I still remember standing at the playground, thinking about Gross Motor Milestones while I balanced my toddler on my hip, pretending my cold coffee was still doing its job… and quietly comparing my child to every other kid on the slide.
One little boy was already racing up the ladder and shooting down the big slide like a tiny superhero. My daughter? She was perfectly happy poking leaves in the dirt and taking three careful steps before plopping back down on her padded little bum.
My brain went straight into overthinking mode :
“Is she late ?”
“Should she be running by now ?”
“Did I miss something with tummy time ?”
If you’ve ever gone down that rabbit hole, you’re absolutely not alone. I’ve been there too.
That’s exactly why I put together this gentle, real-life guide to Gross Motor Milestones from ages 1 to 5 — what’s typical, what has wiggle room, and how you can support your child through simple, everyday play. We’ll walk through age ranges, fun activities, and when it might be worth checking in with your child’s healthcare provider… without the pressure or mom-guilt.
Deep breath, mama. Let’s do this together. 💛
In this article : [+]
1. What Are Gross Motor Milestones (and Why They’re Not a Test)?
Gross motor milestones are the big movement skills your child develops as they grow — things like rolling, sitting, walking, running, jumping, climbing, hopping, and skipping. They’re called “gross” because they use the large muscles of the arms, legs, and trunk.
Organizations like the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) use milestones as guides to help track how most kids are developing over time, especially from birth to age 5. These lists are based on what the majority of children (about 75% or more) can do by certain ages — not strict rules every child must follow on the exact birthday.
What this means for you :
- Kids develop in ranges, not on exact dates.
- Being a little “early” or “late” on one milestone doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem.
- Patterns over time matter more than one single skill.
Think of milestones as headlights on a dark road — they help you see what’s coming up, but they’re not there to judge you or your child.
Quick note : This guide is for general education only and isn’t medical advice. If you’re worried about your child’s development, always check in with your pediatrician or healthcare provider.
2. Ages 1–2 : Wobbly Walkers and Tiny Climbers
That first year after your baby’s birthday is a huge time for gross motor growth. Somewhere between about 12–18 months, many kids move from crawling to walking on their own, with lots of adorable wobbling along the way.
Common gross motor skills around 1–2 years may include :
- Walking independently (even if they still “look like a penguin”)
- Standing without holding onto furniture
- Squatting down to pick up a toy and standing back up
- Climbing onto low furniture or a small step
- Rolling or gently kicking a ball
- Starting to run and walk up a few stairs (often with help or holding a rail)
In our house, this stage felt like living with a tiny drunk athlete — one second standing, one second falling onto a pile of cushions, then proudly clapping for themselves.
How you can support this stage :
- Put a few safe items (blocks, soft toys) on the floor so your child can squat and stand up again.
- Let them practice walking while pushing a sturdy push toy or laundry basket.
- Roll a big, soft ball back and forth on the floor.
- Create safe chances to climb: a step, a foam couch, or a small stool with you right there.
If your 18-month-old isn’t walking yet, or doesn’t seem interested in moving, it’s totally okay to ask your pediatrician for a developmental check. Early support can be incredibly helpful — and you are not overreacting by asking.
3. Age 2–3 : Little Runners, Big Energy
Welcome to the “I can do it myself!” era. Around age 2, many kids are :
- Running (sometimes with lots of falls at first)
- Walking up and down stairs with or without help
- Jumping in place with both feet
- Kicking a ball forward
- Climbing up and down furniture without assistance
By closer to 3 years, gross motor skills often look like :
- Becoming more skilled at running and kicking
- Catching a bounced ball (even if it’s more trapping than catching)
- Pedaling a tricycle (or at least trying)
I remember this stage as the “No, Mama, me!” phase. My toddler wanted to climb the playground ladder alone but still needed me hovering right behind. It’s a mix of bravery and real limits, and that’s completely normal.
Play ideas for 2–3 years :
- Simple obstacle course : pillows to step over, a box to climb in and out of, a blanket “bridge” to walk across.
- Ball play : roll, kick, gently toss a soft ball and let your child try to throw it back.
- Jumping games : hop like a frog, stomp in painted footprints, or jump off a low step into your arms (with hands ready!).
You don’t need fancy equipment — your living room or backyard is more than enough.
4. Age 3–4 : Jumping, Climbing, and Pedaling
Preschool years are a big time for refining those early skills. By around 3–4 years, many kids:
- Run easily and can start/stop/change direction more smoothly
- Walk up and down stairs alternating feet
- Climb playground equipment confidently
- Pedal a tricycle and steer
- Kick and throw a ball more accurately
- Catch a bounced ball most of the time
You might notice your child suddenly trying to :
- Walk on tiptoes
- Balance briefly on one foot
- Jump forward or off low surfaces with more control
During this phase, I used to joke that the playground was our second home. My child would happily climb the same ladder 20 times just to prove they really could do it.
Play ideas for 3–4 years :
- “Balance beam” fun : a line of tape on the floor, a low curb, or a 2×4 on the grass.
- Tiptoe walks : pretend you’re sneaky cats or ballerinas.
- Tricycle time : gentle slopes, wide turns, and lots of cheering from you.
This is also a great age to start teaching basic safety rules: “We sit on our bottoms to go down the slide,” and “Feet first, not head first,” etc.
5. Age 4–5: Hopping, Skipping, and Big Kid Confidence
By ages 4–5, gross motor milestones are less about “Can they walk?” and more about coordination, balance, and complex movement.
Many kids around this age :
- Hop on one foot, sometimes several times in a row
- Begin to skip with an alternating pattern
- Run smoothly around obstacles
- Catch a thrown or bounced ball with hands more reliably
- Walk heel-to-toe in a straight line
- Balance on one foot for several seconds
Around 5 years, you may also see :
- Skipping more smoothly
- Jumping rope
- Walking on a low balance beam
- Riding a bike with training wheels (and sometimes without)
I still remember the day my child finally rode their bike down the sidewalk. I was torn between “My baby is so big” and “Please don’t crash into that trash can.” Totally normal mom emotions.
Play ideas for 4–5 years :
- Hopscotch : draw simple squares and practice hopping and jumping.
- Jump rope games : even just stepping over a rope you swing side to side.
- Mini “sports” : throw and catch with a soft ball, kick into a “goal” made from shoes, or practice dribbling.
Let them show off. Kids at this age love to say, “Watch me!” — and that pride is part of their growth.
6. Simple, Everyday Ways to Support Gross Motor Skills
You don’t need to be a PE teacher to help your child thrive. A lot of gross motor development happens through ordinary daily life.
Here are some easy, no-pressure ideas :
- Make movement part of your routine
- Dance while brushing teeth, race to the bathroom, or hop to the dinner table.
- In our house, “dinosaur walks” to the car (stomping, tiptoeing, crawling) became a silly ritual.
- Use what you already have at home
- Couch cushions for climbing, laundry baskets to push, masking tape for lines and shapes on the floor.
- A simple rolled-up blanket can be a “log” to balance on.
- Head outside whenever you can
- Grass, hills, playgrounds, and sidewalks naturally challenge balance and coordination.
- Even a quick 10-minute “movement break” in the yard can burn off energy.
- Follow their interests
- Love animals? Crawl like a bear, jump like a kangaroo, slither like a snake.
- Love superheroes? Practice “superhero landings” (gentle squats!), jumps, and dashes.
- Keep screens in check
- No need to be perfect, but roughly balancing screen time with active play supports healthier motor development and sleep.
7. What the Experts Say (Trust-Building Moment)
You’re not just “making it up” when you care about your child’s movement and play — it’s actually a big part of brain development.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics points out that early childhood (birth to about age 8) is a rapid period of brain and body development, and experiences in these years lay the foundation for later learning and health.American Academy of Pediatrics
- The CDC describes developmental milestones as skills most children can do by certain ages and offers milestone checklists and a Milestone Tracker app to help parents keep an eye on progress and know when to ask questions.
In other words: active play, running around the playground, jumping in puddles, and climbing that same ladder 12 times really do “count” — they’re building your child’s strength, coordination, and confidence.
8. When to Check In with Your Pediatrician
First: Trust your gut. You know your child better than anyone.
Every child has their own pace, but it’s a good idea to talk to your child’s healthcare provider if, for example :
- Your 18-month-old isn’t standing or walking at all, or seems very floppy or stiff.
- Your 2-year-old doesn’t try to run, climb, or walk up steps with help.
- Your 3-year-old falls a lot or seems much less coordinated than kids their age.
- Your 4–5-year-old struggles to run, jump, or climb, or avoids physical play altogether.
- You notice consistent weakness or preference for one side of the body (for example, always dragging the same leg).
This isn’t a complete list, just a starting point. Your pediatrician may suggest :
- Watching and waiting a bit
- Simple home activities
- A referral to a physical therapist or early intervention program
Asking for help does not make you a “worried mom” in a bad way — it makes you a tuned-in mom.
9. Let’s Talk About the Comparison Trap
It’s almost impossible not to compare, especially when you’re around other kids or scrolling social media.
Here’s what I remind myself (and you) :
- That child sprinting across the playground might still struggle with speech.
- The one hopping easily might still need lots of help with transitions or emotions.
- Your child might be slower in one area and way ahead in another — and that’s all part of who they are.
Milestones are one piece of a big, beautiful puzzle.
Try this when the comparison voice pops up :
“My child is on their own timeline, and my job is to support, not to rush.”
You can even say it out loud. I have. In the car. More than once. 😉
10. You’re Doing Better Than You Think (Closing)
Mama, if you’ve read this far, that already tells me something important: you care deeply about your child’s growth. You’re paying attention. You’re trying to understand Gross Motor Milestones, not so you can stress more — but so you can support your little one better.
Remember :
- Kids develop in ranges, not on exact dates.
- Wobbles, falls, and “do it again!” moments are all part of learning.
- You’re allowed to ask questions, bring up concerns, and seek support without feeling silly.
Celebrate the small wins — that first unsteady step, the very serious “concentration face” on the balance beam, the triumphant “Look, Mama!” after a big jump.
You and your child are learning together. And that’s more than enough. 💛
Share, Save, and Keep Going
I’d love to hear from you:
👉 What gross motor milestone are you celebrating right now — big or small?
Share it in the comments so another mama can smile and say, “Me too.”
If this felt helpful, save it for later or share it with a friend who’s in the wobbly-walker or nonstop-runner stage.
And if you want more cozy, judgment-free support on baby and toddler development, routines, and mom life, you’re always welcome to join my email list for weekly tips and gentle encouragement. 💌