Your toddler’s physical development

Watching your child grow and become more confident in how they move is an exciting part of parenting. From first steps to running, climbing and exploring, physical development helps your child build independence, confidence and healthy habits for life.

What you might notice

From around 4 to 12 months

• stronger head control and core strength
• rolling, sitting and reaching
• starting to move towards toys (crawling, shuffling or bottom-shuffling) 

From around 12 to 24 months

• pulling up to stand and ‘cruising’ along furniture
• first steps, then walking more confidently
• climbing, squatting and beginning to run 

From around 2 to 4 years

• running, jumping and climbing with more confidence
• kicking and throwing a ball
• going up stairs with less help
• developing hand skills like stacking, scribbling and using cutlery 

All children follow their own path, and progress can come in bursts. 

Development review

Every child has a 2 to 2 and a half year development review. Find out more about this on Oxford Health. This will be organised through your health visitor or midwife.  

Why physical development matters

Physical development is about more than movement. It helps your child to:

• build strength, balance and coordination
• explore the world around them
• become more independent
• feel confident in what they can do

Active play also supports learning, social skills and emotional wellbeing.  

How you can support your toddler

You don't need lots of equipment or structured activities. Simple, everyday moments make a big difference.

Encourage movement and play

• give your child safe floor space to move and explore
• let them practise walking, climbing and balancing
• visit parks, playgrounds or open spaces when you can
• play with your toddler. Play helps them develop. There are lots of useful ideas on CBeebies parenting, and you can download the 50 things to do before you're 5 app to be inspired

Build skills through play

• roll, throw and kick a ball together
• play simple games like chasing, dancing or obstacle courses
• let your child practise using their hands (stacking, drawing, feeding themselves)

Follow their lead

• let your child choose activities they enjoy
• join in and talk about what they're doing
• allow time for practice – repetition helps skills develop

Make activity part of everyday life

• walking short distances instead of using a buggy
• climbing stairs with support
• helping with simple tasks like tidying toys 

Trust your instincts – you know your child best

You may want to speak to someone if:

• your child is not yet moving around (rolling, crawling or walking)
• you feel their movement or coordination is not progressing
• you have any concerns about their development

You don't need to wait. Speak to your health visitor or GP if you have any questions. 

Resources and support

• Learning conversations and telling stories: 3 to 5 years - get activities and tips to boost learning, communication and early development
• Baby's development - practical guidance on milestones, behaviour, play and development
• Tiny Happy People - simple, parent-friendly ideas to support speech, language and bonding
• The Sleep Charity - evidence-based sleep advice, including toddler sleep challenges
• NHS Healthier Families - healthy lifestyle, activity and sugar reduction advice for families
• Child Accident Prevention Trust - safety advice for preventing accidents in the home and outdoors
• Contact - advice, support and helplines for families with disabled children
• Family Information Service - find a range of activities. Meeting new friends and getting out and about can be a great way to build confidence and develop communication skills

Pop into one of our family hubs 

Family hubs provide ongoing support after your baby arrives, including activities, family services and opportunities to meet other parents. 

Want to find out more about what comes next? 

Toddlers – their development stages and what to expect. From baby to toddler.