Gross Motor Skills in Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
- Catching a ball with their arms
- Climbing ladders and playground equipment
- Moving on tiptoes
- Navigating around obstacles
Gross Motor Skills in 5-Year-Olds
- Skipping on alternate feet and galloping
- Jumping rope
- Walking along a narrow path
- Riding a bicycle (possibly without training wheels)
- Swimming, dancing, and skating
- Playing ball games
Activities for Gross Motor Skill Development
Every child has their own timeline for gross motor skill development, and
milestones will usually come naturally. That said, parents can encourage activities that promote gross motor skills, such as the expert-approved ones listed below. Keep reading for gross motor skill activities broken down into
three age groups: babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Baby Activities
Practice tummy time regularly. Tummy time builds strength for physical development. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting tummy time when your baby comes home from the hospital. You can start slow (about two to three daily sessions for a few minutes each time) and to work up to longer stretches. "Most caregivers think [tummy time] should be for long durations, but really one minute is fine until the infant can tolerate longer durations," says Crystal Barchacky, a licensed
occupational therapist. Note that tummy time on a caregiver's chest counts, especially in the newborn period.
