Motor skills are how children move and use their body. Rolling, sitting, walking, and using their hands and fingers are all motor skills. Delayed motor skills is when a child develops motor skills later than expected for their age. With treatment from a care team, many kids catch up and go on to have normal motor skills. Depending on your child's needs, the care team might include your primary care provider, a neurologist (brain and nervous system doctor), a physical therapist (to help with movement and muscle use), and an occupational therapist (to help with everyday activities like eating).

Follow your care team's recommendations for: 

• scheduling a visit with an occupational therapist or physical therapist
• whether your child should see any other medical specialists
• when to come in for follow-up visits

To help your child develop their motor skills:

• Encourage your child to move as much as possible. Depending on their age and ability, this might mean cycling their legs, helping them sit up, going for walks, or playing active games together.
• Encourage your child to use their hands to color and play with blocks, balls, or other age-appropriate toys. Put toys in front of them so they can practice picking them up and moving them from one hand to another. Avoid items that could cause choking (such as marbles, coins, and small toys).
• Follow any recommendations from the physical therapist or occupational therapist for exercises and activities to do at home.

You have:

• trouble finding an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or other health care provider
• questions about your child's development

Your child:

• can't do things that they used to
• develops new problems, such as weakness or trouble swallowing

What causes delayed motor skills? Sometimes it just takes a child a little longer to develop motor skills. Other times, a delay can be due to:

• being born early (prematurely)
• cerebral palsy
• brain injury
• other medical conditions