2.1 Years 0–2

The adults in children’s lives can play a vital role in ensuring they all become confident and competent movers.

Figure 5

By actively supporting their movement, children’s language and communication skills may also be further developed. In Audio 3, Julia explains the importance of developmental reviews and how services may support families.

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Transcript: Audio 3

JULIA

I think it's very important that babies and young children are not rushed or forced into developing their physical skills. Lots of sitting devices and containers really don't help child development at all. Families in early year settings should provide wide and varied movement opportunities for babies out of containers such as seats unless they are travelling.

Research has shown that babies should not be in car seats for longer than two hours without being given the chance to expand their lungs fully and stretch and move. They need to have a wide range of movement experiences every day in a calm and safe environment with adults who understand the importance of play. By exploring their environment, they gradually develop more skills to manage any new situations and challenges.

The Health Visiting Service offers every child a development review at 1 year and at 2 to 2 and a half years, and their physical development can be discussed then. It is important to make sure the Health Visiting teams have your correct address for this appointment.

Although there's always a wide range of ability, it's important to pick up any areas of development that may need additional support and advise the family how best to address these. It also means we can highlight the importance of being physically active and talk about maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the whole family.The aim is to ensure every child has the physical and social skills to start school with confidence.

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Audio 3

From 0–2 years is a really critical time for children’s physical development as all the essential foundation or fundamental movement skills are learned and practised.

Being able to learn and rehearse physical skills in an unhurried and supportive environment is vital and ensures that children can experience movement transitions – like from tummy-time to rolling to crawling to walking – without any stress or pressure to perform or reach any expected ‘milestone.’

It is also important to recognise that every child follows a unique inner timetable and skills are acquired when they are ready. Remember there are many ways to the top of the mountain, but the view remains the same!