From those first wobbly steps to skipping off to school, here’s an overview of lower limb development in young children
As a podiatrist and a parent, I know how incredible it is to watch your child grow from a newborn and start reaching those exciting developmental milestones. It really makes all those sleepless nights worth it!
When it comes to lower limb development, children experience significant changes in those early years. They progress from basic motor skills, like lifting their heads, to more advanced activities like running, hopping, and skipping.
As your child grows, each new movement signals a new stage of their development, preparing them for the next stage.
It's an exciting process, but it can also bring many questions and concerns along the way. Knowing when to expect certain physical milestones can give parents peace of mind.
Here's a breakdown of the key lower limb developments in the first five years.
Lower Limb Developmental Milestones by Age
1-2 Months: Head Lift Whilst Prone (on tummy)
In the earliest stage, infants begin developing basic motor control. By the age of 1-2 months, babies typically start lifting their heads while lying on their stomachs. This head-lifting motion helps strengthen the neck and upper back muscles, essential for future mobility.
3-4 Months: Chest Lift Whilst Prone (on tummy)
As babies continue to develop, they move from head lifting to raising their chest while lying on their tummy. This new milestone occurs around 3-4 months and helps strengthen the arms and shoulders. It is an early indicator of the coordination and muscle strength needed for crawling.
5 Months: Rolling, Crawling, and Pulling to Sit
At around 5 months, babies often begin rolling over from their belly to their back and may start early forms of crawling. Some may also begin to pull themselves up to a sitting position with assistance. These movements further enhance muscle strength in the arms, shoulders, and legs, paving the way for more advanced mobility.
6 Months: Sitting Without Support
By 6 months, most babies can sit independently without support. This milestone reflects improved muscle control and balance, critical for future standing and walking activities.
7-9 Months: Assisted Standing and Crawling
Between 7 and 9 months, babies typically start standing and walking with assistance, such as holding onto furniture or a caregiver’s hands. Crawling becomes more proficient during this period, further developing lower limb strength and coordination.
11 Months: Standing Alone
By 11 months, many babies can stand without assistance, marking a significant milestone in their motor development. This stage prepares them for independent walking.
12-18 Months: Independent Walking and Stair Climbing
Your child's first steps often occur between 12 and 18 months, followed by the ability to walk up stairs with the support of a railing. These skills show that the child’s balance and coordination are improving significantly.
18 Months: Running and Kicking
By 18 months, children usually begin to run and kick a ball forward. These activities require a higher level of coordination and lower limb strength, demonstrating ongoing development in motor skills.
24 Months: Jumping on the Spot
At 24 months, children typically start jumping on the spot. This activity challenges balance and coordination as they learn to lift both feet off the ground simultaneously.
36 Months: Stair Climbing Without Support and BROAD JUMP
By age 3, most children can walk up stairs without needing a railing and perform a broad jump (jumping forward). These movements reflect increased leg strength and better coordination.
48 Months: Hopping and Balancing on One Foot
At 4 years, children can usually hop on one foot and balance for about 5 seconds. These milestones showcase advanced motor skills and balance, which are essential for activities such as running and playing sports.
60 Months: Skipping and Advanced Balancing
By age 5, children are often capable of skipping, walking heel-to-toe, and balancing on one foot for 10 seconds. These complex skills indicate that the child’s lower limb muscles, balance, and coordination have developed to a higher level.
Understanding the typical milestones for lower limb development in children can help parents and caregivers recognise if a child is progressing as expected or if further assessment may be required.
It's important to remember that every child is unique and will reach milestones at their own pace. This guide is meant as general information and shouldn't be a cause for worry if your child's timeline differs slightly.
If you have any concerns about your child's lower limb development, early intervention from a healthcare provider, such as a podiatrist, can help identify any issues and provide appropriate support.