Toddler Not Jumping
The short answer
Jumping with both feet leaving the ground is a skill that typically develops between 24 and 30 months, though some children do not master it until closer to 3 years old. It requires significant coordination, leg strength, and balance, so it is one of the later gross motor milestones to emerge. Most toddlers who are running and climbing well will develop jumping in their own time.
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By Age
What to expect by age
12-18 months
Toddlers at this age are focused on learning to walk, and jumping is not yet expected. They may enjoy bouncing while being held or bouncing on a soft surface like a bed or trampoline with support. This bouncing motion helps build the leg strength and coordination that will eventually be needed for independent jumping. There is no cause for concern about jumping at this age.
18-24 months
Some toddlers begin attempting to jump by crouching down and pushing up, though their feet may not fully leave the ground. Others may step off a low step with one foot, which is a precursor to jumping. Many toddlers at this age are still mastering running and climbing and are not yet ready for jumping. This is all within the normal range.
2-3 years
This is the typical window for jumping to develop. Most children can jump with both feet by around 24 to 30 months, starting with small hops and progressing to jumping over objects and off low surfaces. If your child is 30 months or older and cannot get both feet off the ground at all, it is reasonable to mention this to your pediatrician, especially if they also have difficulty running or climbing.
3+ years
By age 3, most children can jump well with both feet, jump forward, and jump down from a low step. If your child still cannot jump at all by their third birthday, a gross motor evaluation can help determine whether physical therapy or other support would be beneficial. Some children simply need extra practice, while others may have mild strength or coordination differences that respond well to targeted exercises.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your toddler is under 2 years old and not yet jumping, as this skill typically develops between 24 and 30 months.
- Your toddler is attempting to jump by crouching and pushing up, but their feet are not yet fully leaving the ground.
- Your toddler can jump on soft surfaces like a trampoline or bed but struggles on hard floors.
- Your toddler is walking and running well but has not figured out the coordination for jumping yet.
- Your toddler jumps with one foot leaving the ground but not both at the same time.
- Your child is over 30 months and makes no attempt to jump or shows no interest in jumping activities.
- Your child seems to have difficulty with leg strength overall, including trouble climbing stairs, running, or squatting down to pick things up.
- Your child was previously able to jump and has lost the ability, or is losing other motor skills they previously had.
- Your child has significant difficulty with all gross motor activities including walking, running, and climbing, along with not jumping.
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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Related Physical Concerns
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Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.
My Baby Only Army Crawls
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One Side of My Baby's Body Moves Differently
Babies should generally use both sides of their body equally. If one side consistently moves differently, is weaker, stiffer, or less coordinated, this warrants evaluation. Asymmetric movement can indicate hemiplegia (cerebral palsy affecting one side), brachial plexus injury, or other neurological conditions that benefit from early therapy.
My Baby Crawls Unevenly
While some variation in crawling patterns is normal, consistently favoring one side or dragging one limb while crawling warrants attention. Babies should use both arms and both legs relatively equally when crawling. Persistent asymmetry could indicate muscle tone differences, hip issues, or neurological concerns that benefit from early evaluation.
My Baby Still Has the Fencing Reflex (Persistent ATNR)
The asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR, also called the fencing reflex) causes your baby to extend the arm on the side they are looking toward. It should integrate between 4-6 months. If the ATNR persists strongly beyond 6 months, it can interfere with bringing hands to midline, bilateral hand use, and rolling. Evaluation is recommended.
Signs of Ataxia in Babies and Toddlers
Ataxia refers to wobbly, uncoordinated movements that result from problems with the cerebellum (the brain's coordination center). Signs include an unsteady, wide-based gait, difficulty with precise hand movements, and intention tremor (shaking that worsens when reaching for something). If you notice these signs, evaluation by a pediatric neurologist is important.