Physical development 101: A guide to gross and fine motor skills in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers

Through daily play and movement, babies and toddlers begin to develop fundamental motor skills: gross motor skills (big movements like crawling, walking, and jumping) and fine motor skills (smaller actions, like grasping and picking up tiny objects). These skills grow naturally over time (and much to parents’ delight!) but no two children develop them at exactly the same pace. That being said, there are so many fun activities you can do to help encourage their physical development in an engaging and healthy way.

So what are the gross and fine motor skills that your child should be developing, at what ages can you expect them to do these skills, and how can you best support their growth?

This guide will walk you through (no pun intended!):

• What are gross motor skills?
• What are fine motor skills?
• Activities for gross motor skill development
• Activities for fine motor skill development
• Toys to support motor skill development
• When to be concerned about your child’s physical development

What are gross motor skills?

Gross motor skills are essential for movement and coordination, and refer to development and movement of large muscles. These muscles enable developing children to go from needing to be carried everywhere, to eventually run, jump, and climb in just a few years. Babies typically progress through these skills in a predictable order as they grow into toddlers and eventually preschoolers, but the timeline of every child’s gross motor development will vary.

Examples of gross motor skills by age

• Infants (0-12 months): An infant’s gross motor skills involve holding their neck up, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, pulling onto furniture to stand.
• Toddlers (1-2 years): Walking, climbing, running, kicking, and throwing a ball.
• Preschoolers (3-5 years): Hopping, balancing on one foot, riding a tricycle, and jumping.

Why gross motor skills matter

As babies develop their gross motor skills, they start to build strength in their leg muscles, arm muscles, and torso. That strength enables them to start to move in a big way, laying the groundwork for future greater independence as they begin to explore and interact with the world around them. (Of course, this all means you may need to start baby-proofing the home, grow eyes on the back of your head, and run at the speed of light.)

Here are some common questions that parents and caregivers have regarding their child’s gross motor skill development:

• When should my baby learn to crawl? On average, babies begin to crawl between six and 10 months, though some may start earlier, while others take a bit longer. Crawling isn’t a strict milestone that all babies reach; some may skip it altogether and go straight to pulling up or cruising (walking while holding onto furniture). Some may not do an army crawl, but may scooch on their bottom. 
• When should my baby learn to walk? Most babies start taking their first steps between 12 and 15 months, though some begin as early as nine months or as late as 18 months. You can encourage walking by creating a safe space where your child can pull up and cruise along furniture. Bare feet or soft-soled shoes are the best shoes for toddlers to start supporting balance.
• When should my toddler learn to run? Running usually develops a few months after walking, around 18 to 24 months. By this age, toddlers have gained more strength and coordination, and running comes naturally as they explore their environment.

How to support gross motor development

Supporting your child’s motor skill growth doesn’t require fancy equipment—just opportunities for safe, open movement under a caregiver’s supervision. Here are some ways you can motivate their gross motor skill development, without putting the pressure on:

• Give them plenty of space to move: Create a safe area where your baby can roll, crawl, and explore freely. This may mean moving some objects out of their path, baby-proofing equipment, and anchoring heavy furniture to the wall. 
• Take your child to the playground or outside: There’s no better place to get that gross motor skill practice in! From climbing the steps, to going on the slide, to swinging on the swing, they can basically do it all here. Soft-play places are great for rainy days, too!
• Be patient and let them lead: Let your child set the pace. While encouragement is great, resist the urge to push them to reach milestones faster. For most children, they’ll crawl when they crawl and walk when they walk! 
• Avoid “containers”: Many parents may opt to use baby seats, bouncing chairs, and walkers to motivate their child’s growth. But these can actually limit movement and impact muscle development, prolonging those gross motor skills. If you’re not sure whether or not to use one of these items, consult your pediatrician. 

And for even more ideas, here’s a bigger list of fun activities to help kids to develop fundamental movement skills.

What are fine motor skills?

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in the hands and fingers (and down to their tiny little toes), enabling children to grasp, hold, and manipulate objects. Like gross motor skills, fine motor skills are key to developing independence and preparing children for daily activities such as feeding themselves, drawing, and eventually writing.

Examples of fine motor skills by age

• Infants (0-12 months): Grasping toys, reaching for objects, passing items from hand to hand, and beginning to use a pincer grip (using the thumb and index finger). This can start a little later too.
• Toddlers (1-2 years): By 15 months, toddlers can start turning pages in a book, scribbling, stacking blocks, feeding themselves with fingers, and beginning to use utensils.
• Preschoolers (3-5 years): Drawing simple shapes, using scissors, buttoning and unbuttoning clothing, and handling writing utensils. Again, this can start earlier for some children. 

This progression is typical, though some children may develop fine motor skills at different paces, depending on their interests and unique development. And some children may get frustrated as they navigate this new skill. After all, solving a puzzle or fitting those shapes into the right holes can be hard work!

Why fine motor skills matter

Fine motor skills build the foundation for several tasks that most of us take for granted. From hand-eye coordination to precise movement, these skills also play a critical role in cognitive development as children learn to interact with objects, explore textures, and practice problem-solving through touch and manipulation in the world around them. Pretty cool!

Below are the most common questions that parents and caregivers have regarding their child’s fine motor skill development:

• When should my baby start grasping objects? Most babies start reaching and grasping around three to four months, beginning with a loose grasp and gradually refining it. By six to nine months, babies often begin using a pincer grasp, where they use their thumb and forefinger to pick up small objects. To encourage grasping, offer toys or objects that are easy to hold and encourage exploration. 
  
• When should my toddler start using utensils? Most toddlers begin experimenting with utensils between 12-18 months and gain more control by two years old. Mastering utensils can take time, and it’s completely normal for toddlers to alternate between fingers and utensils as they learn. In the meantime, you can encourage self-feeding with foods that are easy to pick up, like small chunks of soft fruits or pasta, and always with adult supervision.
  
• When should my preschooler start writing or drawing? By 18 months, children begin practicing with crayons, markers, and pencils. Of course, the pictures a two-year-old make will look a lot different than that of a five-year-old, but age-appropriate practice helps strengthen hand muscles and coordination. Provide opportunities for scribbling and drawing, whether on paper, chalkboards, or even in sand. Avoid pressure; instead, celebrate any attempt to draw or write, encouraging their creativity and confidence, and there’s no need to have your child hold the pencil the “right way.” 

How to support fine motor development

Encouraging fine motor development can be as simple as giving your child time and space to explore with their hands. Here are some tips for fostering these skills:

• Provide age-appropriate toys and manipulatives: As often as you can, offer different toys and objects that encourage fine motor use. We’ll cover some more specific examples in a bit! 
• Engage in everyday tasks together: Involve your child in daily activities, such as putting away toys, stirring ingredients in a bowl, or turning the pages of their favourite book. These simple acts build coordination and muscle control, and also teach them chores early on.
• Avoid overuse of screen-based activities: Excessive screen time can limit hand movement and exploration. Prioritize hands-on activities that engage multiple senses.
• Limit passive toys: Choose toys that engage your child’s interaction over those that do the action for them (e.g. toys that require pushing a button versus stacking or building). Remember, there’s no wrong or right way to play!

Activities for gross motor skill development in babies, toddlers, and preschoolers

Supporting gross motor development doesn’t require elaborate equipment. With just a little space and encouragement, children can build their motor skills through engaging, everyday activities. Nevertheless, below is a basic list of some low-pressure activities to encourage your child’s gross motor skills.

Babies (0-12 months)

• Tummy time: Placing your baby on their tummy helps strengthen neck, shoulder, and core muscles. Start with short intervals and gradually increase as they grow stronger.
• Reaching and grabbing: Hold toys or objects just out of reach to encourage your baby to reach, stretch, and grasp, which builds arm and core strength.
• Rolling practice: Gently guide your baby to roll from their back to tummy and vice versa, supporting their core strength and balance as they practice.
• Supported sitting: Let your baby sit on your lap or supported by pillows. This helps them develop the balance needed for sitting up independently. Always do so with supervision.
• Kicking play: Place a soft toy or hanging object near your baby’s feet and encourage gentle kicking. This strengthens leg muscles and promotes early coordination.
• Outdoor play: Take a blanket on the grass outside and practice the activities and skills above!

Toddlers (1-2 years)

• Climbing and crawling obstacles: Arrange safe obstacles, like pillows and blankets, for your toddler to crawl over, under, and around. This boosts balance and coordination.
• Pull and push toys: Use push toys or a sturdy wagon, which can help toddlers practice balance while walking and strengthen leg muscles.
• Dancing to music: Play music and encourage your toddler to dance! Music and movement is a great way to encourage balance, flexibility, and whole-body coordination in a fun way.
• Ball play: Use a lightweight ball for rolling, throwing, and kicking games. These activities improve coordination and leg strength as they learn to aim and control their movements.
• Outdoor exploration: Walking on grass, sand, or uneven ground builds balance and strengthens the legs as toddlers adapt to different surfaces. There are also so many outdoor games to play at any age!
• Indoor play: On those rainy days, there are plenty of indoor activities you can do to help develop gross motor skills!
• Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes: This game may be old-fashioned, but it’s a good body part activity for toddlers.

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

• Running and chasing games: Play simple chasing games in a safe area. Running, stopping, and changing directions enhance agility and muscle coordination.
• Jumping and hopping: Practice jumping over small objects, hopping on one foot, or doing jumping jacks. These exercises improve leg strength and coordination.
• Balancing activities: Practice balancing on one foot or walking along a line. Balancing on one foot strengthens stabilizing muscles and supports body awareness.
• Tricycle or scooter riding: Riding a tricycle or scooter helps develop leg strength and coordination, as well as balance and focus on steering.
• Outdoor games: Your child will be able to do more activities outside by age three!
• Simon Says: This game helps work out the muscles behind gross motor development, while improving cognitive skills (and, listening skills!)

Activities for fine motor skill development in babies, toddlers, and preschoolers

Supporting fine motor development is essential for children’s growth and doesn’t require complex equipment. With a little creativity and encouragement, you can help your child strengthen their fine motor skills through fun activities.

Babies (0-12 months)

• Grasping toys: Offer toys that are easy for your baby to hold, like soft blocks or rattles. Encourage them to grasp, shake, and explore these objects by modeling for them.
• Finger plays: Engage in simple finger games like “Itsy Bitsy Spider” or “Where is Thumbkin?” These activities promote hand movements and strengthen finger muscles.
• Sensory bags: Fill a resealable bag with safe, colorful items (like rice or gelatin) for your baby to squish and explore. This tactile experience stimulates their senses and enhances fine motor control.
• High-chair activities: While your baby is in the high chair, provide soft finger foods or small, safe items for them to pick up and manipulate, helping them practice pincer grasp.
• Tearing paper: Supervise your baby as they tear soft tissue paper or lightweight paper. This activity encourages hand strength and coordination.

Toddlers (1-2 years)

• Play-Doh fun: Provide Play-Doh for your toddler to squeeze, roll, and mold. This activity strengthens hand muscles and enhances creativity. You’ll get some fine motor exercise as well when you have to clean it up!
• Simple puzzles: Offer large, chunky puzzles that fit into a board. Completing puzzles encourages problem-solving skills and improves hand-eye coordination.
• Stacking blocks: Use soft or wooden blocks to encourage stacking and building. This promotes fine motor skills as toddlers learn to balance and position objects. It’s also a great activity to do together, anytime, anywhere!
• Art projects: Introduce crayons, markers, and finger paints. Allow your toddler to color and create freely, which helps develop their grip and control. 
• Spoon-and-cup play: Let your toddler practice scooping and pouring with a spoon and a cup. This simple activity improves their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
• Play with nature: If you can go outside to the beach, toddlers love to play with the sand or beach toys, or picking up sticks, rocks, or leaves outside. 
• Bath time: With all that exercise they’re getting, toddlers will need a bath. Luckily, bath time can be a great time to practice those fine motor skills, too! 

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

• Scissor skills: This activity helps improve hand strength and coordination, and is lots of fun for them, too!
• Beading activities: Use large beads and laces for your preschooler to string together. This enhances hand-eye coordination and fine motor precision.
• Finger painting: This tactile experience not only fosters creativity but also enhances fine motor skills. 
• Buttoning and zipping: Practice buttoning shirts or zipping jackets with your preschooler. These daily tasks enhance dexterity and independence.
• Bean bag games: Bean bag games help children practice their throwing skills as well as coordination.
• Gardening tasks: Involve your preschooler in planting seeds or digging in the dirt. These hands-on activities build hand strength and coordination while connecting them to nature.

Toys to support motor skill development

Some parents may find it easier to use toys instead of (or in addition to) activities. As you’ve probably noticed, kids may be drawn to toys that are not necessarily in their age bracket, and presenting them with various options helps to scaffold their development. It’s a no-brainer that most toys you can put in your home are for fine motor skill development, but there are some Montessori toys that help with gross motor development you can use for a movement room or otherwise won’t take up too much space in the house!

Also, remember to check out your local public library for toys, Facebook Marketplace for gently used toys, or parents’ groups to swap toys, instead of having to buy them brand new! Below, we’ll explore various toys and activities categorized by age group, focusing on ways to use items you may already have.

Babies (0-12 months)

• Soft rattle
• Sophie the giraffe
• Teething ring
• Touch books
• Crinkle books
• Mirror/tummy-time book
• Sensory grasp ball
• Play mat
• Soft blocks

Toddlers (1-2 years)

• Push walker
• Play-Doh
• Stacking rings
• Magnetic fishing toy
• Lift-the-flap books
• Jigsaw play mat
• Lift-the-felt books
• Shape sorter (this is also popular with babies!)
• Magnetic tiles
• Mega Bloks
• Cutting-food toys
• Montessori tower
• Play tunnel
• Sticker books
• Bath toys
• Sensory stepping stones
• Waldorf wooden balance board
• Pull-along toy
• Montessori gym
• Wooden blocks
• Busy board

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

• The Nugget 
• Beading set
• Writing tablet
• Scooter
• Colour sorting with tongs
• Noodle knock-out
• Magnetic dress-up dolls
• Turtle velcro game
• Scissor skills workbook
• Twister (and other board games)

Often, there are objects around our home that do the job just fine, or objects that we don’t normally think of helping with gross and fine motor development. From blankets and burp clothes for babies to balls and pots and pans for toddlers to hula hoops and cones for preschoolers, you’d be surprised at how creative you can get! But, if you’re interested in getting some additional help in the toy department, companies like Lovevery, Piccalio, Melissa & Doug, and even Lego make it easy to find age-appropriate toys for the different stages of your child’s physical development. 

When to be concerned about your child’s physical development

As parents, it’s natural to wonder if your child is on track with their development, always assessing their fine motor skills and gross motor skills even though it may not be their time yet. That being said, while every child grows at their own pace, many parents and caregivers can have a gut feeling if something just doesn’t seem right. So here are some key areas to watch for, along with recommended actions if you have concerns.

Typical gross motor skill development

• By 7 months: Your infant’s gross motor development means that by this age, they should be able to roll over in both directions. If they are not rolling by this age, it may be a sign to consult a pediatrician.
• By 10 months: Your baby should be able to sit independently without support. Difficulty achieving this milestone could indicate a need for further evaluation.
• By 18 months: Your child should be walking independently. If they aren’t walking or showing any attempts to pull up to stand by this age, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Typical fine motor skill development

• By 6 months: Your baby should be able to grasp objects and reach for and hold toys. If they seem unable to grasp or explore objects, it may be worth discussing with a pediatrician.
• By 18 months: Your child should be showing progress in self-feeding, such as using their hands or utensils to eat, and should be able to manipulate small objects, like stacking blocks. Difficulty with these skills may warrant further investigation.

You can also use this chart as a reference for typical gross and fine motor milestones:

What to do if your child isn’t meeting milestones

If your child isn’t hitting key developmental milestones, you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to help:

1. Consult a pediatrician or family doctor: Doctors can provide assessments, referrals, and specialized advice tailored to your child’s growth. They may refer you to occupational or physical therapists, who are skilled in targeted motor development techniques.
2. Early intervention programs: Provincial early intervention programs provide support, screenings, and activities tailored to your child’s specific needs. These services are often free or covered by provincial health plans.
3. Work with an occupational or physical therapist: Therapists create play-based activities tailored to build specific motor skills in a fun, engaging way. Many therapists work in clinics, schools, or even home settings, allowing for flexible support.
4. Stay positive and be patient: Children sense stress and pressure, so staying calm and supportive during practice is essential. Celebrate small wins and focus on steady progress rather than immediate results.
5. Find a support group: It may feel isolating if your child is not meeting their motor skill milestones, but chances are you’re not the only one in your community. Look for information on support groups in your area.

Early identification and support are key, and in many cases, children make substantial progress with the right guidance and activities.

Encourage physical development of fine and gross motor skills with Active for Life

While children often pick up fine and gross motor skills on their own, there’s so much we can do to support and enrich their journey to an active childhood. By creating opportunities for active play, introducing fun, age-appropriate activities, and staying connected with your child’s pediatrician, you can help them build these essential skills in a way that’s both fun and fulfilling for both of you.

Best of all, Active for Life offers plenty of resources to help guide you along the way. Sign up for our newsletter to receive free tips and activities in your inbox!