Timeline For Expected Stair Skills For Baby
“Is it okay that my newly walking stair climber is primarily leading with one leg?”
ANSWER- Usually, absolutely!
Here is a quick run down of the general timelines for the expectation of stair skills, according to a standardized test (PDMS-2):
15-18 months- can crawl up and creep down backwards w/ close supervision
Approximately 18 months - begins walking UP & DOWN with support from wall (non-alternating pattern)
Approximately 24 months - begins walking UP stairs with no hand support (may alternate feet or may not)
Approximately 24-30 months - begins walking DOWN without support (may alternate feet or may not)
Approximately 30 months - begins walking UP with hand support while alternating feet on each step
36 months - walks UP without hand support, alternating feet
It’s not until almost age 3 that they start to go DOWN without hand support and alternating feet!
So….what does this mean?
First, however they get down safely is what matters. This is one thing I can not stress enough. Do not worry about what your little one does on the stairs, as long as it is safe. For the majority of kids, stair climbing as outlined above will come as they practice and approach the four year mark. If you don’t have stairs to “practice”, try not to stress - things like stepping off curbs, on/off stools, on/off cushions, etc. all help prep for stairs. Most kids will be just fine learning when they are more consistently exposed!
Want more?
For developmental questions, tips and guidance related to milestones about tummy time, rolling & sitting, crawling and walking, check out KC’s developmental Masterclasses linked here.
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KC is a pediatric doctor of physical therapy, wife and mom of three! She has spent her career working with children and young adults of all ability levels, and currently specializes in birth to three years.
