A 14-month-old boy is brought to the pediatrician for a well-child visit. His parents report that he has been developing normally and has met all his developmental milestones on time. Arrange the following gross motor milestones in the chronological order in which this patient most likely achieved them, from earliest to latest.
- 1Rolling from front to back
- 2Sitting without support
- 3Pulling to a standing position
- 4Walking independently
Answer
The correct order of acquisition is: Rolling from front to back (4 months), Sitting without support (6 months), Pulling to a standing position (9 months), and Walking independently (12 months).
Infant gross motor development follows a predictable cephalocaudal (head-to-toe) progression. Infants first gain control of their head and upper trunk (allowing for rolling from front to back around 4 months). Next, they gain control of their lower trunk (allowing for sitting without support around 6 months). This is followed by the development of sufficient lower extremity strength (allowing for pulling to a standing position around 9 months). Finally, they develop the coordination and balance required for ambulation (walking independently around 12 to 15 months).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Chronological acquisition of gross motor milestones in the first year of life.