Motor development and season of birth in the first two years of life

Abstract

Aims/Background This paper analyzes the connection between the season of birth and the achievement of 18 gross and fine motor development steps (milestones) in the first two years of life. The relationship between the month of birth and child development has long been the subject of studies that found correlations between the month of birth and the development of physical factors, disease risks, behavioral traits, and emotional development.Design/Method The data come from a research project in which 3233 parents living in Germany are taking part. Using a ‘citizen-science approach,’ parents report their children’s developmental progress online based on a calendar that charts 14 gross and four fine motor skills from birth to the point when children manage to walk.Results/Conclusion Concerning motor development, infants born in winter or spring had the best conditions. Those born in winter completed eight out of 14 gross motor milestones earlier than those born in summer, with only minor advantages over those born in spring and autumn. Manual dexterity was not affected. The advantage of the winter-born might result from the fact that foundations for elementary milestones are laid during the spring and summer months when temperatures and weather are comfortable. Children can wear less restrictive clothing, which allows them to move more, and parents or caregivers spend more time with them outdoors, which also stimulates the formation of vitamin D.

Keywords

• Early childhood
• motor development
• motor milestones
• month of birth
• seasonality
• Developmental Psychology