Nursery World - Striding out

Babies and young children need time and space to gain control over their bodies and practise physical skills, says Jennie Lindon The first three years of human life are impressive. If all goes well, our babies - who start as physically helpless newborns - are transformed month by month into people who support their own weight and start to move independently. Even the most cautious toddlers persevere, despite tumbles and tearful frustrations, to become active two- and nearly three-year-olds.

The first three years of human life are impressive. If all goes well, our babies - who start as physically helpless newborns - are transformed month by month into people who support their own weight and start to move independently. Even the most cautious toddlers persevere, despite tumbles and tearful frustrations, to become active two- and nearly three-year-olds.

* The baby who not so long ago needed her head supported with such care, becomes a physically adept two-year-old. She strides purposefully around the garden with her watering can, she stops to look at little creatures that catch her eye and can beckon others with a wave to come and see. She moves effortlessly from standing upright, to a secure bent-knees position and then back up again.

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