Infancy refers to the first year of a child's life. During this time, a baby learns to use her muscles to explore and interact with her environment. Healthy leg development helps infants achieve several developmental milestones prior to standing or walking. Gentle exercise, interactive games and assisted playtime help infants strengthen and control their leg muscles.
Identification
Leg development is part of your child's healthy physical development. Leg muscles belong to the gross motor muscle group, which includes your child's larger muscles. Physical development occurs from the head down, so your infant's legs develop strength and control later than his neck, shoulders, arms and torso. Early leg movements result from reflexes present at birth. Later, leg movements become more deliberate and coordinate with other muscle movements to accomplish tasks such as turning over, scooting and creeping.
Reflexes
Reflexes present at birth cause the involuntary movement of the legs. The moro reflex lasts around two months and causes the outward flinging of arms and legs as a response to sudden noise or movement, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension. The stepping reflex, which stops after two months, refers to an infant moving his feet in a stepping pattern when held on a flat surface. The absence of reflex movements early on or the continuation of reflex movements beyond the indicated period signifies possible developmental issues, according to the extension.
Function
Healthy leg development enables infants to kick, stretch, roll over and sit. As legs get stronger and your infant learns to coordinate her leg movements with other muscles, she uses her leg muscles to crawl, change to a sitting position independently, pull up to a standing position with assistance, walk with help and eventually pull up to a standing position and walk independently.
Time Frame
At 5 to 6 months, infants typically sit alone for short sessions and can roll over. At 6 to 9 months, infants crawl, walk with assistance, sit for longer stretches, sit down from a standing position and stand using furniture for support, according to MedLinePlus. By 12 months, infants balance when standing alone, take steps and may begin to walk independently.
Considerations
Promote healthy leg development by providing a safe place for your infant to move and explore. The National Network for Child Care recommends placing toys just out of reach to encourage crawling. Allow your infant to stand in your lap and stretch his legs. Play on the floor with your infant to encourage movement and assist your infant with walking and pulling up when he's ready.
