
The Evolution of Movement
The Can-Dos

The Can-Do Journey: How Movement Unfolds in the Early Years
When babies are born, they have no understanding of their body, so they have no control over it. At first their movements are reflexive and unplanned. But in only a few months they’re already getting to know their body and what they can do with it. Then one day they roll over and the race is on to fully independent, coordinated, controlled, and automated movement.
Developmentally, movement is one of the most important journeys they’ll take from birth to about seven years old. So we’ve created The Can-Do Guide to celebrate just how far your child has come and give you an idea of what’s right around the corner.
But please remember, movement develops differently for every child. No matter how or when they advance, a child’s development isn’t necessarily fast or slow, right or wrong, good or bad. Instead, it’s nature unfolding right in front of your eyes. It comes together for them WHEN THEY’RE READY.
What You Can Do
Parents always want the best for their child, but trying to rush things won’t help (or work). You can support them with lots of time for active play and exploration, a nutritious diet, plenty of rest, and your loving home.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: The Can-Do Guide is NOT a milestones chart. Every child is unique so your child’s progression may vary from what we’re showing here or what other children their age are doing. If you are concerned about your child’s development, consult your pediatrician.



The Can-Do Guide
Where is your child on their Can-Do journey?

PRE-NATAL
Primitive Reflexes
Involuntary Movement

Rolling Over

Hand & Foot
Recognition

Pushing Up

Postural Reflexes Emerging

Grasping

Mouthing

Primitive Reflexes
at Birth

Sensory
Awakening

Commando Crawling

Up on All Fours

Rocking

Pincer Grip

Navigating
Small Spaces

Cruising

Sitting Up
(Unaided)

Changing
Hands

Crawling

Pulling Up

Standing
(Unaided)

Climbing Up

Running

Walking

Crouching/
Bobbing

Jumping
in Place

Upper Body
Strength

Jumping
Forward

Manipulatives

Timing/
Temporal
Awareness


Marching


Handedness
Hopping

Standing on
One Foot
Climbing/
Scaling

Single-Sided
Movement

Hand & Foot
Dominance

Standing Leap

Crossing
Midlines

Running Leap

Skipping

READY!
Automated
Coordinated
Movement
And there's more...