Gross Motor Milestones

What are gross motor milestones?

  • Milestones are a set of age-specific tasks that most children can do at a particular age.
  • Gross motor milestones include using large muscles to perform functional tasks like sitting, standing, walking, running, and balancing.

How do I know if my child has delayed gross motor milestones?

  • This list is a guide.  If your child is not meeting these milestones at the appropriate age, please follow up as quickly as possible with your physician.
  • The earlier therapy is started, the more beneficial it can be to prevent further delays.

The First Year

Children 3

0-2 Months

  • When lying on belly, turns head to both sides.
  • Kicks both legs alternating.
  • When lying on belly, lifts head to 45 degrees.

3-5 Months

  • When lying on belly, lifts head to90 degrees.
  • When lying on belly, pushes up with both arms.
  • When pulled to sit, doesn’t let head flop back.
  • Rolls from belly to back.

6-8 Months

  • When on belly, pushes up onto hands and knees.
  • When on belly, reaches for toys.
  • Sits without help for 30 seconds.
  • Rolls from back to belly.
  • On belly, starts scooting to get around.
  • Transitions from lying on back to sitting and onto hands and knees.

9-11 Months

  • When supported in standing, takes one step.
  • Crawls
  • Pulls to standing using furniture.
  • Lowers self from standing to the floor.
  • Cruises while holding onto furniture.
  •  Walks with one hand held.
  • Stands alone.

The Second Year

12-15 months

  • Walks by him/herself.
  • Crawls up stairs.
  • Throws a ball in standing.
  • Walks well (stops, starts, turns).
  • Walks backward.
  • When playing, squats down to pick up a toy then returns to standing without holding onto something.

16-19 Months

  • Starts running.
  • Walks sideways.
  • Walks up stairs with one hand held.
  • Climbs into adult sized chair.
  • Stands on one foot with help.

20-23 Months

  • Walks down stairs with one hand held.
  • Jumps in place.

24-27 Months

  • Goes up and down stairs alone with both feet on each step.
  • Stands on a balance beam with both feet and attempts to step.
  • Kicks ball.
  • Jumps from the bottom step.

28-31 Months

  • Walks on tiptoes.
  • Throws ball 5 to 7 feet.
  • Takes a few steps on balance beam.
  • Stands up from the ground through a half kneeling position.

32-35 Months

  • Rides tricycle using pedals.
  • Walks up stairs with only one foot on each step.
  • Stands on one foot.

3-3 ½  years

Childern 4

  • Runs and is able to turn sharp corners without losing balance.
  • Jumps forward 3 times on both feet.
  • Climbs on playground equipment.

3 ½-4 years

  • Walks down stairs with one foot on each step using handrail.
  • Jumps from a 12” height with feet together.
  • Hops on one foot 3 times in a row.

4-4 ½ years

  • Stands on one foot for 6 seconds.
  • Walks on balance beam.
  • Walks in a circle 3 times fast without falling.
  • Walks up and down stairs without rail with only one foot on each step.
  • Runs smoothly at varying speeds.
  • Jumps forward 8-10 inches.
  • Kicks and catches a large ball.
  • Rides a tricycle expertly.

4 ½-5 years

  • Stands with heel of one foot touching the toe of the other foot for 10 seconds.
  • Jumps backward 6 times.
  • Slides down a slide and swings self on a swing.

5-5 ½ years

  • Walks on balance beam forward, backward, and sideward.
  • Runs 35 yards in 10 seconds.
  • Hops 15 yards in 10 seconds.
  • Catches a bounced tennis ball.
  • Skips or gallops.
  • Uses skates and a scooter well.

5 ½ -6 years

  • Catches bean bag with one hand.
  • Throws with accuracy.
  • Kicks a rolling ball.
  • Rides a bicycle with or without training wheels.