1–1.5 years old: gross motor skill development

Gross motor skill development allows your toddler to improve their balance and coordination and use their larger muscles. These abilities help them to master activities like sitting, crawling, and moving on all fours. Later, they help with walking, running, climbing, jumping, and more. Developing gross motor skills is also an important step towards developing fine motor skills.

Gross motor development: 1 year to 1½ years

At this age:

• Your toddler starts to walk on their own: first with their feet apart and arms raised, then with their feet closer together and arms lowered. They gradually walk on different surfaces (grass, gravel, snow, etc.) without falling, and can change direction and stop on their own. They may try to run, though it’s usually more like fast walking.

• Your little one can climb stairs—first on all fours, then standing, one step at a time, placing one foot after the other while holding the railing or your hand.
• They can go down stairs in different ways: backwards on their tummy, on all fours, or sitting. By around 18 months, they can go down while holding your hand or the railing.
• Your toddler can walk while pulling toys attached to a string.
• They can dance to music.
• Your little one can bend to pick up objects from the floor without losing their balance. By around 18 months, they can squat briefly and play in that position.
• They can climb onto chairs and sofas and get down from their high chair or stroller independently.
• When standing, your toddler can roll a ball or pass it along the floor.
• They can walk toward a ball and move it forward with their legs instead of kicking it.
• Your little one can hop in place (though their feet stay on the ground).

Over the next few weeks, your toddler will begin to do the following:

• Go down stairs while holding the railing, placing both feet on each step
• Kick a ball with either foot without falling
• Enjoy walking quickly; they may even try running, though they can fall or bump into objects
• Walk sideways and backwards (around 18 months)
• Sit on a riding toy and move around by pushing with their feet
• Jump in place with both feet together, with support or while holding on to something (around 18 months)

How can you help your child progress?

Every child is different and develops at their own pace. That said, you can help foster your child’s development by adopting the Comfort, Play, and Teach parenting approach, which can easily be integrated into your daily routine. The table below outlines small, age-specific actions you can take that will benefit your child’s gross motor skill development.

Scientific review: Josiane Caron Santha, occupational therapist Research and copywriting:The Naître et grandir team Updated: November 2025

Photo: GettyImages/Milan_Jovic