Pediatric Physical Therapy: Gross Motor Milestones

Gross motor milestones are crucial in the context of physical therapy as they serve as key indicators of a child's physical development and overall health. Achieving these milestones—such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walking—demonstrates the progression of muscle strength, coordination, and balance. Physical therapists use these benchmarks to assess a child's development and identify any delays or challenges. Early intervention can significantly enhance a child's physical capabilities and prevent future complications, making it essential for therapists to monitor and support the achievement of these milestones. Additionally, reaching gross motor milestones fosters confidence and independence in children, enabling them to explore their environment and engage in social interactions.

Milestones broken down into months:

2-3 months:

• Holds head on when in prone (on tummy)
• opens hands briefly

3-4 months:

• Maintains prone on elbows
• Rolls from back to side lying
• Brings both hands  to mouth
• Bats at toys with an arm

5-6 months:

• Pull to sit without a head lag
• Sits on propped arms
• Rolls from tummy to back
• Brings feet to mouth
• Pushes up to straight arms from tummy

6-7 months:

• Unsupported sitting
• Rolls from back to tummy
• Forward protective extension reflex in sitting
• Transitions from sitting to hands and knees

8-9 months:

• Cruises furniture
• Lateral protective extension in sitting
• Reciprocally crawls
• Pulls to stand on furniture
• Transfers toys from one hand to the other

10-12 months:

• Stands for short periods of time
• Walks with support
• Climbs up and down stairs on hands and knees

12-15 months:

• Independent steps (short distance)

15-18 months:

• Independent walking
• Squats to play and resumes standing
• Climbs on and off a couch or chair

18-24 months:

• Kicks a ball
• Stiff Running
• Walks up and down stairs with support (2 feet on each step)

2-2.5 years

• Jumps with both feet
• Walks up and down stairs without support (2 feet on each step)
• Walks backwards

3 years:

• Throws perpendicular to a target
• Rises up on tiptoes and maintains
• Emerging adult-like walking

4 years:

• Walks up and down stairs with no support and 1 foot on each step
• Tandem walk
• Ball skills catches a large ball

5 years:

• Skipping
• Balances on one leg
• Hops on one leg 8-10 times
• Mature throwing pattern

If you have concerns regarding your child's gross motor development, we encourage you to contact Express Yourself Therapy for a complimentary pediatric physical therapy screening. Our team of professionals is dedicated to assessing your child's progress and providing the necessary support to promote their physical development.