Children typically achieve the following milestones. The AAP advises parents to consult a medical professional if their child can’t do these activities at the ages listed (or older) or starts doing them and then stops. Although children develop at different rates, it’s best to talk to a pediatrician about any potential delays in their development. Children typically achieve the following milestones:
2 months
- Holding their head up during “tummy time”
4 months
- Holding their head up without support in general and when sitting up
- Pushing up onto elbows during “tummy time”
- Bringing their hands to their mouth
- Reaching for and grabbing toys
6 months
- Rolling over from tummy to back and vice versa
- Grabbing things and bringing them to their mouth
- Sitting up without support
9 months
- Pulling themselves up using a low wall/table/couch to stand
15 months
- Walking on their own
18 months
- Standing up from a sitting position on the floor without pushing up with their hands/arms or using furniture for support
2 years
- Walks steadily and smoothly and turns corners (without tripping or falling frequently)
- Running on their own
- Is able to pull or carry a toy while walking
- Climbs onto/down from furniture without assistance
- Walks up and down steps with support
- Picks up toys from the floor without falling over
3 years
- Imitates standing on one foot
- Imitates simple bilateral movements of limbs (e.g., arms up together)
- Climbs jungle gym and ladders
- Pedals on tricycle
- Walks up/downstairs alternating feet
- Jumps in place with two feet together
- Able to walk on their tiptoes
- Catches using body
4 years
- Stands on one foot for up to 5 seconds
- Kicks a ball forwards
- Throws a ball overarm
- Catches a ball that has been bounced
- Runs around obstacles
- Able to walk on a line
- Able to hop on one foot
- Jumps over an object and lands with both feet together
5 years
- Able to walk upstairs while holding an object
- Walks backward toe-heel
- Jumps forward 10 times without falling
- Skips forwards after demonstration
- Hangs from a bar for at least 5 seconds
- Steps forward with leg on the same side as throwing arm when throwing a ball
- Catches a small ball using hands only
These are just a few signs of a possible physical developmental delay. Visit the AAP website for more information.
How Pediatric Physical Therapy Can Help
If your child is injured, has a health condition that affects their motor skills, or has delayed physical development for any reason, pediatric physical therapy can help them function better at home, while in school, and other environments.
Physical therapy for kids must involve experts who have received training specifically for working with children’s unique bone and muscle structures. At Advanced Speech & Rehab Services, our specialists use play activities to create a fun and relaxing environment for children to heal and attain developmental milestones. Our pediatric physical therapists have the skills needed to keep kids on track and progressing toward their highest functional level.
Our pediatric physical therapists specialize in a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries to delays and genetic disorders, among many others. To learn more about our pediatric physical therapy services, contact us today. If your child needs physical therapy, our therapists can help them develop physical skills and achieve a more independent and higher quality of life.