From the moment your baby arrives, you begin a beautiful
journey together—one filled with cuddles, first smiles, and tiny but meaningful
milestones. In those earliest days, it might not seem like much is happening,
but your baby is already working hard behind the scenes, developing the
foundational motor skills they’ll need for rolling, sitting, crawling, and
eventually walking.
If your little one has Down syndrome, you might be wondering how best to support their motor development from the very beginning. The good news? There’s so much you can do—starting right now.
Here’s how to give your baby the best start with their motor skills, one small step at a time.
1. Start with Tummy Time—Gently and Often
Tummy time is a simple but powerful activity that helps build neck, shoulder, and trunk strength. And you don’t have to wait—your baby can begin tummy time as soon as they’re home with you.
💡Tip: Keep it short and sweet at first. Lay your baby on your chest or lap while you recline, and let them enjoy the closeness while working those little muscles.
2. Create Opportunities for Movement
Babies learn through movement—kicking their legs, turning their head, reaching for your face. By giving them plenty of time on the floor (on a safe, firm surface), you’re helping them explore and strengthen their bodies.
💡 Tip: A soft play mat or a folded blanket on the floor makes a great base. Avoid too much time in bouncers or car seats when you’re at home—they restrict movement that helps development.
3. Support Head Control with Simple Play
Many babies with Down syndrome take a little longer to develop head control, but you can help them along with playful positioning.
💡 Try this: Gently pull your baby up to sitting while holding their hands. This encourages them to activate their neck and tummy muscles. Always do it slowly and with care—and stop if they’re tired or fussy.
4. Follow Your Baby’s Lead
Every baby is unique. While it’s helpful to know typical milestones, it’s even more important to observe your baby and meet them where they are.
💡 Reminder: Celebrate every small step. Whether it’s holding their head up for a few seconds or grasping your finger, these are big wins for your baby.
5. Use Everyday Moments as Learning Moments
You don’t need fancy toys or equipment to support your baby’s motor development. Daily routines—like nappy changes, feeding, and cuddles—are full of opportunities.
💡 Try this: During a nappy change, gently move your baby’s legs in a bicycle motion, or encourage them to hold their feet. These small actions build strength and coordination.
You’re Not Alone
At Small Steps Online, we’re here to walk this journey with you. Our courses are designed to support your child’s development in ways that feel doable, loving, and encouraging—right from the start. Your baby is capable of so much. With your love, presence, and a little guidance, they’ll keep making beautiful progress—one small step at a time.
If your little one has Down syndrome, you might be wondering how best to support their motor development from the very beginning. The good news? There’s so much you can do—starting right now.
Here’s how to give your baby the best start with their motor skills, one small step at a time.
1. Start with Tummy Time—Gently and Often
Tummy time is a simple but powerful activity that helps build neck, shoulder, and trunk strength. And you don’t have to wait—your baby can begin tummy time as soon as they’re home with you.
💡Tip: Keep it short and sweet at first. Lay your baby on your chest or lap while you recline, and let them enjoy the closeness while working those little muscles.
2. Create Opportunities for Movement
Babies learn through movement—kicking their legs, turning their head, reaching for your face. By giving them plenty of time on the floor (on a safe, firm surface), you’re helping them explore and strengthen their bodies.
💡 Tip: A soft play mat or a folded blanket on the floor makes a great base. Avoid too much time in bouncers or car seats when you’re at home—they restrict movement that helps development.
3. Support Head Control with Simple Play
Many babies with Down syndrome take a little longer to develop head control, but you can help them along with playful positioning.
💡 Try this: Gently pull your baby up to sitting while holding their hands. This encourages them to activate their neck and tummy muscles. Always do it slowly and with care—and stop if they’re tired or fussy.
4. Follow Your Baby’s Lead
Every baby is unique. While it’s helpful to know typical milestones, it’s even more important to observe your baby and meet them where they are.
💡 Reminder: Celebrate every small step. Whether it’s holding their head up for a few seconds or grasping your finger, these are big wins for your baby.
5. Use Everyday Moments as Learning Moments
You don’t need fancy toys or equipment to support your baby’s motor development. Daily routines—like nappy changes, feeding, and cuddles—are full of opportunities.
💡 Try this: During a nappy change, gently move your baby’s legs in a bicycle motion, or encourage them to hold their feet. These small actions build strength and coordination.
You’re Not Alone
At Small Steps Online, we’re here to walk this journey with you. Our courses are designed to support your child’s development in ways that feel doable, loving, and encouraging—right from the start. Your baby is capable of so much. With your love, presence, and a little guidance, they’ll keep making beautiful progress—one small step at a time.
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