Fine Motor & Gross Motor Developmental Milestones
As your child grows, it’s helpful to be aware of the typical pediatric fine motor and gross motor developmental milestones as a means of comparison. RISE Pediatric Therapies (RPT) has provided the following information and can assist with any related occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, or ABA therapy services you may need. Contact us at (407) 904-1600 with any questions. Located in West Orange County, we serve Orlando, FL, and the surrounding areas.
RISE Pediatric Therapies has adapted this timeline from information provided by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC’s developmental milestones,” 2024).
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Birth to 3 Months
- Holds head up when on tummy
- Moves both arms and both legs
- Opens hands briefly
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4 to 6 Months
- Holds head steady without support when being held
- Holds a toy when you put it in their hand
- Uses their arms to swing at toys
- Brings hands to mouth
- Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy
- Rolls from tummy to back
- Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy
- Leans on hands for support when sitting
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7 to 9 Months
- Gets to a sitting position by themselves
- Moves things from one hand to the other hand
- Uses fingers to “rake” food towards themselves for self-feeding
- Sits without support
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10 to 12 Months
- Pulls up to stand
- Walks, holding onto furniture
- Drinks from a cup without a lid as you hold it
- Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, such as a small bit of food
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13 to 18 Months
- Takes a few steps on their own
- Uses fingers to feed themselves food
- Walks without holding on to anyone or anything (18 months)
- Scribbles
- Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes
- Feeds themselves with their fingers
- Tries to use a spoon
- Climbs on and off of a couch or chair without help
- Can build a two-block tower
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19 to 24 Months
- Kicks a ball
- Runs
- Walks up a few stairs with or without help
- Eats with utensils
- Imitates drawing a vertical line
- Imitates horizontal strokes on paper
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2 to 3 Years
- Uses hands to twist things, like turning doorknobs or unscrewing lids
- Begins to take clothes off independently, such as loose pants or an open jacket
- Jumps off the ground with both feet
- Turns book pages one at a time when you read to them
- Strings items together, such as large beads
- Puts on clothes independently, such as loose pants or a jacket
- Cuts a paper in half with child-safe scissors
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3 to 4 Years
- Catches a large ball most of the time
- Serves themselves food or pours water, with adult supervision
- Unbuttons some buttons
- Holds crayons or pencils between fingers and thumb (not a fist)
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4 to 5 Years
- Buttons most buttons
- Hops on one foot
Pediatric Developmental Milestones
A parent or caregiver can reference these fine motor and gross motor developmental milestones to help them evaluate their child’s progression. As always, RISE Pediatric Therapies is here to help. Contact us at (407) 904-1600 with questions. Located in West Orange County, we serve Orlando, FL, and the surrounding areas including Horizon West, Apopka, Orange County, and Lake County.