Pushing up with purpose
Your baby might be enjoying longer periods of tummy time, and if they are starting to explore when they do it, you may notice that they are moving more on their tummy too. They will start to push themselves up on their arms and lift their chest up in the process.
This takes body strength
This growing ability to move their body in controlled ways comes as your baby is developing and strengthening their muscles. They will have increasing control over their body, and the movement that their body makes and will be moving more purposefully.[1]
Now, your baby is strong enough in their arms, core and neck to hold themselves in a position and push themselves up. Their strength will have developed from spending time playing on their stomach, which is a fantastic way to prepare your baby’s body for later skills like sitting, standing, and walking.[2]
Your baby is also becoming more coordinated in the use of their body parts. They can use different parts at the same time to support their movements, and as their vision is improving, they will be motivated more by what they can see.[3] So, for example, they may prop themselves up to play with a favourite toy.
Preparing for crawling or getting moving in a different way
Your baby’s muscles will continue to strengthen, and their body coordination will also improve. They will start carrying out motions that will prepare them to begin crawling or another way of getting around, such as rocking back and forth on their arms when pushed up.
References:
[1] HealthLink. (2021). Sensory and Motor Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months. Available: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/ue5465.
[2] Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.. (2020). Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/tummy-time/faq-20057755.
[3] Shankar, S., Robertson, B-A., & Bobier, W.R. (2007). Parent/Caregive Narrative: Vision Development (0 - 6 Months). In L.M. Phillips (Ed.), Handbook of language and literacy development: A Roadmap from 0 - 60 Months. [online], pp. 1 - 5. London, ON: Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network. Available at: Handbook of language and literacy development