Gross motor skills, which involve the large muscles of the body and enable activities such as crawling, walking, and running, typically begin to develop in infants around 6-12 months of age. However, it is important to note that every child develops at their own pace, so these age ranges are just general guidelines.
Around 6-12 months, babies start to take their first steps without support. This is a major milestone in gross motor development and usually occurs after they have gained enough strength and balance to do so. It is an exciting time for both the child and their caregivers to witness these early attempts at independent walking. During this stage, babies may also begin to roll a ball in imitation of adults, showing their growing ability to coordinate their movements.
As children approach 1-2 years of age, they become more proficient in their gross motor skills. They are able to sit, crawl, and walk independently. This is a significant period of growth as they transition from relying on others for mobility to exploring their surroundings on their own. It is common for children to start getting up on all fours, preparing themselves for crawling or walking. This stage is marked by increased strength, coordination, and balance.
It is important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, and there is a wide range of what is considered normal. Some children may achieve these milestones earlier or later than the typical age ranges mentioned above. Factors such as genetics, environment, and individual variations can influence the rate at which gross motor skills develop.
In my personal experience as a parent and educator, I have witnessed children reaching these milestones at different ages. It is important to provide opportunities for children to engage in age-appropriate physical activities and play to support their gross motor development. Encouraging tummy time, providing safe spaces for crawling, and offering plenty of opportunities for active play can all contribute to the development of these skills.
To summarize, gross motor skills begin to develop around 6-12 months, with infants taking their first steps without support and imitating adult movements such as rolling a ball. By 1-2 years of age, children are typically able to sit, crawl, and walk independently, and they may start getting up on all fours in preparation for these activities. However, it is important to remember that every child is unique, and there is a wide range of what is considered normal in gross motor development.