Physical Health and Motor Development

By 9 months, most children:

• Reach and play with toys while sitting
• Reach for objects and bring them to their mouth
• Pound on a table and other objects
• Roll both ways (front to back and back to front)
• Get into sitting position without help while lying down or crawling
• Sit without support
• Pull up to a standing position

By 18 months, most children:

• Squat to pick up toys or other objects
• Jump with feet apart
• Carry a toy while walking
• Stand on one foot with assistance

By 24 months, most children:

• Bend or stoop over to pick up a toy or other object
• Pull toys behind themselves
• Climb onto and off of couches, chairs, large rocks, or logs
• Roll a large ball
• Toss a ball into a large container
• Sit on and move small-wheeled riding toys

By 36 months, most children:

• Play “catch” using a large rubber ball
• Throw underhand with some direction
• Climb on outdoor play equipment

By 48 months, most children:

• Pedal a tricycle
• Aim and throw a ball overhand toward a target
• Bounce a ball
• Hit a stationary ball with a plastic or foam bat
• Use arms and legs in a coordinated manner to “pump” on a swing
• Jump off a bottom step with two feet
• Jump with two feet over small objects

By 60 months, most children:

• Catch a small ball with two hands
• Bounce a ball and catch it
• Aim and throw a ball with some accuracy