Movement and Coordination in Toddlers

Watch a toddler move and you'll see a tiny human on a mission—toddering, tumbling, climbing everything in sight, and generally keeping you in a constant state of alert. This is the age when children master walking, start running, begin climbing, and develop the physical confidence that will serve them for life.

This guide covers what to expect from your toddler's motor development and how to support their active exploration.

The Big Picture: Ages 1-3

Toddlerhood brings dramatic physical changes: AAP

12-18 months:

• Walking independently
• Squatting to pick things up
• Climbing on furniture
• Beginning to run (more like fast walking)
• Pushing and pulling toys

18-24 months:

• Running more steadily
• Kicking a ball
• Walking up stairs with hand held
• Jumping in place
• Better climbing

24-36 months:

• Running well
• Jumping with both feet
• Walking up and down stairs
• Beginning to pedal tricycle
• Throwing and catching (attempting)

Walking: The First Big Milestone

If your child just learned to walk, here's what to expect: AAP

Early walking looks like:

• Wide-based gait (feet far apart)
• Arms out for balance
• Lots of falls
• Flat-footed steps
• Frequent pauses

This is all normal:

• Falls are part of learning
• Gait refines over months
• Each child has their own timeline
• Some walk at 9 months, some at 18 months

How to support:

• Provide safe spaces to practice
• Barefoot is best indoors (strengthens feet)
• Push toys help some children
• Don't rush—they'll get there

Shoes:

• Barefoot is best for learning
• When shoes are needed: flexible, flat, non-slip
• Proper fit (not too big)

Running and Agility

Running emerges after walking is steady: AAP

Progression:

• Fast walking (12-18 months)
• Stiff, upright running (18-24 months)
• Smoother running (24-36 months)
• Better stopping and turning (by age 3)

What you'll notice:

• Can't stop quickly at first
• May run into things
• Falls when changing direction
• Gradually improves balance

How to encourage:

• Open spaces to run
• Running games (chase)
• Time outside
• Following rolling balls

Climbing: A Universal Obsession

Toddlers will climb everything. Everything. AAP

Why they climb:

• Natural developmental drive
• Satisfies curiosity
• Practices strength and coordination
• Feels fun!

Normal climbing progression:

• Climbing on furniture (12-18 months)
• Climbing up stairs (with help, then alone)
• Climbing playground equipment
• Attempting climbing down (harder than up)

Safety:

• Anchor all furniture to walls
• Supervise closely
• Provide safe climbing opportunities
• Teach safe ways to climb down

Rather than saying no:

• Redirect to safe climbing
• Playground equipment
• Toddler climbing structures
• Couch cushion obstacle courses

Jumping: Airborne Adventures

Jumping develops during toddlerhood: AAP

Progression:

• Bouncing in place (12-18 months)
• Stepping off low surfaces (18-24 months)
• Jumping with both feet (24-30 months)
• Jumping forward (by age 3)

How to practice:

• Jump together holding hands
• Trampoline with handle (supervised)
• Jumping off bottom stair
• Jumping games and songs

Be patient:

• Many toddlers don't really jump until age 2-3
• It requires coordination of many skills
• Will develop when ready

Ball Skills

Playing with balls builds coordination: AAP

12-18 months:

• Rolling ball
• Throwing (awkwardly)
• Kicking (may step on ball first)

18-24 months:

• Better throwing
• Kicking without stepping on ball
• Chasing balls

24-36 months:

• Throwing with intention
• Catching (hugging against body)
• Kicking harder

Activities to try:

• Rolling ball back and forth
• Kicking toward goal
• Throwing at targets
• Variety of ball sizes

Stairs: Up and Down

Stairs are a major milestone: AAP

Progression:

• Crawling up stairs (12-18 months)
• Walking up with hand held (18-24 months)
• Walking up holding rail, same-foot each step (by 2-3)
• Walking down (usually later than up)
• Alternating feet (typically by 4-5)

Safety:

• Gates at top and bottom during learning
• Supervision during stair practice
• Teaching how to go down safely
• Practicing on last few steps

Fine Motor Connections

Gross motor and fine motor develop together: AAP

What you'll see:

• Stacking blocks (starts with 2-3)
• Scribbling
• Turning pages
• Simple puzzles
• Undressing (then dressing)

How they connect:

• Core strength supports fine motor
• Balance helps sitting for table activities
• Coordination improves hand skills

Activities That Build Skills

Best activities for motor development: AAP

Outdoor play:

• Running in open spaces
• Playground time
• Walking on varied terrain
• Playing in sand or dirt
• Nature exploration

Indoor options:

• Dance parties
• Obstacle courses with cushions
• Climbing on safe furniture
• Ball play
• Building and stacking

Equipment that helps:

• Balls of various sizes
• Push toys
• Ride-on toys
• Simple climbing structures
• Tunnels

Supporting Development

How to encourage motor skills: AAP

Provide opportunity:

• Time for active play daily
• Safe spaces to explore
• Age-appropriate equipment
• Outdoor time

Let them try:

• Resist urge to carry
• Let them walk (even slowly)
• Allow safe risk-taking
• Accept some falls and frustration

Model movement:

• Play actively with them
• Dance and jump together
• Go for walks
• Be active yourself

Avoid:

• Too much time in strollers/car seats
• Excessive screen time (reduces active play)
• Overprotecting from normal tumbles
• Comparing to other children

When to Be Concerned

Most toddlers develop motor skills at their own pace, but discuss with your pediatrician if: AAP

By 18 months:

• Not walking independently
• Very stiff or floppy movements
• Strong preference for one side

By 24 months:

• Very unstable walking
• Can't climb stairs at all
• Falls excessively
• Regression in skills

Any time:

• Losing skills previously had
• Significant clumsiness affecting daily life
• Very low muscle tone
• Your instinct says something is off

Early intervention helps:
Physical therapy can address delays effectively, especially when started early.

The Active Toddler Challenge

Managing a constantly moving toddler: AAP

Reality check:

• They NEED to move
• Constant movement is normal
• Sitting still is hard (developmentally)
• Energy is good!

Strategies:

• Plenty of active time before expecting calm
• Short sitting activities
• Movement breaks
• Outdoor time daily
• Safe spaces to be wild

For high-energy toddlers:

• More is normal
• Channel energy positively
• Lots of physical play
• Accept their temperament

The Bottom Line

Your toddler's motor development is exciting to watch:

What's developing:

• Walking → running → jumping
• Climbing everything
• Ball skills emerging
• Stairs mastery (eventually)
• Coordination improving

How to support:

• Provide safe spaces to practice
• Allow exploration and risk-taking
• Play actively together
• Limit time in containers
• Get outside

Remember:

• Wide range of "normal"
• Falls are part of learning
• Each child has their own timeline
• Movement is essential, not optional

Clara is here to help you support your active toddler—questions welcome!