Major Gross Motor Milestones

Following on our last discussion of developmental testing lets look at each category and some of the major milestones we are interested in.

The category of gross motor includes the use of the large muscles of the trunk and extremities.

Children should be able to lift their head off the table for a second by 2 months and look around by 4 months.  Frequently children can roll front to back  by 4 months (but we some times don't see this now that we put children to sleep on their back).  They should be able to sit unsupported for 2-3 seconds or in a tripod position by 6 months.  They should begin to crawl, scoot or roll around by 6 months as well.  By 12 months your child should be able to stand and cruise around holding on to furniture and by 15 months should be able to take 1-2 steps unsupported.  By 18 months your child should be able to go up stairs with one hand held and by 24 months should be able to throw or kick a ball, climb and go up and down stairs without help.

I hope that this has helped

Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
975 Roberta Lane # 101 B
Sparks, NV 89431
775-359-7111