During typical development, where does the center of gravity shift as a child gains postural control?

• A. From pelvis to upper body
• B. From head to feet
• C. From upper body to pelvis
• D. Remains in the trunk

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how balance development moves the body’s mass downward to improve upright stability. In early infancy, most mass is upper—head and trunk dominate—so the center of gravity sits higher in the body. As a child develops postural control, trunk strengthening and efficient use of the hips and legs allow weight to be carried lower, toward the pelvis, which becomes the stable base for standing and moving. This downward shift toward the pelvis makes it easier to maintain balance and respond to perturbations with less effort from the upper body.

So the center of gravity moves from the upper body toward the pelvis as postural control develops. The other options don’t fit because shifting upward toward the head or feet isn’t how balance matures, and remaining in the trunk wouldn’t reflect the changing base of support seen with walking and standing.