The Power of Movement: How Gross Motor Play Builds Baby Brains

Long before children speak or write, they explore their world through movement. Gross motor play—activities that involve the large muscles of the body—lays the groundwork for everything from sitting and crawling to attention, regulation, and learning. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we incorporate purposeful movement activities into our therapy sessions to help babies and toddlers meet key developmental milestones.

If your child isn’t crawling, sitting steadily, or seems hesitant to explore their environment, gross motor play might be the support they need.

Why Gross Motor Development Is Essential

Gross motor skills involve the coordination of large muscle groups to perform everyday movements such as sitting, crawling, walking, and climbing. These skills are critical for:

• Building muscle strength and balance

• Supporting core stability needed for sitting and attention

• Developing coordination and sensory integration

• Laying the foundation for fine motor and cognitive skills

When gross motor delays occur, they can affect more than physical ability—impacting a child’s independence, learning, and confidence.

How OrbRom Center Supports Early Motor Development

Our Phnom Penh-based team of occupational and physical therapists uses targeted interventions to promote healthy movement in infants and toddlers. Through guided play and structured activities, we work on:

• Tummy time and balance training for babies who skip crawling or tire easily

• Movement-based sensory activities to improve focus and body awareness

• Parent coaching so families can continue skill-building at home

For example, using a therapy ball during tummy time—like in one of our infant sessions—helps strengthen the trunk and improve balance in a safe, engaging way.

Our therapists also perform Developmental Assessments to identify specific delays and design personalized intervention plans for each child.

Signs Your Child Might Need Support

Some babies need extra help when:

• They avoid tummy time or become upset when placed on the floor

• They have difficulty lifting their head or rolling over

• They are late to sit, crawl, or walk

• They seem overly floppy or overly stiff

If you notice any of these signs, early support can make a significant difference.

Let’s Get Moving—Together

Early gross motor play isn’t just physical—it’s developmental. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our goal is to empower both children and parents through movement that supports physical, emotional, and sensory growth.

Book a developmental assessment today and give your child a strong start through therapeutic play.