New Year, New Goals: Setting Developmental Milestones for Your Child

As we welcome a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the milestones your child has reached and set new goals for their development in 2025. Whether you’re working alongside one of our pediatric physical therapists or simply observing your child’s growth, understanding key developmental milestones and knowing when to seek professional guidance can ensure your child is on track to thrive. In this blog, Dr. Bassem shares a breakdown of common developmental milestones by age and signs to watch for that may warrant a discussion with your child’s pediatrician or PT.

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Head Control by 3-4 months
Your baby should be able to lift their head while on their tummy and hold it steady when supported in a sitting position.
*If your baby has difficulty holding their head up independently in tummy time or shows signs of head lag when pulled to a sitting position, this could indicate weak neck muscles and may warrant a PT evaluation.

 Rolling by 4-6 months
Babies typically roll from tummy to back first, and by 6 months, they should be able to roll in both directions (tummy to back and back to tummy).
*If your child consistently rolls in one direction but not the other, or shows difficulty rolling both ways equally, this may suggest an imbalance in muscle strength or motor coordination that should be discussed with your PT or pediatrician.

Sitting Independently by 6-9 months
By around 6 months, babies can often sit unsupported for short periods. By 9 months, they should be able to sit up without support for extended periods.
*If your child has trouble sitting independently by 9 months or has a tendency to fall over frequently without trying to catch themselves, this could be a sign of low muscle tone or developmental delay.

Crawling by 7-11 months
Most babies begin crawling between 7-10 months, although some may skip crawling and go straight to walking. Crawling develops strength in the arms, core, and legs.
*If your child isn’t showing interest in crawling by 10 months, has difficulty moving arms and legs alternately, or struggles to push up from a seated position, this may signal a need for evaluation.

Standing with Support by 9-12 months
By 9 months, many babies will begin pulling themselves up to stand while holding onto furniture. They may start cruising along furniture around 10-11 months.
*If your baby is unable to pull to a standing position or refuses to bear weight on one or both legs, this could indicate a muscle weakness

Walking Independently by 12-15 months
Most children take their first independent steps between 12 and 15 months. By 18 months, they should be walking steadily.
*If your child is not walking by 18 months or shows difficulty standing, walking, or falls often, it could indicate delayed motor skills or underlying physical issues that need attention.

Climbing by 2 years
At around 2 years, toddlers will begin climbing stairs (with support), climbing on playground equipment, and showing greater coordination with their movements.
*Difficulty with climbing or hesitation in trying new movements can signal developmental delay or issues with balance and coordination.

Running and Jumping by 2.5-3 years
By 3 years, most children can run, jump with both feet off the ground, and navigate uneven terrain with increasing confidence.
*If your toddler shows little interest in running, jumping, or avoids active play, this could indicate issues with muscle tone, strength, or coordination.

Balancing on One Foot by 4 years old
By age 4, children should be able to balance on one foot for a few seconds and have more control over their posture.
*If your child has difficulty balancing, trips frequently, or struggles with hopping, it might indicate poor muscle control or motor coordination, which could be addressed with therapy.

Running with Speed and Agility by 4-5 years old
Children should be able to run with more speed and agility, navigating around objects with increasing control.
*If your child has trouble running, tends to fall often, or lacks coordination in movement, it may be helpful to consult a PT to assess their balance and motor planning.

Skipping by 5 years old
Skipping, which involves alternating feet while hopping, typically develops around age 5 and is a sign of refined coordination.
*If your child is still unable to skip by age 5, this could indicate that they need additional support with coordination or muscle strength.

When to Seek Professional Advice:
While all children develop at their own pace, certain signs could indicate that your child may benefit from a discussion with their pediatrician or a pediatric physical therapist. These include:

• Delayed or Absent Motor Skills: If your child is significantly behind in achieving key milestones such as rolling, crawling, walking, or jumping, it may be worth discussing these delays with a professional.
• Asymmetry or Imbalanced Movement: If your child consistently favors one side of their body (such as rolling only to one side or using one hand more dominantly), it could suggest muscle imbalances or weakness that a PT can help address.
• Poor Muscle Tone or Weakness: If your baby or toddler shows signs of low muscle tone (floppiness or lack of muscle resistance during tummy time) or if your child has difficulty holding their own weight (such as struggling to sit up independently or stand), this may require an evaluation by a pediatric PT.
• Balance and Coordination Issues: Frequent falls, difficulty with tasks that require coordination (such as jumping, skipping, or riding a bike), or resistance to active play may indicate a need for further assessment.
• Lack of Interest in Physical Play: If your toddler or preschooler is uninterested in activities like running, climbing, or jumping, or shows fear when engaging in new movements, it could indicate discomfort, weakness, or sensory processing concerns.