Smart jumpsuit generates infant motor growth charts

Researchers at the University of Helsinki and HUS Helsinki University Hospital have published the first normative growth charts for infants’ gross motor development based on data collected in the children’s own homes. The study tracked 92 typically developing infants aged 4 to 19 months who wore the MAIJU smart jumpsuit while engaging in free play. The wearable device recorded 580 distinct measurements and amassed 1,227 hours of activity data, capturing a wide spectrum of movements from lying on the floor to walking smoothly.

The resulting charts provide a detailed, age‑specific benchmark for key motor milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. By leveraging continuous, unobtrusive monitoring in a natural environment, the researchers were able to map the variability in developmental trajectories with greater precision than traditional clinic‑based assessments. The data set also offers insights into the timing and progression of motor skills, which can inform early screening and intervention strategies.

These home‑based growth charts represent a significant step toward more accurate, real‑world monitoring of infant development. The findings could help clinicians and parents identify atypical motor patterns earlier and tailor support to individual developmental needs.