Motor Skill Magic: 20 Evidence-Based Activities for 1-Year-Olds

Build balance, strength, and coordination—one joyful step at a time.

Why This Guide Matters

Between 12 and 18 months, your child’s brain and body are undergoing a powerful burst of neuromotor development. Gross and fine motor play during this stage strengthens neural pathways tied to movement, coordination, and even language.

Created by pediatric physical therapists and developmental psychologists, Motor Skill Magic gives parents and caregivers 20 professionally guided play activities that support real developmental gains—right from home.

What’s Inside

• 20 low-cost, home-based activities with detailed setup, goals, and expert tips

• Developmental goals for each activity: crawling, balancing, grasping, tracking, and more

• Scientific rationale for every movement (with 2023–2025 citations)

• Safety checklists and milestone guidance

• Designed for 1-year-olds, tested by clinicians, loved by families

Created by Experts

Written and reviewed by a team of specialists:

• Dr. Lena Morelli, PhD – Developmental Psychologist

• Anna Lu, PT, DPT – Pediatric Physical Therapist

• Sofia Gray, MSc – Infant Movement Specialist
  Peer reviewed by Prof. Daniel Gunnarsson, MD, PhD (Karolinska Institutet)

Why Parents Choose It

• Clear, simple instructions with professional credibility

• Encourages bonding through movement and play

• Helps track motor milestones and spot red flags early

• Supports a strong foundation for walking, coordination, and fine motor skills

Give your child the freedom to move—and the safety to grow.

This guide is your roadmap to confident, connected development through movement-rich play.