While every child is unique and develops at a different rate through the stages of life, there are key milestones that can determine if your child is progressing in their physical, mental and emotional development. Here are common physical milestones your child should be progressing through:
By 3 months does my child:
- When on back, attempt to reach for rattle held above chest
- When on back, bring hands together
- When on back, keep head at midline to watch faces and toys
- When on tummy, lift and hold head up
- When on tummy, push up on arms
By 6 months does my child:
- Reach for nearby toy while on tummy
- Reach with both hands to play with feet while on back
- Use hands to support self in sitting
- Roll from back to tummy
- Accept weight with legs when standing with support
By 9 months does my child:
- Roll front to back to front
- In prone, elevate head/tummy and weight bear on palms
- Creep short distances on hands and knees, alternating arms and legs
- Sit unsupported
- Maintain sitting balance while reaching for toy
- Reach for objects but sometimes miss
- Break his fall forward or to the side in sitting by extending arm and supporting self on palms
- Imitate others in simple play
By 12 months does my child:
- Raise from tummy to sitting to reach a toy
- Pull to standing
- Cruise along furniture
- Stand alone and take independent steps
- Extend arms and head forward to recover balance
- Lower from standing to sitting without falling
- Easily place extremities during dressing
By 18 months does my child:
- Squat to pick up a toy
- Walk independently and seldom fall
- Run independently and frequently fall
- Walk up/down stairs with hand held
- Throw a ball
- Remove some clothing
By 2 years does my child:
- Jump forward without falling
- Jump down 1 step without assistance
- Kick a ball forward
- Throw a ball at least 3 feet forward
- Run forward 10 feet without falling
- Ride a tricycle/other riding toy
- Walk up/down stairs without help
- Walk backward several steps or more
By 3 years does my child:
- Stand on one foot for 3 seconds
- Jump down from 18 inches without assist
- Walk upstairs, alternating feet, without support
- Catch a ball with arms extended
By 4 years does my child:
- Stand on 1 foot for 10 seconds or more
- Walk on a straight line
- Hop forward on 1 foot then the other
- Walk down stairs, alternating feet, without support
- Gallop
- Run and stop without falling
- Toss a ball and hit a target from 5 feet
By 5-6 years does/can my child:
- Throw, bounce, catch a tennis ball
- Stand on 1 foot for 15 seconds
- Skip short distances
- Ride a 2-wheel bike with training wheels
- Run easily without stumbling
- Play organized games with rules
By 7-8 years does my child:
- Hit a pitched ball
- Stand on 1 foot for 20 seconds or more
- Skip smoothly for longer distances
- Hop 20 feet
- Jump rope
- Ride a bike, no training wheels
