13 Spooky Developmental Myths vs. Facts
13 Spooky Developmental Myths vs. Facts
Don’t let old wives’ tales give you a fright—these myths are more trick than treat! Let’s shine a flashlight on the “facts” about baby milestones and uncover what’s real beneath the cobwebs.
Myth: “Crawling late means my baby will never walk.”
Fact: Many late crawlers do end up walking independently. Skipping crawling can lead to future developmental delays. Ideally, your baby should be crawling between 8-10 months. If they haven’t started yet and are past 10 months, we can help!
Crawling helps with coordination between the two sides of the body, fundamental for walking and later fine motor tasks like writing. If crawling hasn’t started yet, small practices can awaken those sleepy motor pathways.
Myth: “Sitting by month 6 is required.”
Fact: Ideally your baby will be sitting independently around this age, but first, they must have head control, be able to push through their arms, and be interested in sitting. Does your baby have what they need (including the right setup) to make this a possibility?
Sitting strength rises from earlier skills—tummy time, rolling, and pushing up. Each milestone layers like steps in a haunted staircase, building toward greater independence.
Myth: “A baby not crawling is fine—they don’t need it.”
Fact: Crawling is a critical milestone that builds strength, coordination, and brain connections. Research has linked this missed milestone with reflex integration difficulties, hand-eye coordination, and learning delays. Crawling helps make independent walking happen even faster!
Babies who skip crawling often miss integrated reflexes and cross-body movement. It’s like skipping leg day for the brain—both sides need to work together before walking.
Myth: “All babies should roll over at 4 months.”
Fact: Some roll over earlier or later—range is about 3-5 months. If your baby doesn’t love tummy time, they’ll likely master rolling tummy to back first.
Rolling is a baby’s first big body-control trick. It prepares them for sitting and crawling, so practice floor time to keep those spooky little muscles awake and ready.
Myth: “Babies should never cry during tummy time.”
Fact: Crying is babies’ only means of communication when they feel challenged, frustrated, tired, grumpy, hungry or overstimulated. Trying new things is not easy, and may require some expressions of ‘big feelings’ in order to get used to it.
A few tears mean challenge and growth. Like facing a friendly fright, each attempt helps endurance and strength improve over time.
6. Myth: “If a baby doesn’t babble by the 6 month mark, something’s wrong.”
Fact: Before panicking, watch for gradual communication milestones. Do they make eye contact, turn their head to sounds, and look/ reach towards what they want?
Try to start narrating what you’re doing, reading books, and practicing silly sounds to get your baby started.
Babbling develops from connection, not pressure. Narrating your day and making playful sounds builds communication—and giggles chase away any “boo” in the process.
Myth: “A ‘lazy’ baby arm means permanent weakness.”
Fact: Sometimes we don’t notice that we are giving more opportunities to one side of the body, or holding them in a way that doesn’t allow for equal opportunity of both sides. Often times, babies go through different phases and can outgrow them.
Babies learn symmetry over time. By encouraging equal-side play, like reaching for toys on both sides, you keep both arms active and strong.
8. Myth: “Premature babies will always be delayed.”
Fact: It is important to give until the child’s adjusted age of 2 years old to allow for them to catch up on their skills that may have been affected due to their prematurity.
Each milestone should be viewed through their adjusted developmental timeline. Like a pumpkin that ripens late, given time, they blossom beautifully.
Myth: “Babies should always move in straight, perfect patterns.”
Fact: Wiggly, sideways, or unconventional movements help strengthen coordination and balance.
Controlled chaos is how development happens. Those odd vampire-style wiggles teach the brain how to adjust and stabilize.
Myth: “Holding a baby too much spoils them.”
Fact: Responsiveness builds secure attachment and confidence. Holding them can be loving, and letting them play and explore independently is also loving.
You can’t spoil a little ghost with cuddles. Attachment forms the foundation for emotional regulation and confidence later on.
Myth: “Fine motor skills aren’t important until preschool.”
Fact: Hand and finger skills start from birth—tiny steps matter! Imagine never practicing your grasp, and then on your first day of school, you take a food prep course. Being prepared will make this transition much easier.
Offer small objects to explore safely and watch those little monster hands practice their future handwriting and utensil skills early.
Myth: “Babies with delays in one area will fail in others.”
Fact: Development is domain-specific—support can help each skill grow. Sometimes, babies are advanced in certain areas while lagging in others. Other times, they may have what is called global developmental delay. Therapies are the best way to proactively help your child build the skills they need!
One slow milestone doesn’t doom others. Each can be supported with individualized therapies that spark new connections.
Myth: “Screen time teaches babies faster.”
Fact: Real-life interaction is far more effective for development! Try listening to shows without the screen, having your child explore more books, and take turns with being silly with toys.
Faces, voices, and hands-on play light up the brain’s haunted mansion of neurons far more effectively than glowing screens ever could.
