Early Signs of Gross Motor Delay at 18–24 Months

Some toddlers walk early, some take their time — so how do you tell an unhurried walker from a pattern worth a gentle look?

In short

Between 18 and 24 months, possible early signs of Gross Motor Delay include not yet walking independently by around 18 months, frequent falling or very unsteady walking well past the early-walking stage, difficulty standing up from the floor without pulling on furniture, not climbing onto a low sofa or step, and seeming markedly stiff or floppy in the legs and trunk. At this age these are signs to observe and discuss, not to diagnose at home — there is wide normal variation. If walking and balance are clearly behind, a developmental check is the kind, sensible next step.

Early signs to watch (18–24 months)

Walking and balance

• Not yet walking independently by about 18 months
• Walking but falling very often, or walking with a wide, very wobbly or stiff-legged gait well into this period
• Walks only while holding on, or quickly tires and prefers to be carried for short distances
• Walking heavily on toes most of the time, or a clear difference between the two sides of the body

Strength and posture

• Difficulty getting up from the floor to standing without pulling up on furniture or a hand
• Legs that feel very stiff, or a body that seems unusually floppy or slumped when sitting
• Tires very quickly with movement, or avoids active play other toddlers enjoy

Bigger movements

• Not yet climbing onto a low sofa, bed or step
• Not beginning to attempt running or to walk up a step with support near the second birthday
• Slow growth — motor skills stay flat over several months rather than steadily building

What shifts this from ordinary unhurried development towards something to assess is a gap that persists or widens, a clear difference between the two sides of the body, any loss of skills your child once had, or marked stiffness or floppiness — these always warrant a prompt check.

When to seek a check

Many healthy toddlers are simply on the later side of normal, and bottom-shufflers in particular often walk a little later and turn out perfectly fine. Consider a developmental check if, near 18 months, your child is not yet walking at all; if walking is very unsteady or one-sided; if your child cannot rise from the floor or climb a little; or if you notice stiffness, floppiness, or any loss of a skill. Because some causes are medical rather than purely developmental, an early professional look helps rule things in or out — and early support never has to wait for a label.

The Pinnacle way

At Pinnacle Blooms Network, we begin with what your child can do — how they move, balance and play — and build strength and confidence from there. Gentle, play-based physiotherapy grows core strength, balance and walking skills, with parents coached as everyday movement partners. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care; nothing here is a diagnosis. You can learn more about Gross Motor Delay and how support works. Across 70+ centres in 4 states and 4.95 lakh+ families served, our aim is steady, strengths-first progress.

Trusted sources

Aligned with WHO and CDC developmental milestone guidance on early movement, American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren.org resources on walking and motor development, and NICE guidance on when to seek review for delayed walking.

Next step — if this sounds like your little one, book a developmental and motor screen with our clinical team on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181, and let's understand your child together.

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.