Physical Developmental Millstones

These milestones provide a general framework for monitoring the development of gross and fine motor skills across childhood and adolescence. However, it's important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, and variations within these ranges are normal. Additionally, children with developmental delays or disabilities may reach milestones at different times or require additional support to achieve them. For more information on Delays, please follow this link.

Birth to 6 Months:

Gross Motor:

  • Lifts head briefly when lying on stomach (around 1 month)

  • Rolls from back to side (around 2-3 months)

  • Bears weight on legs when held upright (around 3 months)

  • Rolls from front to back (around 4-5 months)

  • Sits with support (around 5-6 months)

Fine Motor:

  • Grasps objects reflexively (around 1-2 months)

  • Holds and shakes objects (around 3-4 months)

  • Uses palmar Grasp (around 4-5 months)

  • Reaches for and grasps objects intentionally with two arms (around 4-6 months)

    6 to 12 Months:

    Gross Motor:

    • Sits independently (around 6-8 months)

    • Crawls on hands and knees (around 7-10 months)

    • Pulls to stand (around 8-10 months)

    • Cruises along furniture (around 9-12 months)

    • Stands alone briefly (around 10-12 months)

  • Fine Motor:

    • Bangs objects together (around 6-7 months)

    • Radial palmer grasp ( around 6-7 months)

    • 3-jaw chuck grasp (6-8 months)

    • Uses raking grasp (around 7-8 months)

    • Radial digital grasp (around 8-9 months)

    • Begins to transfer objects between hands at midline (around 6-12 months)

    • Pincer grasp emerges (using thumb and index finger, around 8-10 months)

    • Begins to use pincer grasp to pick up small objects (around 10-12 months)

    • Starts to feed self finger foods (around 9-12 months)

12 to 18 Months:

Gross Motor:

    • Walks independently (around 12-15 months)

    • Climbs stairs with assistance (around 12-18 months)

    • Kicks a ball (around 12-18 months)

    • Runs stiffly (around 15-18 months)

  • Fine Motor:

    • Builds tower of 2-3 blocks (around 12-15 months)

    • Scribbles with crayon (around 12-15 months)

    • Begins to use spoon/fork (around 15-18 months)

    • Helps with dressing (around 15-18 months)

    • Palmar supinate Grasp (around 12-18 months)

18 Months to 3 Years:

  • Gross Motor:

    • Climbs on furniture (around 18-24 months)

    • Jumps in place (around 24-30 months)

    • Rides a tricycle (around 24-36 months)

    • Walks up and down stairs alternating feet (around 24-36 months)

  • Fine Motor:

    • Builds tower of 4-6 blocks (around 18-24 months)

    • Copies circular scribble (around 24-30 months)

    • Begins to use scissors (around 24-36 months)

    • Unbuttons large buttons (around 24-36 months)

    • Digital Pronate Grasp (24- 36 months)

3 to 5 Years:

  • Fine Motor:

    • Builds tower of 8-10 blocks (around 3-4 years)

    • Copies cross and square shapes (around 4-5 years)

    • Draws a person with 3-6 body parts (around 4-5 years)

    • Buttons and unbuttons clothing (around 4-5 years)

    • Static Tripod Grasp (3-4 years)

    • Can write name (around 4-5 years)

5 to 12 Years:

  • Fine Motor:

    • Prints most letters and numbers (around 5-6 years)

    • Ties shoelaces (around 6-7 years)

    • Cuts shapes with scissors (around 6-8 years)

    • Dynamic Tripod Grasp (around 4-5 years)

Adolescence (12+ Years):

  • Fine Motor:

    • Refines handwriting and drawing skills

    • Develops fine motor skills specific to vocational interests or hobbies (e.g., musical instruments, fine arts, craftsmanship)