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4.3: Large/Gross Motor Stages of Development

ECE 115: Infant Toddler Development · LibreTexts

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    Large/Gross Motor Stages of Development

    Infants and toddlers are rapidly learning to move! Large/gross motor development refers to the use of the large muscles, such as those in our legs for running or our arms for throwing.

    Like fine/small motor development, there may be cultural, environmental, or biological factors that impact a child's development in these areas. Additionally, children who have challenges to using thier muscles may not be able to engage in the same ways as other children or may take additional time to learn a new skill.

    Infancy (0-12 Months)

    0-3 Months: Early Movements and Head Control

    • Reflexive movements: Exhibits reflexes like stepping and kicking when held upright.
    • Lifts head briefly: When lying on their tummy (tummy time).
    • Moves arms and legs: Uncoordinated movements.
    • Turns head side to side: When lying on their back.

    3-6 Months: Developing Strength and Coordination

    • Holds head steady: Without support.
    • Pushes up on arms: During tummy time.
    • Rolls from tummy to back: May start around 5 months.
    • Brings hands to mouth.
    • Begins to sit with support.

    6-9 Months: Achieving Independent Sitting and Early Mobility

    • Sits independently: Without support.
    • Rolls from back to tummy.
    • Begins to move around: May scoot on their bottom, crawl on their belly (commando crawl), or crawl on hands and knees.
    • Pulls to stand: While holding onto furniture.

    9-12 Months: Crawling, Pulling Up, and First Steps

    • Crawls on hands and knees.
    • Pulls self to a standing position.
    • "Cruises" along furniture: Walks sideways while holding onto objects for support.
    • May take a few independent steps.
    • Stands alone briefly.

    Toddlerhood (1-3 Years)

    12-18 Months: Refining Walking and Exploring

    • Walks independently: Though gait may be wide and unsteady initially.
    • Walks sideways and backward.
    • Begins to run (may fall easily).
    • Walks up stairs with help (hand-holding or railing).
    • Pulls toys while walking.
    • Climbs onto and off furniture.

    18-24 Months: Becoming More Coordinated and Active

    • Runs more smoothly.
    • Walks up and down stairs with less assistance (may still hold on).
    • Kicks a ball forward.
    • Throws a ball (arm movement may be limited).
    • Jumps in place.
    • Climbs on play equipment.

    2-3 Years: Developing More Advanced Gross Motor Skills

    • Runs with good coordination.
    • Walks up and down stairs alternating feet.
    • Jumps forward.
    • Begins to hop on one foot.
    • Throws a ball overhand with more control.
    • Catches a large ball.
    • Rides a tricycle.
    • Balances on one foot for a few seconds.

    4.3: Large/Gross Motor Stages of Development is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.