Jump, jump, a little higher – what jumping looks like for your toddler

Jumping with both feet in the air takes an enormous amount of confidence. When your toddler first tries to jump, it might look very much like lifting one foot into the air, followed by lifting the other foot when the first one meets the ground again. This is the beginning of jumping, and is cause for celebration! 

Pre-jumping 

You might notice your toddler explores a little pre-jumping before discovering how to get those feet off the ground. 

Pre-jumping is when your toddler bounces from their knees, often repeatedly.^[1] 

This stage may last for some time. Your toddler needs to build strength in their legs to be able to lift their body off the ground.  

Becoming airborne requires strength and energy 

Jumping requires a huge amount of strength and energy, as well as coordination of the arms and legs. 

Typically, the first style of jumping is directly upwards – vertical jumping. Your toddler’s body may lean forward; this is how they keep their body balanced. 

Jumps can vary so much and there isn't one simple path your toddler might take: 

• One footed take off – land on one foot 
• One footed take off – land on two feet 
• Two footed take off – land on one foot
• Two footed take off – land on both feet 

Crash landing – it’s normal for your toddler to fall when they land  

Landing confidently on two feet might take time to master as your toddler is learning about balance and coordination. 

All about the arms 

Your toddler will begin to experiment with arm movements. When we jump, our arms work in harmony with our legs to help support the jumping action. 

Initially, your toddlers’ arms will stay by their side. They will then bend their arms at the elbow, and their arms might look like chicken wings flapping at their sides! 

When they are more experienced, they will swing their arms forward as they lift their body.^[1] 

Crouching  

To achieve a clean jump into the air from two feet, your toddler will start their jump in a crouching position.  

Once they have lifted off, their legs will remain tucked up until landing again. As they gain confidence, their legs will straighten as their body lifts into the air.  

Muscle coordination  

All your toddler’s leg muscles must work together to jump. They will push up with their toes while bending their knees and their thigh and bottom muscles help propel the body into the air. 

It takes some strength to lift their whole body into the air 

Here are some ideas of how you can help strengthen your toddler’s bones and muscles: 

• Squatting – this increases bone and muscle strength. 
• Jump on soft surfaces, such as cushions, pillows or a trampette. 
• Jumping off a step – this will help strengthen joints. 

References: 

[1] Goodway, J.D., Ozmun, J.C., Gallahue, D.L. (2021) Understanding Motor Development Infants, Children, Adolescents, Adults. Eighth Edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning.