Developmental Milestones: When to Seek Help

Parents naturally compare their baby with others. "Their child is already walking, why isn't mine?" The truth is that children develop at different speeds, and a wide range is normal. But some delays are worth getting checked, because early support makes a real difference.

Typical motor milestones

These ages are approximate. Many healthy children reach them a little earlier or later.

• Around 3 to 4 months: holds head steady when held upright
• Around 4 to 6 months: rolls over
• Around 6 to 9 months: sits without support
• Around 7 to 10 months: crawls, bottom-shuffles or moves around in some way
• Around 9 to 12 months: pulls to stand, walks holding furniture
• Around 12 to 18 months: walks independently
• Around 2 years: runs, climbs, kicks a ball
• Around 3 years: jumps with both feet, climbs stairs alternating feet

Some children skip crawling and go straight to walking, which can be normal.

Signs worth checking with a doctor or physiotherapist

• Not holding head steady by about 4 months
• Not sitting without support by about 9 months
• Not walking by about 18 months
• Very floppy or very stiff body or limbs
• Consistently using only one side of the body, or clear preference for one hand before about 12 months
• Losing skills they previously had
• Walking on tiptoes most of the time after about age 3
• Frequent falls or clumsiness compared to peers
• Not taking weight on their legs when held standing at an age when other babies do

If your child loses skills they had before, see a doctor promptly.

Children born early

If your baby was born prematurely, use their "corrected age" (their age from their due date) when comparing milestones, usually until about 2 years old.

What paediatric physiotherapy involves

Paediatric physiotherapy uses play to build strength, balance, coordination and movement skills. It also involves parents, giving you activities to practise at home.

Trust your instinct

You know your child best. If you're worried, ask. An assessment can either reassure you or catch a problem early, when support is most effective.