Milestones Matter: Typical Development 3 Years Old

The toddler years (12-36 months) are a time for significant cognitive, emotional and social development. How do you know if your toddler is on track with his or her development? Developmental milestones are a great way to gauge a child's progress. Be sure to ask your pediatrician about developmental milestones at your child’s routine checkups. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age or if you think there could be a problem with the way your child plays, learns, speaks, acts or moves, talk to your child’s doctor and share your concerns. Don’t wait. Acting early can make a real difference!

Below are a set of milestones that our pediatricians have put together for a typical 3 year old. 

• Runs easily for ~5 feet
• Walks heel to toe ~5 feet
• Throws ball without a demonstration
• Knees and ankle flex when running
• Walks sideways ~10 feet
• Walks with 1 foot on a line for ~6 feet
• Jumps up 2 inches with feet together
• Mounts tricycle and pedals forward ~5 feet
• Stands on tiptoes for ~5 seconds
• Jumps down from step with both feet
• Steers toy well while pushing
• Throws ball underhanded ~7 feet forward
• Kicks ball forward ~6 feet using opposite arm and leg movement with knee bent
• Walks on tiptoes without demonstration ~5 feet
• Attempts to hop on 1 foot
• Marches to music
• Jumps forward 24 inches with both feet
• Jumps down from an 18-24 inch object landing on both feet without falling
• Jumps over a string 2 inches off the ground
• Attempts to swing a bat
• Catches ball with arms extended
• Mounts beam and balances for ~2 seconds
• Ascends 3 steps with rail performing reciprocal stepping
• Descends 3 steps with rail with 1 foot on each step
• Walks in circle following line on the floor
• Single leg stance for 2-4 seconds
• Climbs on and over furniture

Remember that every child develops differently, and every parent will have a different experience. Although there is an age level for each milestone, the time some children develop that milestone can vary. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your child’s pediatrician during their regular check-ups.