Motor Development
What parents need to know
Dr Praful Gowda
3 min read
What Is Motor Development?
Motor development refers to how your child gains control over their body movements. These skills are not just about walking or running—they’re about how a child moves, balances, uses their hands, and explores their surroundings.
Motor development helps your child:
Sit and play independently
Feed themselves
Hold a pencil or spoon
Run, jump, climb, and play with other children
It is one of the first signs that your child is learning and interacting with the world.
Gross vs Fine Motor Skills: What’s the Difference?
There are two types of motor skills:
Gross Motor Skills
These involve large muscles and bigger movements like:
Rolling
Sitting
Crawling
Walking
Jumping
Fine Motor Skills
These involve smaller hand and finger movements like:
Picking up small objects
Turning book pages
Holding a crayon
Using a spoon
Both types grow steadily from birth and work together to support your child’s independence.
What Is a Motor Developmental Delay?
A motor delay means your child is not reaching movement milestones at the expected age. This might look like:
Not rolling over by 6 months
Not sitting without support by 9 months
Not walking by 18 months
Having difficulty using hands to play, feed, or draw
Sometimes, the delay is mild and temporary. Other times, it may point to an underlying issue like muscle weakness or a neurological problem. That’s why early recognition matters.
Motor Milestones: What to Expect and When
Here’s a general guide to motor milestones. Some variation is normal—but large delays should be discussed with your pediatrician.
0–3 months - Lifts head briefly, moves limbs freely Brings hands to mouth, opens and closes fists
4–6 months - Rolls over, pushes up on arms Reaches for toys, transfers objects hand-to-hand
6–9 months - Sits without support, begins crawling Bangs objects, rakes small items
9–12 months -Pulls to stand, cruises along furniture Pincer grasp, pokes with index finger
12–18 months- Walks alone, begins climbing Feeds self with fingers, stacks 2–3 blocks
2 years- Runs, kicks ball Turns pages, starts using spoon/fork
3–5 years- Hops, pedals tricycle, climbs stairs Holds pencil, draws shapes, dresses self
Red Flags That Suggest a Delay
By 6 months:
Stiff or floppy limbs
Doesn’t roll or push up on arms
Head control still poor
By 9 months:
Can’t sit without support
Doesn’t reach for toys
By 12 months:
Not crawling or pulling to stand
Uses one side of body more than the other
By 18 months:
Not walking independently
Falls often, walks only on toes
By 2–3 years:
Struggles to climb stairs or jump
Can’t use a spoon or build a block tower
If your child is missing multiple milestones or losing previously gained skills, consult your pediatrician promptly.
What Can Cause Motor Delays?
Motor delays may be caused by:
Prematurity
Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
Cerebral palsy
Muscular dystrophy or other muscle disorders
Genetic or metabolic conditions
Visual or sensory problems
Lack of opportunity to move or explore
In many cases, there is no single cause—and even with no diagnosis, early therapy can still help.
When Should You Be Concerned?
You don’t have to wait for a formal diagnosis. If your child:
Is not meeting 2 or more motor milestones
Shows stiff or floppy muscle tone
Moves less on one side
Can’t stand or walk well beyond 18 months
…it’s best to seek a pediatric or developmental consult.
Early help is better than late reassurance.
Who Can Help?
Pediatrician – First step for screening and referrals
Developmental Pediatrician – For deeper evaluation
Physiotherapist – For muscle tone, posture, movement training
Occupational Therapist – For hand use, coordination, self-help skills
Neurologist or Geneticist – If deeper causes are suspected
What Can You Do as a Parent?
Encourage tummy time from early infancy
Let your child explore on the floor—avoid keeping them in swings or walkers too long
Use toys that encourage movement (balls, tunnels, stacking toys)
Practice everyday skills—feeding, dressing, drawing
Celebrate small wins—every new movement counts
Is It Treatable? Will My Child Catch Up?
Many children with mild motor delays improve well with therapy and home support. Some children may have lifelong conditions but can still lead independent lives with the right interventions.
The earlier the support starts, the better the outcome. Don’t wait. Don’t feel guilty. Help your child grow with confidence.
Key Takeaways for Parents
Trust your instinct if something feels “off”
Know the key milestones and red flags
Seek help early—even if others say “he’ll catch up”
Therapy works best when started early
You are your child’s biggest support system
Free Download
Motor Milestone Checklist by Age (PDF)
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