Decoding Baby Milestones with a PT Who’s Seen It All
If you’ve ever wondered “Is my baby supposed to be rolling by now?” or felt that pit in your stomach when another kid at daycare starts walking months earlier — this one’s for you.
We sat down with pediatric physical therapist (and mom of four) Dr. Allison Mell, who brought the perfect mix of clinical expertise and “cool, type-B mom” energy to the conversation. And her take on developmental milestones is surprisingly straightforward:
Milestones matter — and they’re not optional.
According to Dr. Mell, all babies should hit their developmental milestones and progress through the typical sequence of movement:
rolling → sitting → crawling → pulling to stand → walking.
These aren’t random boxes to check — they’re the foundation for balance, coordination, and long-term motor development.
Parents often blame late milestones on things like:
• “My baby is just chubby.”
• “They’re lazy.”
• “I cater to them too much.”
Dr. Mell’s response? Those are excuses, not explanations. Most babies want to move — and if they’re not, there’s usually a reason worth exploring.
When should babies hit their milestones? Here are the normal ranges:
(SEO-friendly for search terms like “rolling age,” “when do babies crawl,” etc.)
• Rolling: 4–6 months
• Sitting unsupported: 6–8 months
• Crawling: 7–10 months (we want to see signs of crawling by 10 months)
• Walking: 10–15 months
One of the biggest misconceptions? That early = better. It’s not.
A baby who walks at 11 months and a baby who walks at 15 months end up at the exact same place developmentally.
Baby milestone myths that need to die yesterday
Myth 1: “This toy will help my baby walk.”
Nope. No toy on the market will make your baby roll, crawl, or walk earlier. Babies need motivation, floor time, and freedom to move — not gadgets.
The one exception:
A push walker — because it helps babies learn how to control momentum and engage core/postural muscles.
Myth 2: “Playpens delay development.”
Playpens actually support milestone development. They create a safe, open space for movement (and they give parents five blessed minutes to breathe). Free movement is how babies build strength — not structured toys.
Why “wait and see” is outdated advice
(SEO-friendly for “delayed milestones,” “should I worry my baby isn’t crawling,” etc.)
If your baby is:
• approaching 10 months and not pushing up or rocking on all fours, or
• 15 months and not showing progress toward walking…
…it’s time to investigate. Waiting won’t magically build strength or flexibility.
The three most common reasons babies struggle with milestones:
Weakness — especially in the shoulders, trunk, or hips
Tightness — oral ties, reflux, or torticollis can all restrict movement
Low muscle tone — a child’s natural baseline for how easily their muscles activate
Here’s the good news: with targeted support (often surprisingly simple exercises), babies can make huge progress within days.
Walking 101: What progress really looks like
If you’re wondering how to know if your baby is close to walking, here’s the actual progression:
Pulling to stand through a half-kneel
Cruising along furniture
Pushing weighted items
Standing independently
Taking steps
And while barefoot is best for developing foot strength, if you need shoes (hello, daycare rules), choose:
• flexible soles
• wide toe box
• non-slip bottoms
• velcro closures
The WIWIK takeaway — trust your gut. Always.
The biggest thing Dr. Mell wants parents to know?
You’re not “that mom” for asking questions.
Parents — especially moms — are often dismissed or told they’re worrying too much. But your instinct is one of the most powerful tools you have.
If you feel like your baby is behind… ask for help.
If you think something is off… push for answers.
If you want a PT evaluation… request it.
You are your baby’s best advocate — full stop.
Want help from Dr. Mell?
You can find her programs and support at Tots on Target and through her milestone-focused parent program, The Totspot.