What are Gross Motor Milestones?

Your child’s ability to control movements and respond to his/her environment begins to develop even before birth. Each baby is unique and grows at his/her own rate. That is why there is a wide variety of “normal” in development. Although this is a gradual, individualised
process, most babies do go through a series of developmental milestones around certain ages.

The purpose of this checklist is to provide a reference to help guide you through your child’s development and what to expect at certain stages.

Birth-2 months

Raises head slightly off floor or bed when on stomach
Holds head up momentarily when supported
Alternates kicking legs when on back
Arm thrusts in play

3-5 months

Lifts head and chest when on stomach (props on forearm)
Head control improving
Some head-bobbing in supported sitting
Rolls from side to side
Rolls from stomach to back
Sits briefly with arm support
Random batting at objects
Hands to midline
Makes crawling movements

6-8 months

Reaches to objects on stomach
Pivots around when on stomach
Pulls self forward on stomach
Rolls from back to stomach
Sits alone briefly
Moves from sitting to lying on stomach
Stands with support
Assumes quadruped and rocks

9-11 months

Sits alone with trunk rotation
Pivots and scoots in sitting
Creeps or crawls
Pulls to stand
Cruises
Stands alone momentarily

12-15 months

Assumes tall kneeling
Walks on knees
Walks independently without support
Able to stand without support
Creeps up stairs
Able to start, stop and turn without falling while walking
Crawls up on chairs or other furniture
Runs

16-18 months

Walks up one step at a time with hand held or railing
Creeps down stairs
Walks with a heel-toe pattern seldom falls
Walks sideways and backward
Run stiffly
Stands on one foot with help
Kicks large ball forward after a demonstration
Manages riding toys
Good balance and coordination

19-24 months

Walks down one step at a time with rail or hand-holding
Squats in play and stands back up
Jumps in place
Kicks a stationary ball
Jumps off 12-inch box with 1 foot leading
Walks on balance beam with 1 foot on/ 1 foot off
Walks up and down stairs alone

24-29 months

Walks on balance beam with one hand held
Stands on balance beam alone
Walks up stairs one step at a time with no railing
Runs well
Briefly stands on one foot
Jumps from one step with feet together
Throws ball overhead
Climbs on play equipment-ladders, slides, etc.

2-3 years

Walks down stairs step by step without a railing
Balances on one foot 2-3 seconds
Jumps forward at least one foot
Walks on balance beam alone
Walks on tiptoe when asked

3-4 years

Walks on balance beam sideways
Catches a bounced ball
Rides a tricycle
Hops on one foot 2-5 times
Balances on one foot 2-5 seconds
Consecutive jumping
Walks up stairs step over step alon

4-5 years

Balances on one foot 4-8 seconds
Walks on balance beam in all directions
Walks down stairs step over step alone
Kicks a rolling ball
Catches large and small ball with an outstretched arm
Throw a small ball overhand

5-6 years

Balances on one foot 10 seconds
Skips
Rides a bike with or without training wheels
Begins to jump rope
Hops on one foot ten times
Catches bounced or thrown ball with hands
Walks on heals when asked
Swings on a swing, pumping by self

What Therapies for Kids can do

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s Gross Motor development we can provide:

Assessment of your child’s motor skills
Reassurance and further information on gross motor skills
Advice on promoting motor development
Referral to an appropriate medical practitioner if necessary

What you can do

You as parents and caregivers are the best at determining whether your child is having difficulties in their development. Trust your judgment! If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to bring them to the attention of your doctor, community nurse, or paediatric physiotherapist. Give your child multiple opportunities to practice motor skills.

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