Motor activityReading time: 2 minutes

How to Support Muscle Strength, Balance, and Coordination

CategoryMotor activity
How to Support Muscle Strength, Balance, and Coordination

Medically reviewed by pediatrician and perinatal psychologist Polina Kizino

Strength, balance, and coordination grow through everyday movement and play. Let your baby crawl, stand, and explore at their own pace. No workouts needed — just comfy clothes, a safe space, and plenty of freedom.

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What’s Inside

Quick takeaways

  • Around 9–10 months, babies start developing control over their bodies — they learn to balance, stand, crawl, and sit.
  • Healthy development requires free movement, floor time, comfortable clothes, varied surfaces, and a safe environment.
  • Simple games and daily playtime support strength and balance better than any equipment or complex techniques.
  • Don’t rush things — skills develop differently for each baby. Follow their signals and natural pace.
  • The parent's role is not to teach, but to support: remove obstacles, offer encouragement, and observe.

What’s happening in your baby’s body

At this age, your baby may already:

  • crawl or try to
  • pull up to stand
  • cruise along furniture
  • sit steadily

These actions require coordination of many muscle groups — especially the core, back, hips, and feet.

Their vestibular system (balance) and proprioception (awareness of body position) are also developing.

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In simple terms: your baby’s brain is learning how to control the body — understanding where it is and how to stay steady during movement.

How to support strength and coordination

More floor time

The best thing you can do is offer your baby a safe, clean, and engaging space on the floor. Let them crawl, stand, sit, and explore toys.

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Ideally, aim for at least 1–2 hours of active floor time per day (outside of strollers, swings, and seats) — not all at once, but in total.

Varied surfaces

Use textured mats, soft mattresses, and safe pillows. These help stimulate the feet, encourage balance, and activate different muscles.

Barefoot at home

Walking barefoot helps develop the foot arch and supports healthy muscle activity.

Interactive games

  • Roll a ball back and forth
  • Hidetoys and let your baby crawl to find them
  • Use pillows as tunnels or little ramps
  • These simple activities boost muscle development, coordination, focus, and curiosity

Support without pushing

If your baby isn’t ready for a movement, don’t force it. For example, don’t hold their hands to “teach” walking. All activities should follow your baby’s pace.

When to consult a pediatrician

If by 10 months your baby:

  • can’t sit up independently
  • doesn’t roll or crawl at all
  • doesn’t bear weight on their legs when held under the arms

Sometimes it’s just a variation of normal — but it’s worth gently checking in with a specialist for support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strength, Balance, and Coordination

What can a baby do at 9–10 months?

Usually, by 9–10 months babies have gained much better control of their bodies. Many can sit without support, crawl, pull themselves up to stand, and move along furniture while holding on. During this stage, balance, coordination, and body awareness develop rapidly. Parents can support these skills by providing a safe environment and plenty of opportunities for free movement.

Why is free movement important for coordination?

Often, free movement is one of the best ways to build strength, balance, and coordination. When babies crawl, sit, stand, and explore independently, they actively use the muscles of the core, back, hips, and feet. Ideally, they should have at least 1–2 hours of active floor time each day outside of strollers, swings, and other restrictive equipment.

How can I help my baby develop balance and coordination?

It is worth encouraging free movement and independent play. Crawling, pulling up to stand, reaching for toys, and exploring safe spaces naturally strengthen the body and improve coordination. Different surfaces such as textured mats, soft mattresses, and safe cushions provide additional stimulation. Simple games with balls and toys also help develop attention, confidence, and movement skills.

Should my baby be barefoot at home?

Yes, being barefoot at home is usually beneficial for babies. Walking without shoes supports healthy foot muscle function and helps the arches of the feet develop naturally. It also allows babies to better feel the surfaces beneath them, which improves balance and coordination. The key is providing a clean and safe area for movement and exploration.

When should I talk to a pediatrician?

It is worth discussing development with a pediatrician if there are noticeable motor delays by 10 months. An evaluation may be helpful if your baby cannot sit independently, does not roll over or crawl at all, or does not bear weight on their legs when supported under the arms. Sometimes these differences are within the normal range, but a specialist can assess development and provide guidance if needed.

With care

Our articles are based on evidence-based medicine and reviewed by pediatricians. However, they do not replace a consultation with your doctor. Every child is unique — if you have any concerns, please consult a medical professional.