Free movements

Fluid movements and a variety of movements are characteristic elements of motion and changes in posture. Alongside movement, a child also learns balance reactions, stability, body proportions, spatial orientation, and the ability to move within space as well as to manipulate objects. By allowing the child to experiment freely, they are given the opportunity to discover the capabilities and limits of their own body. It is important to remember that such uninterrupted experimentation requires a safe environment that is adapted to the child’s abilities.

Placing a child in a position where they do not feel stable can interfere with the development of play. The child will progress to new positions when they feel ready. For a child, this is a long journey—from lying on their back to standing upright—gradually reducing the support area. Between well-known movements such as rolling, crawling, and sitting, there are many other positions and transitional postures in which the child experiments and develops their abilities.

It is important to allow the child to develop at their own pace, overcome challenges independently, and provide an environment where they can experience a variety of movements, so that they feel free and safe in their motions and play. The environment can play a decisive role in movement development, so if you need help arranging a space that suits your child’s abilities, contact us!

Loreta, 9 months

Play does not depend so much on rapid progress in motor development, but rather on a certain sense of freedom and safety in the movements already mastered.

/Monika Aly. (2002). Mein Kind im ersten Lebensjahr. Springer Berlin Heidelberg/