What are gross motor skills?
Gross motor skills are the movements that use the big muscle groups: the core, the legs, the arms and the back. They are what let a child hold their head up, sit, stand, walk and run.
Fine motor skills are the small, precise movements, like holding a pencil, doing up buttons or using scissors. The two work together. A child needs a steady trunk and good balance (gross motor) before they can sit calmly at a table and control a pencil (fine motor). That is why gross motor skills are often called the foundation for so much of what children do.
Everyday examples of gross motor skills include:
- Walking, running and climbing
- Catching, kicking and throwing a ball
- Jumping, hopping and balancing
- Getting on and off the toilet, in and out of the bath, and up onto a chair
- Sitting upright at a desk so the hands are free to write and draw
Gross motor milestones by age
Children develop at their own pace. Treat the ages below as rough guides, not deadlines. There is a wide normal range, and reaching a skill a little earlier or later is usually nothing to worry about. The guides below draw on the Australian Government’s Raising Children Network and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention milestone guidance.
| Age | Movements you might see | |—|—| | Birth to 6 months | Lifting and turning the head during tummy time, pushing up on the forearms, beginning to roll between tummy and back | | 6 to 12 months | Rolling both ways, sitting without support, reaching for toys without toppling, beginning to crawl | | 9 to 12 months | Pulling up to stand, holding on to furniture to move around (cruising) | | 12 to 18 months | First independent steps, then steadier walking. Most children are walking on their own by around 18 months | | Around 2 years | Running, walking up and down stairs with a little help, kicking a large ball | | 2 to 3 years | Jumping with both feet off the ground, climbing on playground equipment, riding a tricycle | | 3 to 5 years | More confident running and climbing, throwing and catching a larger ball, balancing on one foot, and by around 5, hopping on one foot |
Every child is different. If your child was born early or has a health condition, their movement may follow its own timeline, and that is okay.
Why gross motor skills matter
Gross motor skills shape a child’s everyday life. They are what let a child join in.
A child with steady balance and strength can keep up with friends at the park, sit comfortably through story time, carry their own bag, and manage the bathroom on their own. Movement also builds confidence. When a child can do what the other children are doing, they are more likely to have a go, make friends and feel part of the group.
Because the big muscles steady the body first, gross motor skills also lay the groundwork for fine motor tasks like writing and drawing. A wobbly trunk makes neat handwriting hard work. A strong, stable one makes it easier.
Signs your child might need a bit more support
Children grow into their movement at different rates, so one slower skill on its own is rarely a concern. It can be worth a chat with a professional if you notice a pattern over time. You might see that your child:
- Often seems unsteady, bumps into things, or trips more than other children their age
- Finds it hard to keep up with friends during active play
- Avoids climbing, running or playground equipment, or tires quickly during active play
- Finds it tricky to follow movement in the right order, like stepping then throwing in an obstacle course
- Has not reached movements you would expect for their age, such as walking on their own by 18 months
You know your child best. If something does not feel right, trust that instinct and ask. Early support is gentle, play-based and often makes a real difference.
Play ideas to build gross motor skills at home
Active, playful movement is what builds gross motor skills, and you do not need special equipment. Try:
- Squatting down to pick up leaves, rocks or toys, which builds strength in the legs and feet
- Throwing and catching a large ball or balloon first, then a smaller ball as it gets easier
- Setting up an obstacle course with cushions, a low beam and stepping stones to challenge balance
- Wheelbarrow walks, where you hold your child’s legs and they walk on their hands, to build upper body and core strength
- Moving like animals: frog jumps, bear crawls and crab walks
- Outdoor play with slides, climbing frames and balancing, which works on coordination and planning
What about baby walkers and jolly jumpers?
The floor is where your baby learns to move. It is where they build the strength and control to roll, sit, crawl and pull up.
The Raising Children Network does not recommend baby walkers or jolly jumpers. They can delay rolling, crawling, sitting and walking, because they take away the floor time where those skills are built, and they carry a real injury risk near stairs, ovens and bathrooms. A play mat or blanket on the floor is a better choice. Once your child can stand and squat, a push-along toy is a great next step as they find their balance and confidence.
