At around three months, babies should move both sides of their bodies symmetrically – or at least be close to it. What does symmetrical movement look like for a baby? Moving and using both sides of the body equally, without a preference for a particular side. Symmetry is an important step in your baby’s development; it’s the foundation for many exciting milestones.
So, let’s dive in!
OKAY, SO WHAT DOES SYMMETRY LOOK LIKE?
When you lay your baby on the back during the 3rd or 4th month of life you will see:
– The nose, chin, sternum, belly button, and the pelvis are all in line.
– The torso is straight – it does not bend either way.
– The shoulders and hips are parallel to each other.
– The head is straight – the distance between the ears and shoulders is the same on both sides.
– The back rests uniformly on the surface.
During tummy time, you’ll notice similar characteristics:
– The torso is straight; there are no skin folds on just one side.
– The shoulders and hips are parallel to each other.
– The head is straight; the distance between the ears and the shoulders is the same on both sides.
– When the baby supports him or herself on the forearms, their bottom and waist are not raised up. At around five months, the baby may enter the “swimming” phase. This position should always end with the baby propping up symmetrical on both arms.
When the baby is sitting upright, look at his or her back:
– The shoulders and hips are parallel to each other.
– The head is straight; the distance between the ears and the shoulders is the same on both sides.
– Any folds around the belly are equal on both sides; the spine is straight.
JUST SO YOU DON’T GO CRAZY, PLEASE REMEMBER:
– Newborns are ALWAYS asymmetrical. It’s especially visible in the 2nd month, and it’s connected with the baby’s natural reflexes. It is important that the baby is able to lengthen both sides of the body during this time.
Symmetry of the torso appears at the end of the 3rd and into the 4th month.
– when babies begin rolling over or lifting up bent legs, they might shorten one, then the other, side of their torso. It looks a bit worrisome. A more sensitive parent may get a heart attack when seeing this. 🙂 But don’t worry, it’s just training. Also, while playing, babies’ hands should come together in the middle of their bodies with legs bent at the knees – all while keeping backs straight.
WHAT IF MY BABY IS ASYMMETRICAL???
Stay calm and don’t worry! Asymmetry is not the end of the world as long as you act quickly and with determination. The most important thing is timely action. As an experienced physical therapist, I am well aware that not every parent wakes up wondering whether their baby is asymmetrical. It’s an easy thing to miss, in the everyday rush and with our babies on the move all the time. Plus, parents often don’t know what to look for.
Here are some examples of ASYMMETRY:
Problems with symmetry are usually brought to parents’ attention by a pediatrician. Suddenly, EVERY movement the baby makes becomes suspicious. Then, parents will search the bottomless pit of the internet and come up with every worst-case scenario possible before consulting a specialist. Before you go down that road, if something seems a bit off with your baby, don’t wait. The faster you act, the less work, time, and money it’ll take to fix.
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Keeping your baby on the move is important for growth and development. I’ve put together a lot of good information and fun game ideas – from birth to first steps. Check out my e-book!
