All parents know that every child is unique, from the way they interact with the world, to their pace of development. It’s normal for some children to reach developmental stages slightly later than their peers. If you suspect your child may be struggling with gross motor skills or mobility issues, however, measuring their developmental milestones can help you address issues with paediatric physical therapy as part of an early intervention programme. Doing so may also improve their play skills and sensory development.
Key Milestone Stages
Remember when your baby first crawled on their belly or when they managed to sit up with your support? As your baby learns how to control their body, they will map a journey of their own gross motor development milestones. Read on for a timeline of major developmental stages that the average child typically reaches from birth to 5 years of age.
Birth to 3 Months
- Lifts and turns head when on tummy
- Turns head to respond to sounds or visual stimuli
- Begins bringing hands to mouth and moving arms and legs with more purpose
- Able to stretch and kick their legs while on their back
3 to 6 Months
- Reaches and swipes for objects
- Plays with hands and feet
- Rolls over from tummy to back and holds head upright
- Begins pushing up on arms and is able to bear some weight on legs
6 to 12 Months
- Sits without support and crawls or creeps
- Pulls to stand and walks with assistance or along furniture
- Transfers objects between hands and explores surroundings actively
- Able to pick things up with forefinger and thumb
12 to 24 Months
- Walks independently and begins climbing stairs with support
- Squats to pick up toys, stacks objects, and imitates simple actions
- Starts to run and push or pull toys while walking
- Able to pull apart small objects, such as pop beads
2 to 3 Years
- Runs and walks on tiptoes
- Climbs on and off furniture
- Able to pick up toys from the ground without losing their balance
- Ride a tricycle
- Jump with both legs
4 to 5 Years
- Balance while standing on one foot
- Catch a ball that’s thrown to them
- Walk a line backwards
- Hang from monkey bars
- Jump on one leg
When to Consider Physical Therapy
Children who consistently miss milestones may have poor muscle development, which can affect their movement. Your child’s movements may appear stiff, or they may appear to struggle to support their own weight without assistance. A professional evaluation may be able to determine if they need targeted support, such as physical therapy for kids. Identifying and addressing any issues early on may help your child reach their full potential. Getting help earlier rather than later may also prevent your child from having to unlearn bad habits.
Have concerns that your child may be having trouble reaching their developmental milestones? From initial evaluation to goal setting, we will work closely with you to create a personalised early intervention programme that’s right for your child.
Reach out to us now to find out more about our programmes, or schedule an appointment.