in this position to encourage reaching and rolling.
Sitting Practice (Around 4 Months)
Though still needing support, babies may begin prop sitting—sitting with hands braced in front for balance.
Expect a rounded spine and wobbly posture
Use pillows for safety as balance reactions are still emerging
Protective reactions (putting arms out when falling) have not developed yet
This early exposure to sitting builds postural control and strengthens the neck, back, and shoulders.
Standing (Assisted)
While not a milestone for independent practice, standing while supported gives insight into your baby’s strength:
Can they bear full weight on their legs?
Do they hold their head and trunk upright?
Are their knees extended?
If your 6-month-old isn’t putting weight on their feet at all, consider discussing it with your pediatrician or a pediatric physical therapist.
6 Months: Rolling and Reaching
By 6 months, babies are on the move!
Tummy Time Progress
Pushing up onto straight arms
Pivoting in a circle
Reaching forward for toys
Beginning to tuck knees under the belly
May show signs of army crawling or rocking on hands and knees
On their Backs
Grabbing and holding feet
Feet to mouth (a favorite activity!)
Reaching across midline
Active attempts to roll or transition to side-lying
Sitting
More upright trunk posture
Beginning protective reactions
Sitting independently for short bursts
May still need support but shows increased control
Transitional Movements
At 6 months, your baby should be:
Rolling from belly to back and beginning to roll back to belly
Pivoting and reaching in different directions
Using movements like rolling or shifting to get to toys
Showing signs of preparing to crawl (baby planks, rocking, wiggling hips)
These transitional movements are critical for learning how to change positions and build strength for crawling, sitting, and eventually walking.
Final Thoughts: Every Baby Moves at Their Own Pace
Watching your child grow and gain new motor skills is exciting! Remember, babies develop at different rates. What matters most is that your child is progressing and exploring their environment with curiosity and joy.
If you have concerns about your baby’s gross motor development—or if you just want to be proactive—you don’t have to wait. At Wobbly Beginnings, we offer developmental wellness services to support your baby’s motor milestones from day one.
You can learn more by visiting wobblybeginnings.com or book a developmental wellness session here!