Jumping is one of those gross motor milestones that gets a lot of attention because it seems like such a big deal when your child finally does it! If you’re like me, you might have a child who takes a long time to reach this milestone, and that’s totally okay.
My daughter, for instance, was late to the jumping game, and I won’t lie—we worried a bit. But eventually, she got the hang of it. Luciana’s daughter, on the other hand, was jumping all over the place from an early age! Kids truly develop at their own pace, and that’s especially true for jumping.
The Different Stages of Jumping Development
Most typically developing children begin attempting to jump somewhere around their second birthday, give or take a few months of age. Some early walkers might start jumping early as well, bounding around before they’re even two, while others may take a bit longer. There’s a wide range of what’s considered “normal” here, and just because your child isn’t jumping as early as others doesn’t necessarily indicate an underlying cause for concern.
However,the average and typical milestone for jumping with two feet off the ground is two years old. 50% of children can do this by 24 months, and 75% of children have mastered it a few months later at 27 months old.
Jumping isn’t just about fun; it’s a crucial part of gross motor development. Before your child can master jumping, they need to develop basic skills like standing independently, balancing, and building muscle tone.
These are the stepping stones toward strong gross motor skills. As your child progresses through different stages, they’ll start with small hops from a standing position before eventually mastering more complex activities, like jumping over a hula hoop or frog jumps.
Jumping Milestone Chart
| Age (Months) | Jumping Skills | Gross Motor Development |
|---|---|---|
| 18-24 months | Some toddlers start trying to jump, often with one foot leaving the ground first. | Building strength in legs, beginning to understand coordination. |
| 24-30 months | Most toddlers begin jumping off the ground with both feet at this stage. | Strengthens leg muscles, improves balance, and basic coordination develops. |
| 30-36 months | Children are generally able to jump forward and backward, and may start jumping over small objects. | Leg and core strength improve significantly, leading to more controlled jumps. |
| 36-48 months | By this age, children typically master jumping forward, backward, and sideways with better balance. | Balance and coordination become more refined, allowing for more complex jumping. |
| 48+ months | Children can now jump rope, hop on one foot, and perform more coordinated jumps in games or sports. | Children refine their jumping skills, focusing on accuracy, distance, and control. |
When Should You Be Worried?
As parents, it’s natural to wonder if there’s something wrong when a milestone seems delayed, but the most important thing to remember is that every child develops at their own rate. Some might take their first steps and start jumping within the same few months, while others take a long time to even show interest. This variance is completely normal.
However, if your child is approaching their third birthday and shows no interest in jumping, or if they seem to struggle with other gross motor milestones, it might be worth discussing it with your pediatric physical therapist.
They can help determine if there’s a delay in muscle strength, motor planning, or any other underlying cause.
Ways to Help Your Child Develop Jumping Skills
If you’re looking to encourage jumping and gross motor play, there are plenty of fun games and activities you can try at home!
Start with soft surfaces like grass or carpet to create a safe environment for your child. One excellent way to get your child moving is through obstacle courses using therapy balls, toddler trampolines, hula hoops, or even a hoop ladder. Bare feet can help with tactile feedback, so let your child practice without shoes when safe.
Incorporating jumping into everyday play is a great way to build muscle strength and improve gross motor development.
Simple games like “frog jumps,” hopping over tactile footprints, or using a jump rope can be great for building your child’s jumping skills.
If your child is a bit hesitant, try activities that don’t feel like a big deal, such as jumping in puddles, bouncing on a toddler trampoline or a springy surface. These can help reduce frequent falls and build confidence.
Jumping can also be a great way for young children to engage in peer play. Whether it’s an obstacle course set up in your living room or a group activity at the park, jumping is an important skill for developing physical abilities and social interactions.
You might worry that not being able to jump at the same rate as their peers can sometimes lead to social isolation, but with proper supervision and plenty of time, your child will catch up in their own time.
Jumping is an exciting milestone, but it’s important to remember that each child is unique in how they develop gross motor skills. Whether your child is jumping at 18 months or closer to 3 years of age, the key is patience and encouragement. And if you ever feel concerned, there are professional groups of doctors and pediatric physical therapists who can offer guidance.
Just remember, every child learns to jump at their own pace, and with a little help, they’ll soon be hopping, skipping, and jumping all over the place!
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