What does the "cephalocaudal" principle in motor development indicate?

The "cephalocaudal" principle in motor development means that growth and motor skills develop starting from the head and progressing downward toward the feet. This principle reflects the typical sequence in which infants gain control of their bodies as they mature. Initially, infants are able to control their head movements before gaining control over their upper bodies, and finally their lower bodies.

For instance, a young infant can typically lift their head before they can sit up or crawl. This pattern shows how motor skills develop in a head-to-toe sequence. Consequently, this principle emphasizes the importance of the head as a central point of growth from which other motor skills follow, establishing a foundational understanding of motor development in children.