Below is a list of “typical” gross motor milestones for children from birth to 7 years. The information listed is only a guide not an assessment tool. If you have any concerns or questions please reach out to your primary care physician or contact me for more information.
Milestones
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Lifts and holds head up
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Pushes up on forearms when on belly
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Brings hands to mouth
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Moves arms and legs off surface when excited
Concerns
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cannot hold head up
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keeps head turned to one side
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does not try to push up while on belly
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does not move arms or legs
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feels stiff and arms or legs are difficult to move
Birth to 3 months
3 to 6 months
Milestones
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supports self with hands while sitting
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rolls from belly to back and back to belly
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accepts entire weight on legs when supported in standing
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pushes up through their hand while on belly
Concerns
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keeps head turned to one side
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does not roll or only rolls to one side
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feels floppy and has difficulty moving
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feels stiff and arms or legs are difficult to move
Delayed achievement of these milestones may result in poor muscle development for sustaining postures including sitting, poor muscle development for locomotion, delayed sensory development, and difficulty with play.
The information above was compiled through various resources including the American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC. It was further influenced by many years of clinical practice and therapeutic consultations. It is my no means a standardized tool or assessment.
If you have any questions or are concerned that your child is not meeting their gross motor milestones, please contact me to talk or set up a screen for your child. You know your child best so if you have a concern please reach out. You can reach me at Kid Strides Physical Therapy LLC at 269-779-3842.