Supporting gross motor skills: everyday movement with babies and toddlers
You support your child’s gross motor skills by giving them safe opportunities to move throughout the day. Notice what they start themselves and let them explore: on the floor, while out together or moving to music. The right idea depends on their abilities, interests and how they feel that day. There’s no need for a fixed training plan.
In this article
What are gross motor skills?
Gross motor skills involve larger body movements, such as turning over, getting upright, crawling, walking or balancing. Fine motor skills focus on small, purposeful movements such as grasping and turning pages. In play, both work together: your child moves toward a cup, then explores it with their hands.
You don’t need to practice these areas separately. What helps is an environment where your child can explore their abilities and repeat familiar movements.
For babies: room to move in their own way
When your baby is awake and content, a safe place on the floor can give them room to kick and explore. Stay with them and notice which movements they begin. Perhaps they follow an object with their eyes or try to reach it. You don’t need to offer something new straight away.
Give your baby time to try things themselves. Don’t sit or stand your baby up for practice before they can do so independently. The order and pace of new movements vary from child to child.
For toddlers: the journey can be part of play
If your child already walks confidently, a short trip together can offer a chance to move. When it fits your day, allow time for stopping, looking around and setting off again. Choose a sheltered, safe place and stay attentive alongside them. Walking itself can be interesting to your child.
A grassy area or suitable playground offers different ways to move than home. Let your child choose what they’d like to try. A familiar place doesn’t need to be replaced with a new outing every day.
Indoors: open space instead of an elaborate setup
You don’t need a big obstacle course for an active moment. Clear some floor space where your child won’t slip or trip over loose objects. A familiar song can invite you to move together. Your child can lead, and you can follow their movements.
If space is limited, choose movements your child can safely do on the spot. They don’t have to copy anything. If they prefer to watch or become tired, you can turn it into quiet time together again.
How much help feels right?
First, watch how your child approaches a situation. Sometimes they need time, sometimes your hand or an easier option. Remove real hazards and stay available. Your child can decline an idea or choose the same movement again and again.
Next time, you can build on what they enjoyed. Your shared experiences can lead to an idea that fits what comes next.
Play ideas by age
Play ideas for babies from 6 to 12 monthsPlay ideas for toddlers from 1 yearPlay ideas for children aged 2 to 3
And tomorrow? Another idea to try together.
Playtime suggests five activities every day to suit your child’s age. Short video guides show you what to do. For parents with children from 2 months to 4 years.
See how Playtime worksFor iPhone · Free download · In-app purchases
The app is available in German and English.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need special equipment to support gross motor skills?
A safe space to move and everyday moments together already offer many possibilities. What matters is that your child can explore for themselves. Lots of equipment or a constant supply of new materials are not prerequisites.
How much movement should my child complete during a play idea?
These ideas have no repetition targets or performance goals. Follow your child’s interests and abilities, and take breaks. Movement can be spread across lots of little opportunities throughout the day.
What should I do if I’m worried about motor development?
Discuss your specific observations with your pediatrician. This guide offers everyday ideas and does not replace an individual assessment.
Background & sources
The play suggestions and everyday tips are editorial ideas from Playtime. The sources explain the underlying principles of play that respects children’s needs.
- BIÖG: Motor development ↗
- Netzwerk Gesund ins Leben: Supporting physical activity in toddlers ↗
- BIÖG: Creating spaces for play and movement ↗
- BIÖG: Play in the toddler years ↗
- BIÖG: Movement experiences for babies ↗
- BIÖG: Learning to handle risks ↗
Some sources are in German or English.
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, contact your pediatrician. This information does not replace an individual assessment.
