As parents, we all want to know that our kids are developing in a healthy way. Unfortunately, these milestones can be filled with as much anxiety as excitement if we’re not sure our kiddo is reaching them in the right time. The truth is, there is a lot that goes into developmental milestones and therefore we're left wondering, is my kiddo on the right path?
The timelines for milestones are broad averages.
Kids reach milestones at different ages. Even though we've all heard this, it can be tough wondering if our kiddo will ever roll, walk, etc when our neighbor starting walking at 8 months. It doesn't change the fact, however, that achieving a milestone on the later side of the average or even late, doesn’t necessarily mean there is an issue. Having a skilled physical or occupation therapy assessment can help determine if there are underlying issues related to delayed motor skills.
Milestones develop along multiple neurological pathways
Kids need to develop and mature among different systems for milestones to be achieved. Vision, vestibular, neuromuscular (gross and fine motor) systems are just a few that are needed for a child to achieve their milestones. Factors that contribute to the maturity of these systems include genetics, time spent practicing and exposure. Determining if one system in particular is causing functional delays is key to helping your kiddo.
Kids go at their own pace
Influenced by personality as much as environment, some kids are more or less inclined to want to move. This is where noting developmental progress over perfection is important. Understanding how your kid operates is fundamental in setting up a program for your child to be successful.
It’s my goal to help kids reach their potential by empowering parents with the specific tools to help their children. Below are general guidelines used for motor development, by the CDC.
Birth-2 months
Raises head slightly off floor or bed when on stomach
Holds head up momentarily when supported
Alternates kicking legs when on back
3-5 months
Lifts head and chest when on stomach (props on forearm)
Head control improving
Some head bobbing in supported sitting
Rolls from side to side
Rolls from stomach to back
Random batting at objects
Hands to midline
6-8 months
Reaches to objects on stomach
Pivots around when on stomach
Pulls self forward on stomach
Rolls from back to stomach
Sits alone briefly
Moves from sitting to lying on stomach
Stands with support
Assumes quadruped and rocks
9-11 months
Sits alone with trunk rotation
Pivots and scoots in sitting
Creeps or crawls
Pulls to stand
Cruises
Stands alone momentarily
12-15 months
Assumes tall kneeling
Walks on knees
Walks independently without support
Able to stand without support
Creeps up stairs
Able to start, stop and turn without falling while walking
Crawls up on chairs or other furniture
Runs
16-18 months
Walks up one step at a time with hand held or railing
Creeps down stairs
Walks with heel-toe pattern, seldom falls
Walks sideways and backwards
Run stiffly
Stands on one foot with help
Kicks large ball forward after demonstration
Manages riding toys
Good balance and coordination
19-24 months
Walks down one step at a time with rail or hand holding
Squats in play and stands back up
Jumps in place
Kicks a stationary ball
Jumps off 12 inch box with 1 foot leading
Walks on balance beam with 1 foot on/ 1 foot off
Walks up and down stairs alone
24-29 months
Walks on balance beam with one hand held
Stands on balance beam alone
Walks up stairs one step at a time with no railing
Runs well
Briefly stands on one foot
Jumps from one step with feet together
Throws ball overhead
Climbs on play equipment-ladders, slides, etc.
2-3 years
Walks down stairs step by step without railing
Balances on one foot 2-3 seconds
Jumps forward at least one foot
Walks on balance beam alone
Walks on tip toe when asked
3-4 years
Walks on balance beam sideways
Catches a bounced ball
Rides a tricycle
Hops on one foot 2-5 times
Balances on one foot 2-5 seconds
Consecutive jumping
Walks up stairs step over step alone
4-5 years
Balances on one foot 4-8 seconds
Walks on balance beam in all directions
Walks down stairs step over step alone
Kicks a rolling ball
Catches large and small ball with outstretched arm
Throw a small ball overhand
5-6 years
Balances on one foot 10 seconds
Skips
Rides a bike with or without training wheels
Begins to jump rope
Hops on one foot ten times
Catches bounced or thrown ball with hands
Walks on heals when asked
Swings on swing, pumping by self