The right toddler motor development is an essential indicator that your little tyke is growing fine. However, there are instances when your toddler might be suffering from some form of developmental delays in his motor skills. It is important that you are aware of these signs of delay so that they can be corrected early on.
According to Baby Center, toddlers acquire motor skills in a hierarchical manner. It is a sequence that you can also predict. First your toddler will learn how to walk. After walking, he will be running then climbing. Subsequent to these are other motor skills such as jumping with both feet.
When there seems to be a gap in toddler motor development, there is a reason to be concerned as the problem could either be a normal delay since no toddler is the same, or a real motor problem. Between the two, the latter should be a cause for concern.
Kamloops Children's Therapy has provided the toddler motor development skills that your toddler would have done or mastered by the time he's 12 to 18 months old. At this age, he is able to point at pictures in books and he is now able to build a tower using two blocks. He can also scribble with a crayon and use his index finger in pointing. He can also now hold his own cup and spoon albeit with some spilling.
On the other hand, if your toddler at this age does not use a pincer grasp in picking small objects, not having the ability to put things in the container or his movement seems stiff or shaky, then you have some grounds to worry. These are considered red flags of normal toddler motor development.
Other warning signs of toddler motor development include regression of motor skills, stiff limbs, loose and floppy muscles, no walking, favoring one side of the body or hand, walking on toes, moving about constantly, clumsiness, difficulty eating and difficulty in manipulating or grasping objects. If these are showing, better bring your toddler to his physician. Remember, early intervention can greatly help in correcting toddler developmental delays.
