Development of physical abilities
The newborn has a number of innate reflexes. These instinctive behaviours support the initial needs of the baby, for example suckling or responding to sudden noises or movements with a startle reflex.
Over the first few weeks of life, these decrease as the baby develops muscle tone and learns to use and control their movements. By 6 months, a baby is able to sit with support and by a year can typically stand, bearing their weight through their legs and maybe starting their first independent steps. Alongside these large or gross motor movements, an ability to control fine movement is also developing. This allows such activities as gripping and manipulating objects, then learning to scribble, draw and eventually write.
