Normal Childhood Development of Fundamental Movement Skills

Children will only learn new skills when their bodies have developed enough to do so. A normal age range exists for each skill. Although some children develop early and others develop late, parents should only be concerned if a child is well behind their peers in the majority of actions.

What is normal skill development?

Children learn new skills – crawling, walking, running – only when their bodies are ready. This means when they are strong enough to do the activity, and when the brain and nerves are developed enough to send the right messages to the right muscles.

Brain, nerve and muscle development depends on the individual. A child who is later-than-average in learning to crawl sometimes walks before those “early” crawlers, while the early walker may be the last to run or jump.

When should a child be able to crawl, walk and run?

The normal range of ages at which children learn the different movement skills holds more weight than average age. Take crawling for example.

Some children learn to crawl at around five months, and many start to crawl at seven months. Others do not start crawling until they are 10-11 months old. About one in 10 babies never crawl, but go straight to walking when the body is ready.

There are no advantages or disadvantages to starting early or late. As long as the child hits movement milestones within the normal range, there’s no need to be concerned.

When should parents be concerned?

If children are much later than most of their peers in several different actions, it would be wise to speak with a health care provider.

Providing children with active role models, encouragement, and the opportunity to safely explore their environment will help all children develop physical abilities.

Give children the opportunity to learn movement skills and encourage them to physically explore their play spaces. Many short periods of vigorous play per day are best. Children shouldn’t go longer than one hour without being active (unless, of course, they are sleeping).