Through free play, babies explore at their own pace

It’s on everyone’s lips whenever a discussion arises about the motor development of infants and young children. One might think it’s just a fad. But that’s not the case. As early as the 1930s, the concept emerged in the work of a Hungarian pediatrician, Emmi Pikler¹. Her approach to education and care is often referred to as the Pikler approach or the Piklerian approach.

At the orphanage she directed in Budapest, Emmi Pikler established a method of support that respected the children’s natural rhythms. The children were free to move as they pleased, without adult intervention to guide them or teach them specific motor skills.

What is free movement?

Proven benefits, and others that are emerging

1. To prevent cranial deformities

Free movement is often cited as an effective way to reduce positional cranial deformities, primarily plagiocephaly, better known as “flat head syndrome.” This is very often how free movement first enters the lives of new parents, following advice they’ve picked up to prevent the deformation of their young child’s beautiful head⁴.

When it comes to positional cranial deformities, free movement is not a cure-all either. It is not THE ultimate solution to all problems. Still, it is a key piece of the puzzle. How? By promoting a variety of head positions and points of contact, thereby limiting prolonged, static pressure on such malleable skulls. The baby has greater freedom of movement and can naturally change position as desired.

It is essential to reiterate this preventive message. Since cranial deformities are often caused by multiple factors, other factors must be taken into account and monitored, if necessary, by a healthcare professional. Seeking medical advice should always be your first course of action if you notice a cranial deformity in your baby or in a child in your care.

2. To encourage movement and motor exploration

Emmi Pikler’s pioneering work has highlighted various benefits of free movement. When given complete freedom of movement, young children develop their motor skills spontaneously, progressing through the stages of different postures, object manipulation, and locomotion at their own pace⁵. It is important to note that free movement does not accelerate skill acquisition. In fact, that is not its goal at all. It is simply about respecting each child’s own pace.

Numerous studies have analyzed the benefits of active movement and free exploration in a broad sense, without focusing specifically on the Pikler approach. A 2022 systematic review, published in Frontiers in Pediatrics⁶, synthesized research on motor interventions for infants at risk of motor delay. According to the findings, the most effective interventions are those that actively involve the baby in the movements, rather than performing them on the baby’s behalf - one of the core principles of free movement.

>> See also: The Key Role of Movement in Learning and Progress

3. Independence and Self-Confidence

These effects are interesting, although they are not well documented in the scientific literature. A few small-scale studies seem to suggest that infants and young children who choose their own activities, freely explore their environment, and experiment as they please may develop greater autonomy.

In the articles published by the Pickler Institute⁷, these self-directed activities are viewed as a way for children to discover their own abilities and to solve motor problems that arise on their own. “How can I reach that beautiful teddy bear just a few centimeters from my hand?” wonders this little adventurer, just a few months old. “Maybe by pushing harder with my feet while reaching out with my arm?” This is how new movements are born. This is how, every day, another small milestone is reached. The teddy bear is finally in her hand. Success is hers. These small, independent achievements also help boost self-confidence.

>> To learn more, check out our article: How and Why Should We Encourage Independence in Children?

4. The benefits of movement

Who hasn’t heard about the benefits of floor play - or “tummy time” - for toddlers? The time spent on the floor and these opportunities to move have well-documented benefits. This isn’t free movement in the strict sense, but rather some of its components, such as giving babies regular opportunities to move around on a playmat in different positions.

Another systematic review, this time published in the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics⁸, analyzed 16 different studies involving more than 4,000 infants. According to its findings, this well-known “tummy time” (time spent on the stomach) promotes overall motor development, as well as the ability to move while on the stomach, then to crawl, and finally to roll over.

In addition, by encouraging more movement, free play creates a virtuous cycle for health: the World Health Organization emphasizes⁹ that physical activity starting in early childhood (through active movement and play, adapted to the child’s circumstances and abilities) contributes to motor and cognitive development.

Finally, complete freedom of movement promotes healthier growth and muscle and bone development.

What does this free movement look like in practice?

1. The goal: floor space

The first essential for free movement: the play mat - firm enough so you don’t sink into it, yet comfortable enough to feel at ease. Gone are the days when newborns spent their days in soft baby swings that prevented them from turning their heads. Gone are the days of baby walkers that promised the illusion of exploring the house on two feet. Because we’ve seen you, you little rascals, pushing off with your toes to make the contraption roll. A movement that bears no resemblance to walking!

More broadly speaking, your child’s motor skills will be all the more unrestricted the further you move away from baby gear designed to direct or restrict certain movements (e.g., a play arch that encourages your child to keep their gaze fixed in a single direction, a baby carrier that presses too tightly against your chest and prevents your child from moving their head, etc.). These tips are general in nature, and there may, of course, be exceptions depending on specific circumstances or goals.

The floor play area can be set up from birth. The amount of time your little one spends there will depend on their age, interests, and comfort level. Important note: this refers specifically to wakeful time. Sleep should still take place in their designated sleeping area, such as a crib or cot.

To ensure safe play and exploration on the floor, always keep an eye on your little one. Remove any potential hazards - pets, blankets, even that slightly wobbly lamp that seems out of reach. It would be a shame if they chose today of all days to start crawling and knock it over.

One last essential tip: choose appropriate clothing - neither too tight nor too loose. And what about their feet? Bare feet are perfect. Non-slip socks if the temperature drops. Soft, roomy shoes that allow their feet to develop properly when it’s time for their first steps.

>> To add variety to the play area on the ground, our giant building blocks become exploration trails for even the youngest children

2. And what about you in all this?

You stay close, of course, to watch over these precious moments. You watch him grow, encourage him, and suggest some interactions - waving a new toy to his right, then to his left, looking at pictures together, sharing a moment of closeness.

Above all, avoid forcing him into certain positions if he doesn’t seem ready. Even if you’re dying to see them sit up, they won’t do it any faster if you pull on their arms. And certainly not if you try to prop them up with pillows, when their back is just waiting to slump. The best pace is the one they choose for themselves. There’s no need to rush things.

One small clarification is still needed. During the very first months of life, adult assistance is still somewhat helpful during floor time, if only to help vary the baby’s positions - sometimes on the back, sometimes on the stomach - until the baby has mastered rolling over. 

 

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