Encouraging Toddler Motor Development

It is a widely known fact that toddlers are full of energy. Try to imagine how strong the desire to move around, touch and grab things and explore your environment would be if you were never able to do so before. This is exactly how your toddler feels when she finally realizes her body moves – and she can control it!

In general, babies develop motor skills in a fairly predictable sequence. Each physical milestone prepares them for the next, such as rolling before crawling, and crawling before walking. While the rate at which children progress through this sequence varies considerably from toddler to toddler, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your child moving forward at a healthy pace. Below are a few ways to do so.

Pushing & Pulling

Push-and-pull toys combine skills your toddler has already developed, such as pushing herself up from the floor and pulling herself into standing position, with those she will eventually master, such as upright movement. Good toys for pushing and pulling include cars and trucks big enough to be pushed while standing upright, with sturdy plastic handles for pushing and a seat for riding. We love the Fisher Price Ride-On Corn Popper. Also helpful are child-sized plastic grocery carts, such as the one by Little Tikes, which can help your toddler balance and steady herself as she walks. Animal pull toys, such as the Fisher Price Amazing Animals Sing & Go Choo-Choo Train, are also great for walks once your toddler has maintained a good sense of balance.

Rocking & Rolling

Legs are the key to mobility, and once your toddler realizes this, she’ll love using them to get around using her own wheels. Make sure your toddler’s first toy car is low enough o the ground that she can make it move with her feet. Our favorite is the Push & Ride Racer by Little Tikes. Your toddler may begin by using both feet at the same time and then start using her feet alternately. Also, be sure she’s wearing a helmet, especially when riding outdoors on the pavement. For rainy days, rocking horses provide lots of indoor fun as well. Check out the Classic Rock and Bounce Pony by Radio Flyer.

Throwing & Catching

Throwing, catching or rolling balls is great for helping your toddler develop her hand-eye coordination. The ability to grasp objects is usually learned between three and seven months old, but the coordination it requires to throw a ball is something entirely different and usually comes between 18 months and three years. Your child will most likely start by rolling the ball, followed by bouncing and throwing underhanded before finally learning to throw overhand. Rolling is easier and less scary for children under the age of two. We recommend Baby’s First Ball by K’s Kids. It’s multicolored and squishy for easy grabbing and tossing.

Toddlers usually express a preference for the right or left hand sometime between the ages of two and three, but if your child doesn’t seem to prefer one to the other by then, don’t worry. Variation is normal.

Climbing & Balancing

Once your toddler has mastered the skill of walking, you’ll likely notice her pushing herself even further in an attempt to balance on things like bricks or logs. Children also have a natural inclination to climb on things that make them taller than they normally are. Because both balancing and climbing can be dangerous, especially to someone just learning, create a place for your toddler to safely practice these skills. Low slides with a few steps for climbing are helpful and fun. The Naturally Playful Kangaroo Climber is one of our favorites. Walking across a trail of pillows lined up on the bedroom floor also makes for great imaginary games, and toddler tumbling classes can be a lot of fun, too. Low sidewalk curbs can be good makeshift balance beams for outside play, but always stay by your toddler’s side and be sure to provide your hand for support.

Running & Jumping

You can help your toddler practice jumping by holding both her hands and letting her bounce up and down on a bed or small trampoline. Jumping from a low sofa onto a pile of pillows can also be helpful. Encourage running by having your toddler run from mom on one side of the room to dad on the other and reward her with a big hug or a swing through the air on each end.

Swimming

Most toddlers love being in the water, but it takes others a little time and effort before they feel comfortable enough to enjoy it. Your child may love to splash and put her head under water, or she may prefer to paddle around quietly and keep her head safely above the surface. Just follow her lead and start wherever she’s most comfortable. Floating devices, such as the Kiddie Float by Intex, can make nervous little ones feel much more at ease while they are getting used to the water. But swim toys are no substitute for you, so be sure to stay with your toddler in the water until she can swim on her own.