Posted: May 13, 2026
Recently, Zero to Three (2026) highlighted research about infants' intertwined skill development.
A young child jumping off a low table while a nearby adult is supervising out on a playground.
Researchers at University of Washington's I-LABS have been studying how infants’ freedom of movement and observation of others' fine motor skills impacts their own development. And not just physical development; observing impacts their cognitive and social development too. The article emphasized, "When babies see and do, learning multiplies" (para. 14). Furthermore, "learning is a physical activity just as much as it is a mental process" (para. 16).
That's the take-home message from the recently launched Better Kid Care course "Infant-Toddler Care: Learn to Move, Move to Learn." Physical, sensory, and cognitive development are interconnected with one another. Each is essential to the other's development. And babies need to move! Gross motor movement is a critical prerequisite to reading and writing kindergarten readiness skills.
Want to learn more? Check out Infant-Toddler Care: Learn to Move, Move to Learn. The course discusses newer ideas about how to think about developmental milestones in a culturally and developmentally responsive way. It explores some lesser known senses—vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoception—through expertise from physical therapist, Stephanie F. Graaf.
If it's been awhile since you took a BKC course, we invite you to try this course. Our newer courses now include interactive activities and all are mobile-friendly. There is even a "Director's note" if a team of teachers want to work through a course together as a co-hort. It's always easier to make changes when you know a co-worker is cheering you on and thinking about the tough questions with you!
And if you don't want to do a whole course but would enjoy some new movement ideas for infants, download this handout. Nurturing the Infant: Moving—Developmentally engaging experiences for children birth to 12 months
Or this one for slightly older 1-year-olds. Nurturing learning in 1-year-olds—Topic: Mathematical and scientific thinking
Reference
Zero to Three. (2026). How Babies Learn from Learning and Doing.
