From the moment they are born, infants are developing at an astonishing rate. One of the most critical aspects of their early growth is the development of the nervous system—a complex network that shapes everything from motor skills to emotional regulation. Movement, co-regulation with caregivers, and the quality of early bonds all play crucial roles in this foundational process. As an Infant Developmental Movement Educator (IDME), I’m here to support parents in understanding and fostering these critical stages of development.
How Movement Development Impacts the Nervous System
Movement is one of the earliest ways babies engage with the world. Before they can speak or even fully control their body, movement organizes their brain and nervous system. Each milestone—from early reflexes like grasping and rooting to more coordinated actions like rolling, sitting, and crawling—stimulates neural connections that lay the groundwork for future learning, sensory integration, and emotional resilience.
At the heart of this process is the brain’s ability to adapt through experiences, often called neuroplasticity. Early movement experiences, especially those that are developmentally appropriate and supported by caregivers, strengthen the connections between body and brain, building a nervous system that can effectively respond to and regulate sensory information. As one scholar notes, “Motor development is inseparable from the rest of the infant’s emerging mental and physical capacities” (Adolph & Berger, 2006), emphasizing how integral movement is to overall growth.
The Importance of Co-Regulation: How Caregivers Shape the Nervous System
Infants are not born with the ability to self-regulate. In their early years, they rely on caregivers for co-regulation—the process by which an attuned adult helps the baby manage stress, emotions, and physical sensations. Through nurturing touch, movement, voice, and even shared rhythms, caregivers can support the baby’s developing nervous system, helping them navigate overwhelming sensations and emotions.
Beatrice Beebe, a renowned researcher in the field of infant-caregiver communication, explains that “the central role of co-regulation in infancy is a process that helps organize the infant’s internal states.” When caregivers provide calm, responsive interaction, they help their baby’s nervous system learn how to stay balanced. This foundation of safety and attunement allows infants to develop the ability to self-soothe, focus attention, and respond flexibly to their environment as they grow.
Infant Developmental Movement Education (IDME): Fostering Bonding and Lifelong Impact
Through IDME, I work with caregivers and their babies to nurture both movement development and nervous system regulation. These early experiences not only influence motor skills and sensory processing but also deepen the infant-caregiver bond, laying the groundwork for secure attachment and emotional resilience.
IDME sessions offer a space for caregivers to learn how to support their baby’s movement and development. By guiding caregivers in understanding their baby’s cues, rhythms, and reflexes, we create an environment where both infant and adult feel more connected and attuned. This bonding experience is essential—not just for the baby’s early nervous system development but for their lifelong ability to build healthy relationships, manage emotions, and feel secure in the world.
The Lifelong Impact of Early Movement and Bonding
Research has shown that the quality of early caregiving relationships has lifelong implications for mental and emotional health. Infants who experience consistent, responsive caregiving are more likely to develop secure attachment styles, which contribute to emotional resilience, social competence, and the ability to form healthy relationships later in life. “The infant brain is wired for social connection, and early interactions shape the architecture of the brain” (Siegel & Bryson). Caregivers can strengthen this attachment process by becoming more attuned to their baby’s needs, while also supporting the baby’s nervous system through developmentally appropriate movement support.
By engaging in co-regulation and fostering healthy movement patterns, we not only support an infant’s current well-being, but we also set the stage for their future capacity to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease, resilience, and self-awareness.
Learn More About IDME and How It Can Support Your Baby
If you’re curious about how IDME can help foster your baby’s development or want to learn more about the connection between movement and nervous system health, I’d love to support you. Click around my site to learn more, and as always I’m here for any questions.