Birth to 18 years
Motor & physical skills explorer
When and how should you expect your child to hold their head up, roll, sit, walk, climb, run and jump? Tap an age to see what's typical, what to look for, and when to talk to your pediatrician.
Why this tool focuses on birth to age 5
Motor skills are the clearest early window into how a child's brain, nerves and muscles are developing. Between birth and about age 2, milestones like holding the head up, rolling, sitting, crawling and walking are what pediatricians watch most closely — and they follow a fairly predictable order, so it's easier to notice when something is off.
Birth to 5 is also the window where support helps most. Gentle play changes, an early-intervention referral or physical therapy tend to make the biggest difference when they start early.
After age 5, the picture shifts. Big movement milestones are mostly in place, and check-ups focus more on refined coordination, strength and stamina, learning, feelings and — later — puberty. That's why the ages above age 5 in this tool are grouped into broader ranges instead of month-by-month steps.
Pick a skill
My doctor list 0When and how should I expect my child to…
What a delay can look like
- Head flops back or stays flat against the mat instead of lifting during tummy time
- Lifts the head only for a second, then drops it — even close to 3–4 months
- The head bobs or wobbles a lot when held upright, instead of staying steady
- Always turns or tilts the head to the same side, never the other
Next steps & action plan
Call your pediatrician's office if your child shows any red flags. Print your list for your refrigerator, and take short smartphone videos of specific motor concerns to share with your pediatrician.
My doctor list (0)
Nothing flagged yet. Tap an age pill and choose "Flag for doctor's visit".
Based on developmental guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestones. Every child develops at their own pace; babies born early may reach milestones by their adjusted age.
This tool is for general information and education only. It does not replace advice from your child's pediatrician, who knows your child's full history. Reviewed by a pediatrician.