Gross Motor Milestones: When Will My Child Run, Jump, and Climb?

What Are Gross Motor Skills?

Gross motor skills use the large muscles of the body — legs, arms, torso — for movements like sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping, and climbing. These skills develop in a predictable sequence, with each skill building on the previous one.

While every child develops at their own pace, understanding typical timelines helps parents recognize progress and identify potential delays that may benefit from early support.

Gross Motor Milestones by Age

0–3 Months

• Lifts head briefly during tummy time

• Pushes up on forearms while on stomach

• Moves arms and legs actively

• Holds head steady when held upright

4–6 Months

• Rolls from tummy to back (around 4 months)

• Rolls from back to tummy (around 5–6 months)

• Sits with support, then briefly without support

• Bears weight on legs when held standing

• Pushes up on extended arms during tummy time

7–9 Months

• Sits independently without support

• Gets into sitting position from lying down

• Begins crawling (belly crawling, then hands-and-knees)

• Pulls to standing using furniture

• Stands holding furniture (cruising)

10–12 Months

• Cruises along furniture

• Stands independently for a few seconds

• Takes first independent steps (9–15 months is typical range)

• Crawls up stairs

• Squats down to pick up objects and stands back up

12–18 Months

• Walks independently (most children by 14–15 months)

• Walks while carrying objects

• Begins walking backwards

• Climbs onto low furniture

• Walks up stairs with hand held

18–24 Months

• Runs (stiff-legged at first)

• Kicks a ball forward

• Walks up and down stairs with support (two feet per step)

• Jumps in place with both feet leaving the ground

• Throws a ball overhand

• Begins climbing playground structures

2–3 Years

• Runs smoothly and changes direction

• Jumps forward

• Walks up stairs alternating feet (one foot per step)

• Rides a tricycle

• Stands on one foot briefly (1–2 seconds)

• Catches a large ball with arms extended

• Kicks a ball with accuracy

3–4 Years

• Hops on one foot (3–5 hops)

• Gallops

• Walks along a balance beam

• Throws and catches a ball more accurately

• Climbs ladders and playground equipment confidently

• Pedals and steers a tricycle well

• Runs and stops with control

4–5 Years

• Skips

• Hops on one foot 10+ times

• Stands on one foot for 5+ seconds

• Catches a bounced ball

• Somersaults

• Walks down stairs alternating feet without holding rail

• Begins learning to swim, ride a bike with training wheels

Activities to Support Gross Motor Development

For Babies (0–12 Months)

• Supervised tummy time (multiple times daily)

• Reaching for toys while on back and tummy

• Supported sitting with cushions

• Cruising along stable furniture

• Push toys to encourage early walking

For Toddlers (1–3 Years)

• Walking on different surfaces (grass, sand, hills)

• Climbing playground equipment (with supervision)

• Ball play (kicking, throwing, rolling)

• Dancing and musical movement

• Obstacle courses (cushions to climb over, tunnels to crawl through)

• Pushing and pulling toys/wagons

For Preschoolers (3–5 Years)

• Balance activities (walking on lines, balance beams, curbs)

• Jumping games (hopscotch, jumping over objects)

• Riding tricycles and balance bikes

• Swimming

• Organized sports (soccer, gymnastics)

• Playground exploration (monkey bars, climbing walls)

Red Flags for Gross Motor Delays

Consult your pediatrician or a physical therapist if your child:

• Is not sitting independently by 9 months

• Is not pulling to stand by 12 months

• Is not walking independently by 18 months

• Has a significant difference between left and right sides

• Consistently walks on toes after age 2

• Falls much more frequently than peers

• Cannot run by age 2.5

• Cannot jump with both feet by age 3

• Avoids physical activities that peers enjoy

• Seems much less coordinated than same-age children

How Nurtoora Helps

Nurtoora tracks motor skill milestones across age-appropriate developmental checklists. Log physical activities, track when milestones are achieved, and generate reports showing your child's motor development progress for pediatric visits.