Audio LecturePro Feature Gross motor development 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x Child development is the process by which the dependent infant matures into the independent adult, functioning within society. It is a complex interweaving of biology, psychology and environment where each skill builds on the ones that have come before and provides a foundation for those skills yet to develop. Development in humans follows a predictable pattern and a rough schedule but no individual develops in exactly the same manner as any other. It follows an orderly pattern (unlike almost everything else regarding children); from top to bottom, central to outer and simple to complex. What is important, when considering normal development, is progress and parity; that children are moving forward in the different areas of development at roughly the same rate. Disparity in progress between areas of the body (e.g. the right side and the left or the lower limbs and the upper limbs) or between domains of development (see below) is concerning, as is regression (i.e. loss of previously attained skills). This article will outline the typical stages of development that children go through. The features typically seen at each age are described below. Gross motor development Gross motor development refers to the abilities required for big movements and activities, such as sitting, standing, walking, running and climbing stairs. Age Feature 1 month Symmetrical movements in all limbs Normal muscle tone Head lag when pulled up 3 months Almost no head lag when pulled to sit Lifts head and chest when prone 6 months Rolls from back to front When held, stands and sits with a straight back Bears most of own weight 9 months Sits without support Stands holding onto furniture Moves around the floor, e.g. wriggling, commando crawling 12 months Stands without support Crawls, bottom shuffles or ‘bear-walks’ Cruises along furniture May walk unsteadily 15 months Generally walks without support Crawls upstairs 18 months Walks steadily, stopping safely Squats to pick up a toy Climbs stairs holding a hand or a rail 24 months (2 years) Runs safely Throws a ball overhand Walks up and down stairs, both feet on each step 30 months Jumps on 2 feet Kicks a ball 36 months (3 years) Walks backwards and sideways Rides a tricycle Catches a large ball with arms outstretched 48 months (4 years) Stands, walks and runs on tiptoes Runs up and down stairs 5 years old Hops Catches a ball Heel-toe walking May ride a bike References (1) Kapoor, Barnes, “Developmental Assessment”, Paediatrics, Edition 4, 2013 (2) Lissauer, W. Carroll, “Normal Child Development, Hearing and Vision”, Illustrated Textbook of Paediatrics, Edition 5, 2017 (3) Sheridan, M. D., From birth to five years; children’s developmental progress, 3rd edition revised and updated by A. Sharma and H. Cockerill, Routledge 2007 (4) understood.org (5) thecommunicationtrust.org.uk (6) Meggitt, C., Child development, an illustrated guide, 2nd edition, Heinemann 2006 (7) kidsmatter.edu.au Authors: 1st Author: Trainee doctor Hannah Murray Senior review: Dr Louise Ingram (Paediatric specialist registrar) Do you think you’re ready? Take the quiz below QuizPro Feature Gross motor development Question 1 of 3 Submitting... Skip Next Rate question: You scored 0% Skipped: 0/3 1000+ More Questions Available Upgrade to TeachMePaediatrics Pro Challenge yourself with over 1000 multiple-choice questions to reinforce learning Learn More Frequent questions What is gross motor development in children? Gross motor development refers to the acquisition of large movement skills such as sitting, standing, walking, running, and climbing stairs. These abilities progress in a predictable order as children grow, with each skill building upon previous ones. At what age do children typically start to walk unsteadily? Children generally begin to walk unsteadily around 12 months of age. At this stage, they may also crawl, bottom shuffle, or 'bear-walk' while cruising along furniture for support. What are the key milestones in gross motor development by 18 months? By 18 months, children typically walk steadily, stop safely, squat to pick up toys, and climb stairs while holding onto a hand or a rail. These milestones indicate significant progress in their gross motor skills. How can disparities in gross motor development be concerning? Disparities in gross motor development, such as differences in progress between limbs or developmental domains, can indicate potential developmental issues. Regression, or loss of previously acquired skills, is also a cause for concern. What gross motor skills do children typically achieve by age 3? By age 3, children usually walk backwards and sideways, ride a tricycle, and catch a large ball with their arms outstretched. These skills demonstrate their increasing coordination and control over larger movements. Rate This Article