Watching your little one grow and hit those key developmental milestones is an exciting part of parenting. From rolling over to those first wobbly steps, each new skill offers valuable insight into their developing strength, coordination, and mobility. Here's the thing- it’s not just when they reach these milestones that matters. How they achieve them can tell us even more about their motor development.
Physical Milestone Timeline
You might be wondering, “Is my child on track?”
Don’t worry - every child develops at their own pace. Here’s a general guide to when you might start seeing these new skills:
Independently able to hold their head without support: 2-4 months
Rolling over: around 4-6 months
Sitting with support from hands: around 4-6 months
Sitting up independently: around 6-9 months
Transition from lying to sitting independently: around 7-9 months
Crawling: typically between 8-12 months
Pull to Stand and Cruising: using furniture to walk, around 10-12 months
Walking: anytime from 10 - 18 months
Climbing (eg. stairs and furniture): 18-24 months
Jumping: 2-3 years
Single Leg Balance (20-30 seconds): 5-6 years
Hopping: 5-6 years
Remember, every child is on their own unique adventure! Repetition and exposure are key to skill development. These are just guidelines, so don’t panic if they take more time.
The Quality of Milestones Matters Too
Here’s something you might not have thought about: When your child reaches a milestone, how are they moving? The quality of their movement can give us a fuller picture of their development.
For example:
When they’re sitting: Are they holding their head and body steady? Can they reach for toys while staying balanced, or do they slump and wobble?
When crawling: Are they alternating arms and legs in a coordinated pattern, or do they drag a leg or collapse onto their hands? Do they favour one side of their body?
When pulling to stand: Do they use both arms and legs equally, or are they relying more on their arms? Are their legs stiff, or are their toes pointed?
When walking: Are they steady on their feet, or are they tiptoeing, dragging their feet, or turning their feet inward or outward? Are they limping, or walking unevenly?
These small details can sometimes signal things like muscle weakness or balance or coordination issues. The good news is that catching these signs early allows us to step in with helpful interventions to keep your child progressing.
What If Your Child's Milestones Are Delayed?
If your child takes longer to reach a particular milestone, there’s no need to worry. As mentioned, every child develops at their own pace, and sometimes, they need a little extra time to master a new skill. However, it's always okay to ask for help if something doesn't feel right.
You’re not alone! If you have concerns, contact us at COMO Therapy, your GP, or your local MACH Clinic (Maternal and Child Health Services Clinic). We’re here to offer support, reassurance, and guidance and to help you navigate your child’s developmental journey.