Stereotypies – what are they and how do they help my baby’s development?

When you watch your baby play, you'll notice they kick, push and rock. The repeated movements your baby makes help them to develop strength and control of their muscles and have interested scientists so much that they have researched them. Frequent or repetitive moments are known as stereotypies – and can tell us about the way babies learn to move. 

Studying how babies learn to move 

Several well-respected researchers have devoted a significant amount of time to studying the development of motor skills. Esther Thelen, a well-known figure in the field of motor behaviour, was one of the key players.  

One of her earlier research studies looked at the frequency of rhythmical behaviours like kicking and rocking. These behaviours are called 'stereotypies' and are defined as movements that are frequent or repetitive.  

Sterotypies in daily routines 

Thelen observed stereotypies in many aspects of a baby’s daily routine, such as dressing, bathing and when they first make sounds.^[1]  

One of the most interesting rhythmical stereotypies was the movement of a baby’s mouth when they were about to be fed. Thelen observed that babies used environmental clues to connect an action to the understanding that they were going to be fed.  

In response, the babies would create rhythmical patterns with their mouths (stereotypy). These rhythmical patterns were then also observed when spoonfuls of food were offered to older babies and when older babies and toddlers watched other people eating food.^[1]  

Stereotypies and new movements 

Stereotypies are seen mostly in the first year of a baby’s life.^[1] What is fascinating about stereotypies is that they can be movements of the whole body, or of individual body parts, and, for babies and toddlers, they are usually seen during a transition to a new behaviour or movement,^[2] such as smiling, reaching and walking.  

Rocking and crawling 

You might notice your baby is starting to push themselves forwards and backwards during tummy time, perhaps repeating these movements.  

Your baby is exploring their own capability of rocking and moving while on their tummy, which is classed as a rhythmical stereotypy. They will continue to explore this movement until they discover their next stage of development, which may eventually lead to crawling. 

What do I need to do? 

Your baby doesn’t need extra help to practise these movements, simply lots of time to move and play. So, you can help them by giving them time to play on the floor every day, and as much time wriggling and moving as you can. 

References: 

[1] Thelen. E, (1981). Kicking, Rocking, and Waving: Contextual Analysis of Rhythmical Stereotypies in Normal Human Infants. Animal Behaviour, 1981, Chapter 29, p3-11.

[2]  Savelsbergh, G. J. P. (2005) Discovery of motor development: A tribute to Esther Thelen. The Behavior Analyst Today, 6(4), 243-248.http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0100074 

[3] Jacqueline D. Goodway, John C. Ozmun, David L. Gallahue (2021) Understanding Motor Development Infants, Children, Adolescents, Adults, eighth Edition. Jones and Bartlett Learning.