By Dr. Beth Leffel, PT, DPT
If you’ve recently had a new bundle of joy you can certainly testify to the massive changes that happen in the first years of life. But have you ever wondered if your child is where they are supposed to be with their motor skills? Or perhaps you are just curious about what you can expect them to be doing next? Most of us know the basics: roll -> sit -> crawl -> walk, but there is so much more! Here's a list of milestones you should be seeing from birth - 4 years.
0-3 Months
• Turns head to each side when on back
• Holds head up 45 degrees when on tummy
• Head bobs upright in supported sitting
• Random body movements
3-6 Months
• Lifts chest from surface when on tummy
• Pushes up on straights elbows on tummy
• Rolls belly to back
• Sits with slight support or independently for brief moments
• Pivots around on belly
• Actively moves head when supported in sitting
• Head control in all positions
6-9 Months
• Sits independently
• Rolls back to belly
• Stands, holding (may bounce on legs)
• Pulls to stand at furniture
• Belly crawls
• Gets into hands and knees position
9-12 Months
• Transitions from sitting to belly
• Creeps on hands and knees
• Stands momentarily
• Cruises along furniture
• Walks with hands held
12-18 Months
• Stands alone well
• Kneels
• Walks without support
• Creeps upstairs
• Balance improves
• Runs/hurried walk
• Walks backward
• Walks upstairs with hand hold
18-24 Months
• Kicks a ball forward
• Runs fairly well
• Moves on ride-on toys without pedals
• Walks downstairs with one hand hold
• Climbs into an adult chair
• Walks upstairs alone, both feet on the step
• Walks downstairs holding the rail, both feel on step
2-3 Years
• Jumps 8-14 inches
• Jumps from the bottom step
• Catches large ball, using the body to secure
• Walks downstairs alone, both feet on the step
• Walks upstairs with support, alternating feet
• Able to stop and avoid obstacles while running
• Pedals tricycle
• Imitates one-foot standing
• Jumps sideways, backward, and over a 2-8 inch hurdle
3-4 Years
• Catches 8” ball with hands only
• Gallops
• Walks on a line
• Stands on one foot
• Hops on one foot
• Jumps down from 12 inches
• Walks up and down stairs alternating feet, without rail
When children are not reaching their milestones pediatric physical therapists are the health care providers to correct the problem. Pediatric physical therapists (PTs) work with children and their families to assist each child in reaching their maximum potential. The goals of treatment include the promotion of active participation in home, school, and community environments. Physical therapists have expertise in movement, motor development, and body function (eg, strength and endurance), this makes PTs the health provider of choice to correct delayed motor development in children.
Pediatric physical therapy is a specialized division of PTs. They apply clinical reasoning during a unique examination, evaluation, and diagnosis process. Pediatric physical therapists also have a universal ability to make exercise fun for the children in order to keep them engaged. As primary health care providers, PTs also promote health and wellness as they implement a wide variety of supports in collaboration with families and other specialists.
If you have questions about Pediatric Therapy contact Dr. Beth Leffel at Marinette or Shawano locations.
