Watching your baby take their first wobbly steps is an exciting milestone, but did you know that the journey leading up to those first steps is just as important? Crawling, rolling, and other early movements play a critical role in shaping your baby's brain development. Encouraging these natural movements isn’t just about physical milestones—it’s about setting the foundation for cognitive, sensory, and motor skills that will last a lifetime.
Why Movement Matters for Brain Development
The brain develops through movement. Each time a baby moves, sensory information travels to the brain, forming and strengthening neural pathways. Darren Barnes-Heath, a leading expert on brain development, emphasizes that early movement experiences lay the groundwork for coordination, balance, problem-solving, and even emotional regulation later in life.
When babies move, they engage their entire nervous system, which helps:
Build strong connections between the brain and body
Develop spatial awareness and depth perception
Improve coordination and balance
Strengthen core muscles, preparing for standing and walking
Support sensory integration, which is essential for learning and focus
The Crucial Role of Crawling
Crawling is more than just a cute phase—it’s a vital step in neurological development. Babies who spend time crawling develop better:
✅ Cross-lateral coordination – The ability to coordinate opposite sides of the body, which later helps with reading, writing, and sports.
✅ Hand-eye coordination – Strengthening visual tracking and fine motor skills.
✅ Core stability and posture – Setting the foundation for good spinal alignment and balance.
✅ Brain hemisphere integration – Encouraging communication between the left and right sides of the brain, which is essential for complex thinking and movement.
Skipping or shortening the crawling phase can sometimes lead to challenges later, such as difficulty with focus, balance, or coordination.
How to Support Your Baby’s Movement Development
As a parent, you can encourage healthy movement patterns in simple ways:
👶 Encourage Tummy Time – This strengthens the neck, shoulders, and core muscles, preparing for crawling. Start with a few minutes a day and gradually increase the time.
👐 Let Them Explore the Floor – Giving babies plenty of space to move freely (instead of keeping them in bouncers, walkers, or jumpers for long periods) allows their muscles and brain to develop naturally.
🦶 Avoid Early Walking Devices – Walkers can interfere with natural movement patterns and delay crucial developmental stages.
🛝 Provide Sensory-Rich Experiences – Textured mats, different surfaces, and gentle rocking motions all help babies integrate sensory input and develop motor skills.
🤲 Chiropractic Support – Gentle chiropractic adjustments help ensure proper spinal and nervous system function, which can enhance coordination and movement. If your baby had a difficult birth, experiences asymmetrical movement, or seems to struggle with tummy time, a chiropractic assessment may help identify any restrictions in their nervous system.
Movement Shapes the Mind
A baby’s early movement experiences shape how they learn, grow, and interact with the world. By encouraging natural movement patterns, parents can support strong brain development and set their little ones up for success—both physically and mentally.
If you're interested in learning more about how chiropractic care can support your baby’s development, book a consultation today. Let’s help your little one move, explore, and thrive!