The short answer
Running, stopping, turning, and jumping may become smoother at 31–36 months, with considerable differences between children. CDC lists jumping with both feet by 30 months; its three-year list does not add a separate running or jumping performance requirement. A missed earlier milestone or loss of skill still deserves discussion.
In this guide · 12 sections
Keep in mind
- Look at control and progress rather than speed or jump height.
- Provide safe, enjoyable opportunities to move.
- Absence from a later checklist does not cancel an earlier concern.
- Skill loss, pain, or marked movement difficulties need assessment.
How can running change?
Running may look steadier as your child practises speeding up, slowing down, and turning.
AAP describes increasing agility around three, but changes happen gradually and vary between children.
How can jumping change?
CDC includes leaving the ground with both feet among milestones by 30 months.
At 31–36 months, some children repeat jumps more comfortably. Height and distance vary; if your child is not yet jumping or you are concerned, discuss this rather than treating it as a competition.
Why is balance still developing?
Movement needs timing, balance, and trunk control as well as leg strength.
Standing on one foot, balancing on tiptoe, or catching a ball can still require deliberate effort around three; these are not interchangeable tests of motor health.
Why notice stopping and turning?
Play involves controlling movement as well as moving quickly: slowing before an obstacle or changing direction towards a ball.
Notice how safely and steadily your child moves rather than focusing on speed alone.
How can ball games help?
Roll or kick a large soft ball back and forth, allowing space and adjusting the challenge to your child.
Moving towards the ball, stopping, and choosing when to kick gives a playful opportunity to use coordination.
How can you offer practice?
Try copying movements, start-and-stop games, dancing, or stepping and jumping over a flat line on a clear, level surface.
Formal exercise drills are not necessary. Stay nearby and avoid forcing movements, heights, or distances your child is not ready for.
Should you compare children?
Children can progress at different rates in movement, language, and everyday skills.
Use milestones to organize observations rather than rank children. The lack of a separate running item on the three-year list does not mean a concern should be ignored.
When should you seek advice?
Contact your pediatrician promptly for loss of a movement skill, persistent regression, pain, limping, or a significant concern about walking or running.
Sudden inability to walk or bear weight, severe pain, or an unwell child needs urgent medical assessment rather than waiting for a developmental visit.
What can you try today?
Offer a short start-and-stop game, a line to step or jump over, and a gentle ball game in a safe space.
Watch how your child attempts movement and how control changes over time. Do not turn play into a speed or accuracy score.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Loss of a previously acquired movement skill or sustained regression needs prompt assessment.
- Persistent pain, limping, or concern about walking and running needs clinical advice.
- Sudden inability to walk or bear weight, severe pain, or being unwell needs urgent assessment.
Sources used for this guide
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – Movement Milestones in Preschoolers
- www.cdc.gov — regional guidance
- www.cdc.gov — regional guidance
- www.healthychildren.org — regional guidance
- www.rch.org.au — regional guidance
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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