Moving (gross motor)
Running & climbing
Many babies — 18–24 months
Moving faster and starting to climb on furniture and playground equipment.
What’s happening
Running and climbing show up together — the same new confidence and leg strength that powers a run also sends a toddler up furniture, stairs, and playground equipment.
How to support it
- Give real outdoor time to run in open space — it's the safest place for the energy to go.
- Offer safe climbing (a low platform, a couch cushion pile) so the impulse has somewhere sanctioned to go instead of the bookshelf.
- Build in wind-down time before naps and bedtime — active play close to sleep makes settling harder.
Worth knowing
- Climbers need window guards, anchored furniture, and stair supervision — mobility outpaces judgment at this age.
When to ask your pediatrician
Running is one of the CDC's checkpoints for 2 years. If your toddler still isn't running at all, walks on their toes most of the time, or seems to fall far more than peers by then, mention it at their next visit.
Often comes after first independent steps / walking
Often leads to jumping
Where this comes from
- Parenting Strategies for an Active ChildZero to Three
- Milestones by 2 YearsCDC
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