Babies don’t need fancy programs or perfect routines to thrive–but some every day habits can unintentionally hold back their development.
Small changes can go a long way. By being mindful of how your baby moves, connects and explores their world, you can support their development in ways that feel realistic and doable.
Here are five habits to keep an eye on in your baby’s first year, along with simple adjustments that can encourage healthy development in a way that works for your family.
Overusing Baby Gear
Swings, bouncers, and loungers can be incredibly helpful when you need a moment to eat, shower, or just breathe–but they’re meant to be used in moderation. When babies spend too much time in gear, they miss out on opportunities to move freely and build strength in key areas like their neck, core, and shoulders. These muscles are essential for milestones like rolling, crawling, and eventually walking.
What to do instead:
- Aim for short, frequent bursts of tummy time throughout the day.
- Start tummy time on your chest and or with a small rolled towel under your baby’s chest if they’re resistant at first.
- Use a floor mirror to encourage them to lift their head and engage their core.
- Try side-lying play as a bridge to rolling.
- Keep baby gear short and balanced– no more than 20-30 minutes at a time.
Limiting Floor Play and Free Movement
The floor isn’t just a landing spot for toys–it’s where development really takes off. When babies have space to stretch, scoot, and explore, they’re building the muscle strength, coordination, and sensory awareness needed for milestones like rolling, crawling, and sitting up. Research shows that floor play is absolutely essential for building strength and motor skills.
It’s easy to overlook how valuable this time is, especially when a baby seems content in a swing or lounger. But unrestricted movement on the floor gives babies a chance to learn through trial and error–and that process is essential for both physical and cognitive development. The more time they spend on the floor, the more opportunities they have to figure things out.
Ways to encourage more floor time:
- Place toys just out of reach to motivate rolling and reaching.
- Create a safe “yes space” with soft mats and minimal barriers.
- Use high-contrast toys early on and gradually introduce textured items for sensory play.
Skipping Face-to-Face Interaction
Babies are wired to connect–and your face is their favorite thing to look at. Eye contact, facial expressions, and back-and-forth vocalizations aren’t just sweet moments–they’re laying the groundwork for social skills, emotional understanding, and early communication.
In those early months, your baby is learning to read your cues: how you smile, how your voice sounds, how your face changes with different emotions. These little interactions build connections and brain development.
Simple ways to boost face-to-face connection:
- Talk through your everyday routines–diaper changes, feedings, walks outside.
- Imitate your baby’s coos and sounds to encourage back-and-forth communication.
- Play peek-a-boo or simple interactive games.
- Use exaggerated expressions–babies love animated faces!
You don’t have to do this all day long– but building in a few moments of focused interactions can go a long way in helping your baby feel more connected, seen, and secure.
Overlooking Social and Emotional Development
Development isn’t just physical–it’s also about how your baby feels, connects, and learns to trust. From the very beginning, your baby is building a sense of safety through your responses to their needs. When you comfort them, make eye contact, or smile back when they smile, you’re helping shape their emotional foundation.
Ways to support emotional development:
- Babywearing and skin-to-skin contact for closeness and comfort.
- Predictable routines that help your baby feel secure.
- Reading books with emotional expressions and varied tones of voice.
- Singing, humming, or simply talking to your baby–they’re drawn to your voice.
- Offering a calm, reassuring presence during fussier moments.
Every baby is different–some seek lots of physical closeness, others connect more through eye contact or sound. The most important thing is tuning in and finding what works for both of you.
Introducing Screen Time Too Early
It’s totally normal to want a break–and there’s no shame in needing a few minutes to get something done. But for babies under one year, screen time doesn’t offer the developmental benefits that real-life interactions do.
What really supports early brain development is responsive, back-and-forth engagement. Screens don’t provide that same kind of connection, and too much passive viewing can take away from movement, play, and social interaction–all key parts of development in the first year.
What to try instead:
- Play music and have a little dance party–babies love rhythm and movement.
- Offer sensory bins or safe household items to explore different textures.
- Read interactive books with flaps, mirrors, or bold images.
- Let your baby watch you go about your day while narrating what you’re doing.
That said, not all screen time is off-limits. Video chatting with loved ones is meaningful because it’s interactive. The key is being thoughtful about when and how screens are used.
What to dive deeper into screen time and how it affects development? Check out this PedsDocTalk YouTube video.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to be perfect or follow a strict plan to support your baby’s development. What matters most is being present, tuned in, and offering opportunities for connection and movement throughout the day.
By making a few small adjustments–like limiting baby gear, encouraging floor time, and reading books together– you’re helping your baby build the foundation for lifelong skills. These small shifts add up.
Development in the first year isn’t about hitting every milestone early–it’s about creating an environment where your baby feels safe, supported, and ready to explore at their own pace.
Curious about which milestones to watch for in your baby’s first year? Check out the free PedsDocTalk Milestones to Monitor guide. It offers a clear, supportive look at what to expect and when to check in with your child’s pediatrician–without the pressure.
Watch the PedsDocTalk YouTube Video HERE!
