Physical Development Steps as Your Child Goes From Infant to Toddler
- tyler25395
- Sep 18
- 4 min read
Understanding your child’s physical development from tummy time to trampoline jumps.
Introduction
Every child develops at their own pace, but understanding general developmental steps can give you piece of mind and provide a timeline for the next step. At Therapy Redefined, we believe that early movement builds the foundation for lifelong skills like coordination, walking, running, and, ultimately, confidence in movement.
This guide walks you through the typical gross motor (big movement) Steps from birth to 5 years old, what to watch for, and when to seek help. This list is not an exact science so please use this as a guide for things to watch for and do not panic if your child is on a different timeline.
0 - 3 Months: Building the Foundation for Movement
Key Steps:
Lifts head during tummy time
Moves arms and legs freely
Brings hands to mouth
Turns head to sound
What’s Happening: Babies are beginning to build head and neck control. Tummy time is essential now. It strengthens the muscles that eventually help your baby roll, sit, and crawl.
Our Recommendations:
Start with short tummy time sessions multiple times a day. Your baby might not like tummy time but the long-term benefits are huge.
Use mirrors, black-and-white cards, or soft music to keep your baby engaged.
4 - 6 Months: Ready to Roll
Key Steps:
Rolls from tummy to back (and eventually back to tummy)
Pushes up on arms while on tummy
Sits with support
What’s Happening: Core strength is improving, and your baby is learning to coordinate both sides of their body. These skills lay the groundwork for crawling and independent sitting.
Our Recommendations:
Place toys just out of reach to encourage reaching and rolling.
Use a Boppy pillow or rolled towel for supported sitting practice.
7 - 9 Months: Movers and Explorers
Key Steps:
Sits independently
Begins crawling or scooting
Pulls to stand (late in this stage)
What’s Happening: Mobility begins! Your baby is learning how to get from one place to another and exploring the world in new ways.
Our Recommendations:
Let your child safely spend lots of time on the floor to encourage crawling.
10 - 12 Months: Getting Vertical
Key Steps:
Cruises along furniture
Stands with support (then independently)
Takes first steps (for some)
Climbs onto low furniture
What’s Happening: Balance and leg strength are developing rapidly. Walking is on the horizon!
Our Recommendations:
Encourage walking with push toys or holding hands.
Play on different surfaces (carpet, grass) to build balance.
12 - 18 Months: First Steps to Fast Walking
Key Steps:
Walks independently
Squats to pick up toys
What’s Happening: Your toddler is gaining confidence and coordination and likely never stops moving!
Our Recommendations:
Play movement games like “Follow the Leader.”
Give lots of opportunities to climb, crawl, and balance.
18 - 24 Months: Steady on Their Feet
Key Steps:
Running becomes more smooth and safe
Kicks and throws a ball
Begins to jump in place
Walks up/down stairs with hand held
What’s Happening: Coordination between arms and legs improves, and your child begins experimenting with more complex movements.
Our Recommendations:
Play ball games to improve coordination.
Create simple obstacle courses at home or outside.
2 - 3 Years: Confident and Climbing
Key Steps:
Jumps with both feet
Climbs furniture and playground equipment
Pedals a tricycle (around 3 years)
What’s Happening: Your toddler is becoming a preschooler and moving with much more control.
Our Recommendations:
Encourage pretend play that involves movement (e.g., animal walks, dancing).
Practice climbing stairs together safely.
3 - 4 Years: Refining Skills
Key Steps:
Hops on one foot
Balances briefly on one foot
Catches a large ball
Begins galloping or skipping motions
What’s Happening: Balance, coordination, and motor planning take center stage. Your child is developing both strength and precision.
Our Recommendations:
Games like hopscotch or Simon Says build motor planning and balance.
Let your child explore different terrains like sand, grass, mats, or snow if you have it.
4 - 5 Years: Ready for School
Key Steps:
Skips, hops, and balances with ease
Rides a scooter or bike with training wheels
Catches and throws with accuracy
Runs, jumps, and climbs confidently
What’s Happening: Your child is now mastering movement and refining coordination in preparation for school activities and sports.
Our Recommendations:
Incorporate movement into daily routines: walk to the park, dance while cleaning, etc.
Encourage both structured and unstructured play.
When to Seek Support
Every child develops on their own timeline, but delays in achieving multiple milestone or regression (losing skills previously gained) may be a sign to check in with your pediatrician or a pediatric physical therapist.
Early intervention makes a big difference in your child's coordination and confidence. Physical Therapy can help your child build the skills they need to thrive.
Final Thoughts From The Therapists Desk
Movement is more than just physical. It’s how children explore, learn, and connect with the world. By understanding what to expect and knowing when to seek help, you're giving your child the best possible start.
If you ever have questions or concerns, our team at Therapy Redefined is here to help your child build fine motor skills and give parents peace of mind as your child develops.
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