Gross Motor Milestones in Infants and Toddlers: A Guide for Parents
Gross Motor Milestones: Understanding Your Child’s Development Journey
As a parent, watching your child grow and master new skills is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. From the first time they lift their head to those initial, wobbly steps, each achievement represents a critical moment in their development. Among these milestones, gross motor skills play a particularly vital role in helping children navigate their world.
This blog will dive into the progression of gross motor milestones, offering insights into what to expect at different stages of your child’s early years. Additionally, you’ll discover actionable tips to support your child’s motor development and guidance on when professional intervention may be beneficial.
What Are Gross Motor Skills?
Gross motor skills involve the use of large muscle groups for activities such as crawling, standing, walking, and running. These skills are fundamental for physical development, providing the strength, balance, and coordination necessary for everyday movements. Understanding how these milestones develop over time will empower you to support your child through each stage. By fostering their physical growth, you’re also nurturing their cognitive and emotional development.
The Natural Progression of Gross Motor Milestones
One fascinating aspect of motor development is how it follows a top-down, or "cephalocaudal," progression. This means that control begins with the head and gradually moves downward through the body to the arms, torso, and legs.
For example, a baby typically starts by gaining head control, progresses to sitting up, and eventually learns to crawl and walk. This systematic development ensures each body part is prepared to support the next stage. Understanding this sequence can provide clarity and patience as you watch your child grow.
Key Gross Motor Milestones for Infants and Toddlers (Newborns to 18 Months)
*** These are basic, common motor milestones and is by no means a complete, exhaustive list of all motor milestones seen in infant and toddler development.
Newborn to 2 Months: Laying the Foundation
In the early months of life, babies start laying the groundwork for gross motor skills. You might notice your newborn's movements seem random at first, but these are the beginning of their muscle control and coordination. Here's what to look for:
Head Control: Initially, newborns experience "head lag," where their head falls back when pulled to a sitting position. By around 2 months, they begin lifting their heads briefly during tummy time, signaling early neck strength.
Kicking and Arm Movements: Babies frequently kick their legs and move their arms while lying on their backs, which helps strengthen their muscles for future movement.
3 to 4 Months: Strengthening and Early Mobility
As babies move into their third and fourth months, their strength and control improve significantly.
Pushing Up: During tummy time, babies start pushing up on their forearms, allowing them to lift their heads higher and observe their surroundings.
Rolling Over: Babies often achieve their first significant movement—rolling from their tummy to their back. This milestone requires a mix of strength and coordination.
5 to 8 Months: Developing Independence
As babies approach the half-year mark, they become more active and begin mastering new gross motor milestones.
Sitting Independently: By around 6 months, many babies can sit without support, a critical skill that frees their hands for exploration.
Crawling: Crawling typically begins between 6 and 8 months. This milestone improves coordination and spatial awareness, forming the basis for future movements like walking.
Reaching and Pivoting: Babies often start reaching for toys and pivoting on their bellies to explore their environment.
9 to 12 Months: Preparing to Walk
The closer babies get to their first birthday, the more mobility they gain. This stage is all about preparing for walking.
Pulling to Stand: Around 9 months, babies begin pulling themselves up using furniture. This activity strengthens their legs and builds balance.
Cruising: After pulling to stand, many babies "cruise" by holding onto furniture and walking along its edge.
Standing Independently: By 12 months, some babies can stand briefly without support, a major step toward independent walking.
13 to 18 Months: Walking and Beyond
Entering the toddler stage, children typically reach some significant gross motor milestones.
Walking Independently: Most children take their first unaided steps between 13 and 14 months, though some may start earlier or later.
Climbing and Kicking: Toddlers begin climbing stairs (often on all fours) and experimenting with kicking balls, activities that enhance coordination and leg strength.
Squatting and Standing: By 18 months, toddlers can typically squat to pick up objects and return to standing without assistance.
Addressing Delays in Gross Motor Development
Every child progresses at their own speed, so it's entirely normal for there to be some variation in when gross motor milestones are achieved. However, if your child seems to be falling behind compared to their peers or you're worried about their gross motor skill development, it’s important to seek professional guidance. Consulting a paediatrician can help identify any underlying issues affecting your child’s development. They can also recommend tailored interventions or treatment plans to support your child’s needs.
Dynamic Movement Intervention: A Treatment Option
For children facing challenges with gross motor development, Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is a highly effective therapy. This innovative approach is specifically designed to aid children with physical, neurological, genetic, or developmental conditions by focusing on structured exercises that target specific motor patterns. DMI helps children strengthen their foundational movement skills and improve their overall motor control.
What is Dynamic Movement Intervention?
Dynamic Movement Intervention is a specialized therapeutic method that enhances motor skills by engaging children in carefully designed exercises. These exercises stimulate neuroplasticity, the brain's capacity to adapt and form new neural connections. This is especially beneficial for young children whose brains are still developing. Regardless of the extent of a child’s neurological challenges or cognitive abilities, DMI has shown remarkable results in improving motor functions and helping children achieve their developmental milestones.
How DMI Supports Gross Motor Development?
The therapy involves guiding children through activities that actively challenge and refine their gross motor abilities. These exercises may include movements that foster head control, crawling, sitting, standing, and walking. Unlike passive therapies, DMI encourages children to engage actively in these activities, fostering better neural and muscular integration. By promoting sensory processing and motor planning, DMI enhances key abilities like balance, coordination, stability, and strength, all of which contribute to greater independence in movement.
When to Consider DMI
If you suspect that your child is experiencing delays in their gross motor milestones or if they have a diagnosed condition that impacts movement, DMI could be a beneficial option. Early intervention is critical in addressing developmental delays, and beginning a therapy like DMI as soon as possible can lead to significant improvements. To determine if DMI is right for your child, consult with a healthcare professional trained in this therapy (our therapists at Alignments Kids are!) For more details, visit our Dynamic Movement Intervention page!
Encouraging Gross Motor Development: Tips for Parents
Supporting your child’s growth doesn’t require special equipment or expertise—simple, everyday activities can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help your child reach their gross motor milestones:
Prioritise Tummy Time:
Tummy time helps build neck, shoulder, and core strength, all of which are essential for early milestones like rolling and crawling. Start with short sessions and increase the duration as your baby grows stronger.Create a Safe Exploration Zone:
Provide a secure, child-proofed space where your baby can explore freely. Soft mats or carpets can cushion falls and make it easier for your child to practice crawling or walking.Incorporate Active Play:
Engage in activities that encourage movement, such as rolling a ball, using push toys, or creating mini obstacle courses. Active play not only supports gross motor development but also strengthens your bond with your child.Encourage Reaching and Grasping:
Place toys just out of reach to motivate your baby to stretch, pivot, or crawl toward them. These small movements build coordination and strength.Be Patient and Celebrate Milestones:
Remember, every child develops at their own pace. Celebrate each achievement, no matter how small, and provide positive reinforcement to boost their confidence.
Final Thoughts
Watching your child grow and achieve gross motor milestones is one of the most rewarding aspects of parenting. Gross motor milestones also serve as a crucial markers of your child’s physical development, offering a glimpse into their growing strength, coordination, and independence. By understanding these milestones and providing opportunities for active play and exploration, you can play an active role in their journey.
Remember, every child develops at their own pace, so celebrate their progress and enjoy the unique milestones that make their growth journey special. And if you have concerns, don’t hesitate to seek professional support to ensure your child has the best foundation for success.
By Scott Howard (Clinical Exercise Physiologist) │ 03/01/2025 │ Alignment Kids
