Gross Motor Milestones

• ✓When positioned on belly, raises head and shoulders
• ✓Rolls from front to back
• ✓Reaches for object with one hand
• ✓Visually tracks people and objects
• ✓Props on forearms (6 months)

• ✓Rolls from back to belly (6–7 months)
• ✓Crawls on stomach; sits independently
• ✓Transitions from belly to sitting
• ✓Crawls up stairs on belly
• ✓Pulls to stand using furniture; stands at supported surface
• ✓Cruises on furniture
• ✓Walking/ambulation starts to emerge

• ✓Independent with ambulation
• ✓Pushes to stand by going through 4 point
• ✓Stoops and recovers; walks backward and sideways
• ✓Starts running but may fall frequently
• ✓Ascends stairs using step-to pattern with railing
• ✓Throwing a small ball overhead; kicking ball forward
• ✓Seats self in a small chair; climbs into an adult chair
• ✓Walks up/down stairs holding on to a railing, 2 feet per step (18 mos)

• ✓Running becomes more controlled
• ✓Stands on one foot briefly
• ✓Walks on a line/balance beam with 1 foot on the line
• ✓Lowers to pick up objects from the floor without falling
• ✓Jumping up with both feet; jumping down from objects
• ✓Walks upstairs, both feet per step without rail
• ✓Walking backwards emerges

• ✓Ascends/descends stairs independently using a step-to pattern
• ✓Walking on a line/balance beam with improved balance
• ✓Walking on tiptoes; jumping forward
• ✓Rides a tricycle
• ✓Catches large ball, securing ball by bending arms toward chest
• ✓Throws a ball overhand 3–7 feet
• ✓Kicks ball forward 3–6 feet using opposing arm/leg movements

• ✓Can sustain single leg stance for 5 seconds
• ✓Can sustain static tiptoes for 3 seconds
• ✓Kicks balls forward with control
• ✓Catches a ball with hands, without pulling it to chest
• ✓Throws a ball at a target
• ✓Hopping on one foot
• ✓Galloping and skipping start to emerge
• ✓Jumps over objects; jumping jacks start to emerge
• ✓Bounce and catch a ball

• ✓Skips smoothly; hops on one foot 5+ times
• ✓Catches a small ball with hands only
• ✓Dribbles a ball several times in a row
• ✓Walks heel-to-toe on a line
• ✓Pumps legs on a swing
• ✓Rides a bike with training wheels

What is a gross motor delay in children?

A gross motor delay occurs when a child does not reach expected physical milestones — such as sitting, crawling, walking, or running — within the typical age range. Physical therapy can identify and address these delays early.

When should I seek physical therapy for my child?

If your child is consistently missing milestones for their age, seems uncoordinated, has difficulty with balance, or shows asymmetry in movement, a physical therapy evaluation is recommended.

Does Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center offer physical therapy?

Yes. Our licensed physical therapists evaluate and treat children with gross motor delays at our Jacksonville Beach and Mandarin locations. Call (904) 372-4070 to schedule.