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A baby is very busy in the first year of life. A baby achieves many motor skill milestones in that first year. The motor skills happen in succession from the time the baby is born. The infant develops reflexes, gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills are the large muscle movement and fine motor skills are the small finely tuned movements. The development of these motor skills allow the baby to explore the world around.
Young babies learn through everything they do. Simply moving is an important educational activity for a baby who is still learning to control his arms and legs. Many of the traditional games parents enjoy playing with their babies are actually well-designed activities that help develop a baby's fine and gross motor control.
While it's true that most newborns will begin individual motor development on their own and learn as it comes natural, there are some things that a parent or caregiver can do to help. There are ways and means to encourage a baby's development.
