Toddler Not Jumping
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about toddler not jumping, here is what you need to know.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Your toddler is under 2 years old and not yet jumping, as this skill typically develops between 24 and 30 months.
- Call your doctor if: Your child was previously able to jump and has lost the ability, or is losing other motor skills they previously had.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, 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. At 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. It is generally considered normal when your toddler is under 2 years old and not yet jumping, as this skill typically develops between 24 and 30 months. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child was previously able to jump and has lost the ability, or is losing other motor skills they previously had.
Normal vs. Concerning
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 to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed toddler not jumping and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child is over 30 months and makes no attempt to jump or shows no interest in jumping activities.
- Mention if your child seems to have difficulty with leg strength overall, including trouble climbing stairs, running, or squatting down to pick things up.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
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.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice toddler not jumping — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your toddler is under 2 years old and not yet jumping, as this skill typically develops between 24 and 30 months — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 12-18 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child was previously able to jump and has lost the ability, or is losing other motor skills they previously had.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is toddler not jumping normal?
When should I call the doctor about toddler not jumping?
When is toddler not jumping normal?
What causes toddler not jumping?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler not jumping?
Is toddler not jumping normal at 12-18 months?
Is toddler not jumping normal at 18-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for toddler not jumping?
Does toddler not jumping go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Toddler Not Jumping.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed toddler not jumping and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child is over 30 months and makes no attempt to jump or shows no interest in jumping activities.
- Mention if your child seems to have difficulty with leg strength overall, including trouble climbing stairs, running, or squatting down to pick things up.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- 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.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- 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.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of toddler not jumping are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child was previously able to jump and has lost the ability, or is losing other motor skills they previously had.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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