Walking, Crawling, Climbing—When Do Gross Motor Skills Matter?
Helping Wyoming families support strong, confident kids from the ground up.
It’s Not a Race—But It’s Also Not “Nothing”
If your child isn’t walking yet or seems less active than their peers, you’re not alone—and you’re not wrong to wonder. Here in Wyoming, where grit and independence are practical family values, many parents hear well-meaning advice like “They’ll walk when they’re ready.” And sometimes, that’s true. But sometimes, those delays are worth a closer look. Gross motor development—the ability to move, balance, and coordinate large muscles—is foundational to your child’s confidence, independence, and even learning. It’s not just about getting from point A to B. It’s about how your child interacts with the world.
Early support can make all the difference—and that starts with understanding what’s typical, what’s not, and how to help at home.
What Are Gross Motor Skills, Really?
Gross motor skills involve the large muscles in the arms, legs, and torso. They help children perform everyday actions like sitting upright, crawling, walking, climbing, and running.
They are distinct from fine motor skills, which involve the hands and fingers—think writing, picking up small items, or buttoning a shirt.
The development of gross motor skills includes:
Stability & balance (sitting, standing)
Mobility (crawling, walking)
Coordination (jumping, ball play, stairs)
These are not just physical skills—they influence a child’s social experiences, learning, and even emotional development.
According to the CDC, gross motor development is one of the four core developmental domains monitored from birth to age five.
Source: CDC, Developmental Monitoring and Screening
Milestones That Matter for Wyoming Parents
Every child develops at their own pace, but here’s a general guideline for what to expect:
Age Range
3–6 months
6–9 months
9–12 months
12–18 months
2 years
3–4 years
Note: Some children may skip crawling altogether, going straight from scooting to walking. This can be okay—but if they struggle with other coordination tasks, it’s worth checking in.
Common Milestones
Rolls over, pushes up with arms, holds head up steadily
Sits without support, begins crawling or scooting
Pulls to stand, cruises along furniture
Walks independently, climbs on furniture
Walks up/down stairs with help, begins running
Pedals tricycle, jumps, catches and throws balls
When to Be Concerned—5 Signs Gillette Parents Should Watch For
Not all delays require intervention—but these signs may indicate your child could benefit from a developmental screening:
No head control by 4 months
Tightness in the neck that prohibits turning to look to either side
Consistent head tilting to one side
Not sitting up without help by 9 months
No crawling or scooting by 12 months
Not walking by 14 months
Frequent tripping, clumsiness, or stiffness by age 2–3
One study showed that up to 16% of children under age three who aren’t walking on time have an underlying developmental issue worth addressing.
Source: NIH, Developmental Delay in Toddlers
Remember: You don’t need to know what’s wrong to take action—you just need to notice when something feels off.
Fun, Low-Cost Activities to Support Movement—Even in Wyoming Winters
Gross motor skills aren’t built in a gym—they’re built through everyday movement, play, and interaction. Here are a few easy ideas:
Pillow Obstacle Course: Crawl over couch cushions, under tables, and around chairs.
Dance Freeze: Play music, then freeze when it stops. Builds balance and body control.
Animal Walks: Pretend to be frogs, bears, or crabs—great for core strength and coordination.
Ball Games: Roll, toss, or kick a soft ball to build timing and hand-eye coordination.
Nature Walks: Walking on grass, snow, trails, or gravel challenges balance while offering outdoor fun.
Pro Tip: Choose activities your child enjoys—engagement increases effort, and effort builds skills.
What to Expect From a Free Screening at CDS in Gillette
At Children’s Developmental Services of Campbell County, we believe that early support changes everything.
If your child shows signs of motor delay, we can:
Offer free developmental screenings—no referral required
Provide physical therapy and occupational therapy in a play-based setting
Partner with you to support growth at home, at preschool, and in daily life
“This place is fantastic! Everyone is very polite and the teachers are fantastic as well!!! We love this place!! They have helped our children come so far!”
Ready to check in? Call (307) 682-2392 or click here for more info.
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Your Child’s Path Is Unique—And You’re Doing a Great Job
It’s easy to worry. It’s even easier to doubt yourself as a parent. But asking questions shows just how much you care.
You’re not overreacting—you’re paying attention. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Whether your child is late to walk or just needs a little extra movement support, CDS is here to walk with you.