Baby Development Chart Round Two – Developmental Milestones Chart
Congratulations! You’ve made it through the first year and now your baby is becoming a toddler. Now the real fun (and sweating!) begins as you begin to chase your little one around the house. This time is really exciting but can also be a bit scary as new developments also bring new safety concerns. For example, I found my 12 month old half way up the stairs this morning (note to self – need gates at the bottom of the stairs too – not just the top)! Allow your child to explore and test their limits but always under supervision.
Here’s what you can look forward to in toddlerhood and early childhood:
| AGE | MILESTONE |
|---|---|
| 12-18 months | Able to assume high kneeling |
| Able to stand without support | |
| Crawls up stairs or walks up one step at a time with support | |
| Walks with wide base of support | |
| May begin to run/walk fast | |
| Ball skills emerging – may push/roll/attempt to kick ball | |
| 18 months | 2 years – Walks down one step at a time with rail or hand holding |
| Squats in play and stands back up | |
| Able to perform a small jump in place | |
| Kicks a stationary ball | |
| Able to jump down from a small step with 1 foot leading | |
| 2-3 years old | Walking is mature, able to navigate environment well |
| Begins running | |
| Able to walk on tip toes | |
| Able to carry or pull a toy while walking | |
| Climbs onto and down from furniture without assistance | |
| Picks up toys from the floor without falling over | |
| Walks up stairs with alternating pattern with one hand on rail | |
| Walks down stairs in step-to pattern with one hand on rail | |
| Able to jump up 2 inches | |
| Stands on one leg for 1-3 seconds | |
| Able to throw a ball underhand | |
| Attempts to catch ball when thrown directly at chest | |
| 3-4 years old | Copies simple bilateral movements of limbs (e.g., arms up together) |
| Climbs jungle gym and ladders | |
| Able to run around obstacles | |
| Walks up/down stairs alternating feet with support from wall/railing | |
| Pedals on tricycle | |
| Able to walk on tip toes briefly | |
| Able to stand on one foot for 3-5 seconds | |
| Able to walk on a line without stepping off | |
| Throws a ball underhand and overhand (may use body rotation) | |
| Catches a medium size ball using body | |
| Able to jump forward, down, and over small objects with 2 foot take off and landing | |
| 4-5 years old | Able to stand on one foot for up to 10 seconds |
| Able to stand on tip toes for 8 seconds without moving feet | |
| Kicks a ball forwards | |
| Throws a ball overhand with minimal trunk rotation | |
| Catches a medium size ball after a bounce | |
| Able to catch a small size ball in hands | |
| Runs around obstacles | |
| Able to walk backwards on a line | |
| Able to hop on one foot for 5 hops | |
| Able to gallop/skip forwards | |
| Walks up and down stairs alternating steps without support from the wall/rail | |
| 5-6 years old | Runs lightly on toes |
| Able to walk up stairs while holding an object/toy | |
| Walks backward in a toe-heel pattern | |
| Able to jump forward 10 times without falling | |
| Able to hop on one foot forwards without losing balance | |
| Able to jump over a 10 inch hurdle with 2 foot take off and landing | |
| Able to skip using a skipping rope | |
| Demonstrates mature throwing and catching patterns (steps forward with leg on same side as throwing arm when throwing a ball) | |
| Able to walk on a balance beam forwards and backwards |
You can use these milestones as a guide as you play with your child, but remember that it is just a guide and every child is different. The best way for a child to develop their gross motor skills is to give them the opportunity to practice and explore what their bodies can do. If you have any concerns, as always – speak with your family doctor or pediatrician.
Quick tips:
- Safety, safety, safety! Baby-proof!
- Practice new skills through exploration and play
- If you have any concerns, discuss with your doctor
How do you foster social development in children?
Want to see our baby milestones chart?
Jennifer is a registered physiotherapist working in the field of paediatrics. She has worked with children of all ages, helping them to achieve their motor milestones through various therapeutic approaches. Jenn also has extensive experience working with infants with torticollis and plagiocephaly. As a new mom herself, she loves sharing her experiences and learning from others.
