Rosh Pediatrics Practice Exam

In regards to developmental milestones, what signifies that an infant is achieving gross motor skills properly?

1. Rolls from tummy to back

2. Walks independently

3. Stands with assistance

4. Climbs stairs

The correct answer is: Rolls from tummy to back

Rolling from tummy to back is a significant gross motor milestone typically observed around 4 to 6 months of age. This skill indicates that the infant is developing the necessary strength and coordination in the upper body and trunk to perform rotational movements. Achieving this milestone reflects an important progression in an infant's motor development, laying the groundwork for subsequent skills such as sitting up, crawling, and eventually walking. In contrast, walking independently is generally expected around 12 months or older and represents a later stage of gross motor skill development. Similarly, standing with assistance typically occurs around 9 months and climbing stairs is usually achieved later, around 14 to 18 months. Therefore, while all these skills are important, rolling from tummy to back specifically highlights an earlier and foundational gross motor achievement that indicates an infant's progression in their overall motor skills development.