Baby Milestones: How Early Movement Shapes Brain Development, Focus, & More

Written By Rachael Lanter

Featuring Dr. Allison Mell, Pediatric Physical Therapist and Founder of Tots On Target

A Better Start Begins with the Body

Dr. Allison Mell knows firsthand how much early movement matters. Not just for rolling and crawling, but for how children focus, regulate their emotions, and interact with the world as they grow. As a mom of four and a pediatric physical therapist, she created Tots on Target to help parents understand what’s really behind their baby’s development.

"From a young age, I gravitated toward working with kids; camp counselor, lifeguard, babysitter. So when I entered physical therapy, it felt natural to focus on the pediatric population," says Dr. Mell. She has worked in sensory gyms, school settings, and now specializes in baby development. Through her Instagram community (@totsontarget) and The Tot Spot membership, she helps parents feel confident supporting their child’s milestones.

This blog dives into what those milestones really mean, why crawling is more important than you think, and how daily habits can build the foundation for lifelong learning and emotional wellbeing.

MIND: Milestones, Worry, and the Brain-Body Connection

Understanding Milestone Ranges

"Babies don’t all hit milestones at the same time, and that’s okay," says Dr. Mell. “What matters most is whether your baby is progressing. Are they curious, trying new movements, even small ones? That’s a great sign. But if they seem stuck, or uninterested in movement, it's worth checking in with a professional.”

She adds, “While every baby is different and there is some variability, meeting milestones within typical timeframes can help us determine if a baby is on track. If a baby is approaching the upper end of the range and hasn’t mastered a skill yet, we want to check if they’re moving forward in small but steady ways.”

Movement Shapes More Than Muscles

"Movement builds the brain. It’s not just about mobility. It lays the foundation for writing, reading, emotional regulation, and focus," Dr. Mell explains. Milestones like rolling and crawling help integrate primitive reflexes such as the Moro or palmar reflex. If those reflexes linger, they can interfere with coordination and even emotional regulation.

Research Highlight: A 2021 review in Frontiers in Pediatrics shows that early gross motor movement supports attention, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills in young children.

Subtle Parent Habits That Matter

Babies are incredibly resilient, and in most cases, consistent habits like always holding your baby on one side or feeding from the same side aren’t a problem. “These patterns usually don’t cause issues,” says Dr. Mell. “But if a baby already has some underlying tightness, like from torticollis or oral ties, then consistently using just one side can allow that tightness to build and make it harder for their body to stay balanced.”

"If possible, switch up your sides, offer toys to both hands, and encourage baby to turn both directions. These little changes support balanced muscle development," she adds.

BODY: Building Movement Confidence from Day One

Subtle Signs a Baby May Benefit from PT

"Asymmetry is one of the first signs I look for," says Dr. Mell. If a baby consistently rolls one way, favors one hand, or uses one leg more in crawling, it might signal tightness or imbalance. Another common pattern? Hitch crawling - where one knee lifts or drags instead of moving in sync.

Babies who are unmotivated to move also raise flags. "If a baby quickly gives up or seems content staying still, that instinctive drive might be missing. And there’s usually a reason."

Personal Note: This affirmed my own decision to consult with my pediatrician. After watching my son hitch crawl for weeks with no shift, I realized it was time to get a professional opinion. Early support can gently guide development without waiting for big issues to arise.

Why Crawling Is Undervalued

Crawling isn’t just cute, it’s crucial.
“It strengthens the body, builds coordination, and connects both sides of the brain,” explains Dr. Mell. Skipping crawling can have downstream effects on learning and attention later on.

Research bonus: Crawling is linked to better executive function, coordination, and even early reading readiness.

Are Baby Containers Bad?

"Not bad, but overused," Dr. Mell says. Most parents unintentionally rotate from car seat to swing to bouncer. "It becomes a problem when containers replace floor time."

Her Tip: Add floor time after every diaper change. "A few extra minutes, here and there, truly adds up."

Common Concerns That Are Actually Normal

Toe-walking and rolling only in one direction are common but often misunderstood. "Many babies toe-walk when learning to balance. If it continues past age two, or if there’s tightness in the calves, then it’s worth checking in," says Dr. Mell.

Rolling one way first is typical. "If strength improves, the other direction usually comes. But if baby seems stuck or uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance."

BABY: Helping Milestones Happen Naturally

At-Home Activities That Support Development

"Start with tummy time from day one," Dr. Mell recommends. If your baby resists, try placing them on your chest. Rolling a towel under their hips when baby is lying on their back, can help engage core muscles if they aren’t lifting their feet by 4 to 6 months.

Also try visual tracking games and time outside. "Nature is one of the best sensory gyms. Grass, leaves, and uneven ground challenge a baby’s muscles in ways floors cannot."

Fun Fact: A 2022 study in BMC Public Health showed that babies who played outside more frequently had better gross motor development and lower stress hormone levels.

Motivation Matters

"Babies are wired to move. If that motivation is missing, it might not be laziness or personality. It could be a subtle sign something’s off."

Lack of motivation to move may look like disinterest in toys that are out of reach, little effort to change positions, or quick frustration when attempting movement. These behaviors are often mistaken for a "chill" or "laid-back" temperament. While some babies truly are more relaxed, Dr. Mell emphasizes that all babies should show curiosity and some desire to explore their environment. If not, that natural drive may be inhibited by an underlying issue that deserves gentle, proactive support.

When to Act

If your baby isn’t crawling by 10 months, don’t panic. "What’s important is the lead-up. Are they rocking on all fours, pushing up to plank, or pivoting in circles? That shows progress."

But if they’re not showing any of those signs by 7 to 9 months, Dr. Mell says it’s time to check in. "Early support often gets things moving quickly."

One Last Reminder: Oral Ties Can Affect Movement Too

"Lip and tongue ties don’t just affect feeding. They can create full-body tension, affecting how babies move, rest, and explore," Dr. Mell notes. If your baby seems tight, frustrated, or avoids movement, this may be part of the puzzle.

Final Words from Dr. Mell

"Getting support early doesn’t mean something is wrong. It means you’re giving your child tools to thrive." And when your baby struggles, falls, and tries again? That is where their confidence is built. "Those little moments of effort matter. They’re how your baby learns to trust themselves."

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Rachael Lanter
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