Developmental Milestones
Helping Your Child Reach Key Developmental Milestones
As a parent, you eagerly await each new stage of your child’s growth—rolling over, sitting up, crawling, standing, walking, and running. But what happens when these milestones don’t happen on time? If your child is struggling with delayed motor skills, balance issues, or clumsiness, pediatric physical therapy can help them build strength, coordination, and confidence.
At Twin Hearts Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping babies, toddlers, and young children reach their motor milestones through fun, play-based therapy.
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones are key movement skills that children typically achieve by certain ages. These skills lay the foundation for mobility, strength, balance, and coordination. While every child develops at their own pace, significant delays may indicate a need for intervention.
Common Gross Motor Milestones
2-4 months: Lifting head during tummy time
4-6 months: Rolling over
6-8 months: Sitting up independently
8-12 months: Crawling
10-18 months: Standing & walking
18+ months: Running, stairs, & climbing
2+ years: Jumping, balancing on one foot
If your child is missing these key milestones, early intervention with pediatric physical therapy can help them build the necessary strength and coordination to catch up.
Signs Your Child May Have Developmental Delays
Not all delays mean something serious, but some red flags indicate that extra support may be beneficial. If your child:
Does not roll over by 6 months
Has difficulty sitting without support by 9 months
Does not crawl or crawls asymmetrically by 12 months
Is not walking independently by 18 months
Frequently trips, falls, or struggles with coordination
Has difficulty with balance when running or jumping
These could be early signs of motor development challenges. Our pediatric physical therapists can help assess and support your child’s needs.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Physical Therapy
Your child may need pediatric physical therapy if they are:
Not standing or pulling up by 12-14 months
Not attempting to walk by 16 months
Walking only on tiptoes or with stiff legs
Frequently falling or struggling with balance
Showing frustration with movement or avoiding walking
If you’ve noticed these signs, early intervention can make a big difference!
Common Causes of Delayed Walking
There are several reasons why a child might have difficulty walking:
1. Low Muscle Tone (Hypotonia)
Babies with low muscle tone may feel floppy when held and struggle to bear weight on their legs.
Strengthening exercises help improve stability and coordination.
2. Poor Balance & Coordination
Some children have difficulty with motor planning, making it hard to take stable steps.
Therapy helps with core stability, weight shifting, and postural control.
3. Torticollis or Plagiocephaly
Babies with tight neck muscles (torticollis) may struggle with proper head and body alignment, affecting mobility.
Early therapy improves posture, muscle balance, and movement patterns.
4. Prematurity or Developmental Delays
Preemies or children with developmental conditions (like cerebral palsy or spina bifida) may require targeted therapy to strengthen their lower body.
5. Toe Walking or Unsteady Gait
Some children walk on tiptoes due to tight calf muscles or sensory issues. While most kids will walk on tiptoes some, if this is the primary way they walk further evaluation may be needed.
Therapy addresses muscle flexibility and gait mechanics.
Does your child have any of these challenges? We can help!
How Pediatric Physical Therapy Supports Developmental Milestones
Physical therapy helps children develop:
Core strength for sitting, standing & walking
Balance & coordination for running, climbing & jumping
Motor planning to improve movement efficiency
Confidence in movement to prevent falls & injuries
Our Developmental Milestones Therapy Approach
At Twin Hearts PT, we tailor treatment to each child’s unique needs. Our approach includes:
Tummy Time & Core Strength Training
Helps strengthen neck, shoulder & core muscles for better posture and movement.
Crawling & Walking Skill Development
Corrects asymmetrical crawling patterns or delays in walking.
Encourages proper foot placement & balance for safe movement.
Balance & Coordination Training
Improves stability for walking, running, and jumping.
Reduces clumsiness & frequent falling.
Play-Based Motor Skill Activities
Fun, interactive exercises using balls, swings, climbing obstacles & toys.
Parent Education & Home Exercises
Teaching caregivers simple exercises to support progress at home.
Why Choose Twin Hearts Physical Therapy?
Expert Pediatric Therapists – Specialists in early childhood motor development
One-on-One, Personalized Care – Custom plans for each child’s needs
Fun, Play-Based Therapy – Keeping kids engaged while they progress
Serving Glenpool, Kiefer, Mounds, Okmulgee, Tulsa, Bixby, Jenks & Surrounding Areas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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While every child develops at their own pace, missing milestones can indicate muscle weakness, coordination issues, or neurological differences. A physical therapy evaluation can help determine if support is needed.
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If your child struggles with crawling, walking, balance, or coordination, an assessment can determine if therapy is beneficial.
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Yes! Balance and coordination training can help children move more confidently and safely.
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Yes! We specialize in infants, toddlers, and young children with motor development challenges.
Schedule an Assessment for Developmental Milestone Therapy Today!
Curious if your child is on track? We’re here to support every milestone—schedule your developmental check-in today.