2.2 Physical development

Physical development is closely related to growth, but it also includes all body senses and systems, reflexes and the gaining of a wide range of physical skills. Physical development is about overall and progressive changes in the body, meaning that as children become more confident and competent movers they can enjoy wider and ever more challenging opportunities to be physically active.

Physical development is also described as ‘structural’, ‘functional’ and ‘organisational’ – which means that as their skills develop, they can use them in a variety of situations and environments, while becoming increasingly aware of how to successfully manage risk and adventure. Physical development is ‘qualitative’ in nature, meaning that as children get stronger and more able, you will see the transition with an action like walking, as it goes from an emerging skill to a mature and fluent version with time and practise.

Providing activities that encourage children from birth to move their limbs, head and neck, particularly through floor-based activities, shouldn’t stop because they are mobile. As per the guidelines previously discussed, children capable of walking should be physically active daily for at least 3 hours, and a large part of this should involve unstructured active play. Infants should be discouraged from being sedentary; no sedentary behaviour should last for more than 1 hour. This includes time in a pushchair or in a bouncer or car seat!

As well as supporting babies’ brain development, movement and physical activity is also connected to other aspects of their health, as children need to move in order to be safe and strong.

Table 11.1

	Bone: Whole-body movements like rolling, crawling, walking, running, jumping and climbing encourage bone growth. Being active outside supports the manufacture of vitamin D which promotes healthy bone growth, and this is needed to help calcium gained through food and drink pass from the bloodstream into the bone structure.
	Blood: Being active improves blood flow in the lymphatic system so the immune system can respond quickly to viruses and infections.
	Muscle: Moving every day benefits muscle tissue and the growth of healthy tendons and ligaments through increased blood flow. Being physically active ensures the muscles properly support the joints and reduces the possibility of accidents and fractures.

It is important to provide babies with lots of opportunities to practise their movement skills from a very early age to help with all aspects of their development. Creating an environment that lets them practise reaching and grasping for objects, interacting with them so they turn their head towards you or a toy. Pulling, pushing and playing with other people and toys are all essential in giving them the best start.