Milestone Mastery: A Complete Guide to Motor Skills in the First Year

On-Demand Class · Supporting development

Support your baby’s growth from first lift to first steps with expert tips for each stage, 0–12 months. Build strength, confidence, and milestones through play and connection.

Class Description

Your baby’s first year is full of exciting milestones — from newborn head lifts to confident first steps. This three-part guide shows you what to expect, how to encourage progress, and when to seek help if needed. 0–2 Months: Build strength with short, baby-led tummy time. Support comfort with a rolled towel, engage face-to-face, and use toys to encourage head lifts. Watch for signs of torticollis, like a strong head-turn preference or flattening. 3–6 Months: Rolling, pushing up, and early sitting skills emerge. Place toys in a semi-circle to inspire movement, limit container use to 20–30 minutes/day, and focus on floor play. Avoid jumpers and walkers — floor time is best for strength and coordination. 7–12 Months: Crawling, pulling to stand, cruising, and first steps take center stage. Encourage tall kneeling, obstacle play, safe climbing, and supported walking without overhead hand-holding. Indoors, barefoot is best; outdoors, choose flexible shoes with a wide toe box. Every baby develops at their own pace. If you have concerns, consult your pediatrician or a pediatric physical therapist for guidance.

Class Materials

Motor Milestones & Tips Handouts

Sessions Overview

  1. Your Guide to Motor Development 0-3 months: Support your baby’s early growth with gentle tummy time, head lifting, and reflex development. Learn tips to keep sessions comfy and fun while spotting signs of torticollis or delays for a strong start.
  2. Your Motor Development Guide for 3-6 Months: Encourage your 3–6-month-old’s growth with rolling, tummy time progress, and early sitting skills. Learn how to support movement, use toys for motivation, and promote strength and coordination safely.
  3. Your Motor Development Guide for 7-12 Months: Encourage your 7–12-month-old’s growth with crawling, pulling to stand, and beginning cruising skills. Learn how to support safe exploration, use play to build coordination and balance, and promote communication and problem-solving through engaging activities.

Your Instructor

Cristina Gamarnik

Cristina Gamarnik is the founder of The Mommy Center and co-founder of Happily Raised. She is a mom to two boys. Before becoming a mom, she worked as an SLP in the schools and private clinics. After having her son, Cristina experienced the struggles of motherhood. Through her journey in counseling, spiritual and self-growth, she realized that her calling was to create a community for mothers who may be going through the same. She continued her education in mindfulness and became a certified Reiki practitioner and meditation teacher. She developed this community to be able to provide parents with the education and support so they can be the best parent, partner and person they desire to be.

Degrees and Certifications

A.A. in Child Development B.A. and M.A. in Communicative Disorders Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist Published Author of The Articulation & Phonology Video Assessment Tool Positive Discipline Educator

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