Gross Motor Skill Development Milestones in Children Aged 0-6

Gross Motor Milestones: 0-12 Months

During the first year of life, your baby’s physical journey is filled with rapid and exciting changes. From 1 to 3 months, they begin lifting their chest and head for about 10 seconds while lying on their tummy. By 4 months, they can roll from tummy to back, and by 5 months, they can roll from back to tummy and sit with support. At around 7 months, they can sit independently without support. Crawling on their tummy begins around 8 to 9 months, progressing to crawling on hands and knees by 9 to 10 months. Around 10 months, babies can stand with support and take cruise steps while holding onto furniture, paving the way for independent steps between 10 and 15 months.

Gross Motor Milestones: 1-2 Years

As toddlers find their footing, their gross motor skills expand beautifully. Between 14 and 15 months, they can crawl up stairs, and they can crawl down by 15 to 16 months. Around this time, they also start walking up stairs with the help of one hand. By 18 months, your toddler can walk backward, and by 18 to 20 months, they can descend stairs with one-hand support. Running, picking up a toy from the floor without falling, jumping forward and upward, and kicking a ball typically emerge between 18 and 24 months. By 23 to 24 months, they can confidently climb stairs without support.

Gross Motor Milestones: 2-3 Years

During the third year, children become much more confident movers. Between 24 and 25 months, they can walk down stairs unsupported. By 25 to 30 months, they can throw a ball up to 2 meters away. From 31 to 36 months, they can walk up stairs alternating feet without support, balance on one foot for up to 3 seconds, play catch from up to 5 meters away, and ride a tricycle. Between 32 and 36 months, they can jump forward with both feet and clear low obstacles around 5 cm high.

Gross Motor Milestones: 3-6 Years

Preschoolers develop impressive balance and coordination. Between 49 and 60 months, they can jump forward about 1 meter with both feet. By 55 to 60 months, children can balance on one foot for up to 10 seconds and hop consecutively 5 times. From 61 to 72 months, they learn to jump rope, jump over obstacles 10 cm high, and refine their running and leaping skills.

Developmental Warning Signs to Watch For

While every child develops at their own unique pace, keeping an eye on certain milestone windows can help ensure they are on the right track. If you observe any of the following signs, it is a good idea to consult your pediatrician.

At 6 Months: Inability to lift the head or chest while lying on the tummy; inability to roll over in either direction; or inability to sit unsupported for at least 60 seconds.

At 12 Months: Inability to crawl; inability to stand while holding onto furniture; or inability to stand even with parental assistance.

At 18 Months: Inability to stand unsupported; or inability to walk independently without support.

At 2 Years: Inability to crawl up or down stairs; inability to climb stairs even when holding a hand or using the wall; or inability to throw a ball.

At 3 to 5 Years: Inability to hop on one foot; inability to jump upward or forward with both feet; inability to catch a ball using only their hands; inability to ride a tricycle; or inability to balance on one foot for a brief moment.

If you notice that your child is not meeting these age-appropriate gross motor milestones, it is always a good idea to consult your pediatrician. Discover simple, playful activities to support your child’s gross motor development throughout our guide.