Baby milestones moving into toddler milestones

To round off our blog series, we would like to take this opportunity to answer a few common questions about baby development:

1. How do I encourage my child's movement development?

First and foremost, it is important that you observe your baby closely and offer them support or stimuli when necessary. But for the most part your baby should discover everything for themselves. Give them the time they need. If you want to encourage movement patterns that you observe them making, you can provide stimuli through play. This works best after nappy changing and feeding, when baby is rested and full. As your child enjoys success, you can offer the same exercise or game over and over again. This boosts self-confidence. Carrying your child in a baby carrier also promotes development: your child feels your movements particularly intensively and trains their body and mind. When you put them down afterwards, these impulses continue to have an effect. This is called motor learning.

2. Is the prone position really as important as everyone says?

The short answer is - yep. Even if your baby doesn't like it that much, you should encourage it through play. After all, it is from the prone position that movement begins in the first place. All important muscles are strengthened by the prone position, e.g. abdominal and shoulder blade muscles and of course the important neck muscles. It is the first stage of active straightening and is therefore very important. Coordination, endurance, strength and balance are also practised in this position.

3. Should I actively sit my child up if they are increasingly lifting their head while lying on their back?

If your child is lying on their back and regularly lifting their head, then they are simply curious. It doesn’t mean that they are ready to sit. A better plan would be to turn baby onto their tummy so that they can explore their surroundings in an age-appropriate way. Active sitting down will later take place via a lateral rotation movement and your child will do this on their own.

4. Can I actively practise sitting with my child by having him pull himself up on my fingers?

As we mentioned above, your baby will move into a sitting position on their own when their muscles allow it. This is achieved through a rotational movement and by supporting themself, not pulling itself up. Pulling up straight also trains the wrong muscles.

5. Is it ok if my child skips crawling?

Sometimes baby seems to skip crawling and learns to walk straight away. However, this is likely not a good thing. For healthy development, all milestones should be completed in full and in sequence. If a child skips crawling, this is usually a sign that the parents have intervened passively too often, for example by actively sitting their baby down too early. The following skills are promoted by crawling:

• Hand-eye coordination
• Hearing, seeing and moving are combined
• Sense of touch and pressure on the hands allow the child to feel itself and the ground to get a sense of space
• Rhythm and sense of movement are refined
• Strengthening of the core muscles
• Your child develops a feeling for their arms, upper body, pelvis and legs
• They can later learn to ride a bike and swim more easily
• Last early childhood reflexes are integrated

6. My child only walks on their knees - should I ignore it or stop it?

Knee walkers often lack the hip extension to walk upright. This is usually due to hyperflexible ankles. These children also often tend to hyperextend their knees. In order to compensate for these hypermobile joints, there is a lack of movement in the hip joints. So it's best to talk to your paediatrician if your child often walks on their knees.

Time, space and love for healthy baby milestones & toddler milestones

Whether baby milestones, toddler milestones or beyond - for all stages of development, it is important that you give your children the time they need. You can lovingly and playfully encourage them in whatever they are interested in or simply give them the space to play freely. Give them stimuli, but let them experience and try things out for themselves. Let your children smell, taste, see, hear and feel. Provide them with an environment in which they can develop safely and securely because they know that you are there for them when they need you. Then watch with pride as your babies grow into healthy and happy children.

Factors to Consider:

• Baby’s Age and Weight: Ensure the carrier is appropriate for your baby’s size and weight. For example, Ergobaby’s Embrace Newborn Carrier is perfect for the fourth trimester where baby is small and you’re looking for an easy way to stay close. As they grow, you’ll want to upgrade to an all-position carrier that’s meant for growing babies.
• Parent’s Comfort and Ergonomics: Look for carriers with padded shoulder straps and lumbar support if you’re planning on longer outings.
• Ease of Use: Choose a carrier that is easy to put on and take off.
• Climate and Breathability: Opt for carriers made of breathable fabrics to keep you and your baby cool in hot weather.

Ideal Spots for a Nature Walk with Baby

• Parks and Gardens: Great for leisurely walks and picnics.
• Nature Trails and Forests: Perfect for more adventurous outings.
• Beaches and Lakesides: Wonderful for enjoying the water and sand, with the right carrier.

Activity Ideas

• Hiking: Enjoy a scenic hike with a hiking baby carrier that offers support and storage.
• Bird Watching: Use your carrier to keep your baby close while you explore and observe wildlife.
• Picnics: A carrier can free up your hands, making it easier to carry picnic supplies.

While baby carriers are fantastic for mobility and closeness, depending on the adventure of choice you might want to be a stroller along too.

There are a LOT of baby stroller options on the market. So we understand how confusing it can be to choose the one that’s right for your family. Not only are there a variety of brands, but a variety of strollers that serve different purposes.

There are a few types of strollers on the market: 

• Full-sized stroller: This is typically the stroller parents thing of buying for all its versatility.
• Lightweight or umbrella stroller:These compact strollers are perfect for on-the-go adventures.
• Jogging stroller: Designed for parents who want to combine fitness with outdoor adventures.
• Double stroller: Designed for parents with multiple kids, especially twins.
• Car seat carrier: These strollers connect to a specific car seat. We don't typically recommend these as they can be unsafe for baby and uncomfortable for parents who are pushing.

Learn more about the types of strollers and which one would be best for you.

Combining Baby Carriers and Strollers

For the ultimate flexibility, consider using both a baby carrier and a stroller on your outings.

Combining both options allows you to adapt to different situations. Use the carrier for more rugged trails and switch to the stroller for smoother paths or when your baby needs a nap.

Transition Tips

• Smooth Transitions: Plan stops where you can easily switch from carrier to stroller.
• Pack Light: Only bring essentials to make transitions easier.

Tips for a Successful Adventure

Planning Ahead

• Route Planning: Choose baby-friendly trails and parks. Check local mom groups or outdoor groups and get recommendations for the best outings for kids.
• Check Weather Conditions: Avoid extreme heat or unpredictable weather. Even with our most breathable carriers, when it’s hot, it’s hot. And having two bodies against each other in the heat will be naturally hot and sticky already.
• Packing Checklist: Include diapers, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. These all-position carriers have storage pockets where you can fit some of the items easily!
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Pack healthy snacks to keep energy levels up and bring plenty of water for both you and baby.