Milestones are incredibly important. They are set in place to help you, as a parent, know how your child is growing and progressing as well as identify if there are any disorders that your child may have. Even if no other symptoms are present, missing a movement milestone can be the first sign that something underlying is happening.
Overall, these milestones are in place to see how your child is developing to have an independent, high quality life.
Motor skills have a strong relationship with your child’s cognitive, speech, and sensory skills. For example, if your child is three and not able to walk on their own yet, that does have long-term implications. They may have difficulty reading, writing, learning, and performing day-to-day functions.
Milestones
1-2 Months
- Holds head up during tummy time
- Moves both arms and legs
- Opens hands briefly
3-4 Months
- Holds head steady without support when seated
- Swings arms at and holds toys
- Pushes up onto elbows/forearms during tummy time
5-6 Months
- Rolls from tummy to back
- Pushes up during tummy time
- Leans on hands for support while sitting
7-8 Months
- Rolls from back to tummy
- Gets to hands/knees position and rocks
- Stands with support
9-10 Months
- Gets into sitting and stays without support
- Transfers items from hand to hand
- Creeps and crawls
11-12 Months
- Pulls self to stand
- Walks holding on to walls or furniture
- Picks up smaller items with thumb and pointer finger
18 Months
- Walks without assistance
- Climbs on and off furniture without help
2 Years
- Kicks a stationary ball
- Runs
- Alternating feet up and down stairs
3 Years
- Walks on balance beam for at least 10 feet
- Jumps over obstacles 12 inches tall
4 Years
- Catches a large ball
- Rides a tricycle
- Rides and stops without falling
5 Years
- Hops on one foot
- Able to button up clothing
- Kicks a rolling ball
6 Years
- Able to skip on alternate feet
- Plays hopscotch or jump rope
- Pumps self on swing
How do I know if my child is struggling with development milestones? Learn about signs of developmental delays in “Delayed Milestones – When Should You Be Concerned” on the Spooner Blog.
Going to a Pediatric Physical Therapist for Your Child
A Spooner pediatric physical therapist will do a full assessment to see how your child is moving functionally. Oftentimes, because parents are with their child at all times, they might not notice little details. For example, a parent might not notice that their child has a side preference with rolling onto their back or moving up the stairs.
We are able to determine how their muscle tone is, how symmetrical their movements are, and if there are any concerns that might need to be referred to another specialist.
Once we are treating your child, we can help get them stronger and create that symmetry and independence that’s age-level appropriate. That way, in the long run, they can move, think, learn, and feel their best.
Your child’s milestones are vital indicators of their growth and well-being. Missing these milestones could signal underlying issues that need attention. Schedule an appointment today with a Spooner pediatric therapist today.