Physical Development in Children: What You Should Look For
Babies’ physical development increases dramatically during the first few years of life. As babies get older they all go through developmental milestones. The lists below are motor components that are broken down by month increments to describe when you would start to see that action in your child. If you notice significant delays with these, then a physical therapy evaluation would be recommended to rule out any developmental delays.
0-3 months:
· While lying on tummy, pushes up on arms as well as holds head up
· Able to move fists from closed to open
· Able to bring hands to mouth
· Moves legs and arms off of surface when excited
4-6 months:
· Uses hands to support self while sitting
· Rolls from back to tummy and tummy to back
· Reaches for nearby toys while on tummy
· While lying on back, reaches both hands to play with feet
· While lying on back, transfers a toy from one hand to the other
7-9 months:
· Sits without support
· Moves from tummy or back into sitting
· Starts to move with alternate leg and arm movement (ex. creeping, crawling)
· Uses both hands to explore toys
· Picks up head and pushes through elbows during Tummy Time
· Starts to pull to stand
10-12 months:
· Pulls to stand and cruises along furniture
· Stands alone and takes several independent steps
· Moves in and out of various positions to explore environment and get desired toys
· Sits unsupported and is able to turn head to look at objects without losing balance
· Maintains balance in sitting when throwing objects
13-18 months:
· Walks independently
· Squats to pick up a toy
· Stacks two objects
· Helps with getting dressed/undressed
Is your child not quite where they should be? Email us today and ask about our physical therapy evaluations: info@llatherapy.org
Jeannine Abel M.A., CCC-SLP