Jumping: how the skill grows from 18 to 36 months
Jumping means pushing off with both feet so the body leaves the ground, from a bounce in place to jumping off a low step or forward. Jumping builds leg power and safe landings.
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Jumping: the ladder, step by step
Pick the step that looks most like your child today. The next step and activities that practise it appear below.
No step picked yet. There is no wrong answer: pick the closest one.
Next step: Steps down. Steps off a curb or low step holding a hand, one foot leading.
Activities that fit this step
- Hoop Island In and Out · 18–28 months · 5–12 min
- Animal Moves Action Song · 24–34 months · 5–10 min
- Hoop Island Jump · 24–34 months · 5–12 min
Next step: Jumps down two-footed. Jumps from the bottom step onto a cushion, feet together, holding your hand.
Activities that fit this step
- Hoop Island In and Out · 18–28 months · 5–12 min
- Animal Moves Action Song · 24–34 months · 5–10 min
- Hoop Island Jump · 24–34 months · 5–12 min
Next step: Jumps on the spot. Leaves the ground with both feet at once and lands standing.
Activities that fit this step
- Animal Moves Action Song · 24–34 months · 5–10 min
- Hoop Island Jump · 24–34 months · 5–12 min
- Chalk Lily-Pad Hop Path · 26–36 months · 5–15 min
Next step: Jumps forward. Jumps over a tape line or into a hoop on the floor.
Activities that fit this step
- Hoop Island Jump · 24–34 months · 5–12 min
- Chalk Lily-Pad Hop Path · 26–36 months · 5–15 min
- Jump Down from the Bottom Step · 26–36 months · 5–10 min
Top of the ladder (jumps forward). Keep it flexible: offer it in a new place, with a different person or with new materials.
Activities that fit this step
- Hoop Island Jump · 24–34 months · 5–12 min
- Chalk Lily-Pad Hop Path · 26–36 months · 5–15 min
- Jump Down from the Bottom Step · 26–36 months · 5–10 min
The jumping ladder
5 steps from the first sign to a flexible skill, covered here from 18 to 36 months. Children move at their own pace: use the steps to see what comes next, not as deadlines.
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Bounces in place
Bends and straightens the knees to music, feet staying on the floor.
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Steps down
Steps off a curb or low step holding a hand, one foot leading.
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Jumps down two-footed
Jumps from the bottom step onto a cushion, feet together, holding your hand.
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Jumps on the spot
Leaves the ground with both feet at once and lands standing.
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Jumps forward
Jumps over a tape line or into a hoop on the floor.
When jumping usually shows up
Jumping off the ground with both feet is a CDC 30-month milestone. Before that, many toddlers bounce with bent knees, step down from a low step or jump with one foot leaving first.
This page follows jumping from 18 to 36 months, a window that spans the 18-month, 24-month, 30-month and 36-month CDC checklists.
In the library, 5 activities practise jumping (3 as their main skill), for ages 18 to 36 months. One of them needs no prep and takes 10 minutes or less. By age, they sit closest to steps 2, 3 and 4 of the 5-step ladder.
Related items appear on the CDC checklists for 30 months.
Related milestones
CDC checklist items (paraphrased) that involve jumping. Checklists are for monitoring, not a test.
| Checklist | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 30 months | Jumps with both feet leaving the ground. |
Activities that practise jumping
Placed on the closest ladder step by age. By primary domain: 3 gross motor, 1 creativity & pretend and 1 early concepts. Quickest to start: Animal Moves Action Song (5–10 minutes).
Step 2: Steps down
Step 3: Jumps down two-footed
Step 4: Jumps on the spot
Skills practised alongside
The activities for jumping most often also work on spatial words (2), action songs (1), balancing (1), climbing on and off furniture (1) and colors and shapes (1). Pairing them keeps practice playful: one activity, several skills.
Practise it inside everyday routines
- Hold both hands, count "one, two, three, jump!" and let your child push off with your support.
- Mark a chalk or tape line to jump over; a line gives a clear target.
- Choose grass or a soft mat for landings.
What to avoid
- Jumping from beds, sofas or other heights onto hard floors.
When to mention it to the pediatrician
If your child cannot jump with both feet off the ground by about 30 months, or balance seems poor compared with other children, mention it at a checkup.
Worried about jumping between visits? Call the pediatrician; CDC's free resources also explain how to contact your local Early Intervention program directly. Milestones are for monitoring, not diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When do toddlers start jumping?
Jumping off the ground with both feet is a CDC 30-month milestone. Before that, many toddlers bounce with bent knees, step down from a low step or jump with one foot leaving first. The first step to look for: bends and straightens the knees to music, feet staying on the floor.
How can I help my toddler with jumping?
Hold both hands, count "one, two, three, jump!" and let your child push off with your support. Mark a chalk or tape line to jump over; a line gives a clear target. A good first activity is Hoop Island In and Out (18–28 months).
What should I avoid when practising jumping?
Jumping from beds, sofas or other heights onto hard floors.
When should I mention jumping to the pediatrician?
If your child cannot jump with both feet off the ground by about 30 months, or balance seems poor compared with other children, mention it at a checkup. You can also contact Early Intervention yourself.
Related
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.