The first five years of life are a period of incredible growth in all areas of a child's development. Motor development, also called physical development, means how young children move their bodies and hands. Learn more about motor development and when babies roll over, sit, crawl, stand and walk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently launched Physical Developmental Delays: What to Look For, an interactive online tool, for parents of children ages 5 and under to use when they are concerned about their child’s motor development.
The tool lists physical activities by the age at which they are typically performed. If you are concerned that your child has not achieved a certain milestone or if there have been setbacks, you can click on boxes included next to activity descriptions. This creates a list – with space for notes – that can be taken to the next pediatrician appointment.
Newborn
Turns head easily from side to side. When lying on back, moves head one way and then another.
Comforts self by bringing hands to face to suck on fingers or fist.
Keeps hands mostly closed and fisted.
Blinks at bright lights.
1 Month
Raises head slightly off floor when lying on stomach.
Holds head up momentarily when supported.
Keeps hands in closed fists.
Comforts self by sucking on fist or fingers.
2 Months
Holds head up and begins to push up with arms when lying on stomach.
Makes smoother movements with arms and legs.
Moves both arms and both legs equally well.
Brings hands to mouth.
3 Months
Lifts head and chest when lying on stomach.
Moves arms and legs easily and vigorously.
Shows improved head control.
4 Months
Holds head steady without support.
Grabs and shakes toys, brings hands to mouth.
Pushes down on legs when feet are placed on a hard surface.
Pushes up to elbows when lying on stomach.
Rocks from side to side and may roll over from tummy to back.
6 Months
Rolls over in both directions.
Begins to sit with a little help.
Supports weight on both legs when standing, and might bounce.
Rocks back and forth on hands and knees, may crawl backward before moving forward.
9 Months
Gets in and out of sitting position, and sits well without support.
Creeps or crawls.
Pulls to stand and stands, holding on.
Begins to take steps while holding on to furniture (cruising).
12 Months
Pulls to stand and walks holding on to furniture.
Gets into sitting position without help.
Begins to stand alone.
Begins to take steps alone.
18 Months
Walks alone, and begins to run and walk up steps.
Walks backward pulling toy.
Feeds self with spoon and drinks with cup.
Helps dress and undress self.
2 Years
Kicks a ball forward.
Throws a ball overhand.
Walks up and down stairs holding on.
Stands on tiptoes.
Begins to run.
Climbs on and off furniture without help.
Puts simple puzzles together.
3 Years
Climbs and runs well.
Walks up and down stairs, with one foot on each step.
Jumps with both feet, and may hop on one foot.
Pedals tricycle or three-wheel bike.
4 Years
Catches a bounced ball most of the time.
Hops and stands on one foot for a few seconds.
Pours beverages, cuts with supervision and mashes own food.
5 Years
Hops and may be able to skip.
Does somersaults.
Uses a fork and spoon, and sometimes a table knife.
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