At what age is jumping up and down, a gross motor skill (GMS), typically achieved?

From the Guidelines

Most children typically achieve the gross motor skill of jumping up and down by 2 years of age. According to the study by 1, this milestone is listed as "jumps up" at 2 years old, indicating that by this age, most children have developed the necessary strength, coordination, and balance to perform this skill.

Key Points to Consider

• The age range for achieving this skill can vary, but by 2 years, most children should be able to jump up and down 1.
• It's essential to consider that some children may achieve this skill earlier or later than their peers, which can still be within the normal range.
• Factors such as core strength, leg muscle development, and neurological maturation play a crucial role in achieving this milestone.
• If a child is not jumping by age 3, or shows significant asymmetry or difficulty with other gross motor skills, it may be worth discussing with their pediatrician 1.

Developmental Surveillance

Regular physical play that encourages jumping, hopping, and other movement helps children develop these important motor skills.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends developmental surveillance at preventive care visits, which includes eliciting and attending to parents' concerns, documenting and maintaining a developmental history, and making accurate observations of the child 1.
• A standardized developmental test should be performed at these visits to identify any potential delays or disorders.

Gross Motor Milestones

The study by 1 provides a list of gross motor milestones, including:

• Rolling over prone to supine at 4 months
• Sitting without support at 9 months
• Walking independently at 1 year
• Jumping up at 2 years
• Climbing stairs without support at 4 years These milestones serve as a guide for pediatricians and parents to monitor a child's developmental progress and identify any potential concerns.

From the Research

Gross Motor Skill Development

• The age at which children typically achieve gross motor skills, such as jumping up and down, can vary depending on several factors, including the presence of developmental disorders like Down syndrome 2, 3.
• According to a study published in 2001, children with Down syndrome typically achieve the ability to jump by around 5 years of age, with an estimated probability of 45-52% 3.
• Another study published in 2006 found that typically developing children achieve gross motor milestones, including standing alone and walking alone, at varying ages, with windows of achievement ranging from 5.4 to 17.6 months 4.
• However, none of the provided studies specifically mention the age at which typically developing children achieve the gross motor skill of jumping up and down.

Developmental Milestones

• Gross motor development milestones, such as sitting, crawling, and walking, are well-established for typically developing children, but may be delayed in children with Down syndrome 2, 3.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has established windows of achievement for six gross motor developmental milestones, including sitting without support, standing with assistance, and walking alone 4.
• These milestones can be used to assess a child's developmental progress and identify potential delays or disorders, but may not provide specific information on the age at which children achieve the skill of jumping up and down.