At 6 Months, Most Babies Can

Chapter 7

Motor Skills

From 0 to 3 months

Gross motor development involves the larger, stronger muscle groups. In early child development, it’s the development of these muscles that enable it to hold its head up, sit, crawl and eventually walk, run, jump and skip.

At 6 months, most babies can :

· Holding their heads up when being held in a sitting position

· Rolls

· Pushing themselves up onto their arms when on belly

· Pivot body when on belly

· Sit momentarily when leaning on hands

From six to nine months:

he or she might enjoy standing.

Child will crawl under tables and behind chairs, so make sure those areas are safe and clean.

Can sit alone, give him or her toys.

Enjoy seeing his or her reflection and making music when banging on it.

At one year old, most babies can:

· Sit without support

· Crawl

· Pull up to a standing position without using chairs or other people, then stand

· Walk while holding something for support (a hand or toy)

· Imitate you as you roll a ball

· Crawl on hands and knees

· Pull to stand and cruise around furniture

· Walk with 2 hands held

· Stand for a few seconds

· Move into standing by lifting one leg

At 18 Months:

· Walk alone

· Walk downstairs holding rail, one step at a time

· Run in a hurried walk

· Walk into a large ball to kick

· Throw underhand in sitting

· Pull toy behind while walking

· Stand on one leg with help

At 24 months (2 years), most toddlers can:

· Walk alone

· Walk backwards

· Lean over to pick up something without falling

· Pull and push toys

· Sit down in a small chair

· Walk up and down stairs, holding your hand

· Dance to music

· Run fairly well

· Throw a ball into a box

· Kick a ball forward

· Walk downstairs with one hand held

· Squat in play and begin to jump in place

Between 24 – 36 Months

· Jump from the bottom step

· Jump a distance of about 8 inches

· Jump on a trampoline with 2 hands held

· Begin to stand on one foot

· Begin to ride a tricycle

· Catch a large ball

At 3 years old, most toddlers can:

· Run forward well

· Jump in place with two feet together

· Stand on one foot (with some support)

· Walk on tiptoe

· Kick a ball forward

· Walk on tiptoes and stand on one foot for up to 5 seconds

· Avoid obstacles in path

· Catch an 8 inch ball

· Climb and walk up stairs alternating feet