Movement motivation increases
Your baby may want to get somewhere, even before they can
By The Millie's Team · Parenting Notes
Around week twenty-nine, your baby may show real determination to move. They might lean, stretch or wriggle toward something, even if they cannot quite get there yet.
What is happening
The desire to move often arrives before the ability. Your baby's brain has decided where it wants to be, and the body is now trying to catch up. This gap can show up as effort, frustration or surprising bursts of energy on the floor.
Is this normal
Yes. Some babies are clearly motivated to move early, others stay calmly in one place for longer. Both timelines are normal. The desire to move is not the same as readiness, and there is no need to rush it.
What you may notice
- Stretching toward toys placed slightly out of reach
- Pivoting on the tummy to face a new direction
- Strong kicking or pushing with the feet
- Getting cross when a toy stays out of grasp
What helps right now
- Offering plenty of safe floor time
- Placing toys just beyond reach to encourage effort
- Avoiding equipment that holds your baby in one position for long
- Letting them practise without doing it for them
What to expect next
Over the next few weeks, this motivation often turns into the first real movement. It might be a shuffle, a roll, a scoot or a slow commando crawl. Each baby finds their own way.