This walking journey is not very smooth for babies as they will do lots of practice to achieve this one of the biggest milestones of their life. They will stand, walk, fall, and will do it again. It takes time to get their balance properly. As a parent, we need to keep the whole area clean, safe and soft to protect any injury due to fall.
There are no such rules that can surely tell when a baby will start walking but we can observe certain things to see our baby’s development.
a. Standing Without Support:
If the baby has already started to stand without any assistance, it means he is ready to take his first independent step to start his walking journey.
b. Pulling Up to Stand:
One of the first signs, when a baby tries to stand by pulling up furniture etc. shows their readiness for a walk.
c. Cruising:
When the baby can start cruising (walking one object to another while holding something). It means the baby is learning to shift balance while taking steps.
d. Walking with support:
When a baby tries to walk while holding your hands, it shows they will take the first independent step soon and as a parent, this is also one of the best experiences when you hold their hand and take steps with them.
There are few things that parents can keep in mind and a few exercises that will help the baby to start walking:
1. Avoid Baby Walkers:
Walker is a device with rolling wheels. It discourages a child’s ability to walk and delays it. Because a child doesn’t need to put more effort to move from one place to another. Secondly, It is unsafe to use near doors and near the basement and it can also get stuck in the corners of the house.
2. Lend a Hand:
When a child is capable to stand, lend them a hand to move. It helps and encourages them to walk.
3. Let them sit on a Stool:
When a child is capable to sit independently, let them sit on a stool. Try to be near him for safety. Make sure his feet should touch the ground. His hips should make a 90-degree angle with his knees. This will help to strengthen various muscles. Place toys a little far from the stool to encourage the baby to reach them and sit back on the stool.
4. Cruising:
Around 10-11 months baby starts to stand by holding objects like furniture. Parents can help them to cruise by holding the child’s second hand. So, a child can move or try to take steps while holding furniture. You can also place one toy at the other end of the sofa, Child will try to reach the toys and will do an effort.
5. Cruising + Kicking:
One other fun activity is to place a soft toy near his feet. While the cruising baby will kick it and will try to reach that will kick it again. So, it will be fun for the baby and parents to see them playing and learn to walk simultaneously.
6. Push Toys:
There are certain push toys available in the market which encourage and help them to walk.
As we discussed earlier every child grows up at their own pace, so don’t worry if your child is not walking till 18 months. If the child is not walking till 18 months then that’s the time you should consult with a doctor/pediatrician. Also, if you are having any doubt about any kind of baby’s activity/behavior or found it abnormal then it’s always better to consult a doctor as early as possible.
Certain medical issues can cause a delay in a baby’s walk:
1. Vitamin D deficiency
2. Rickets (Softness and weakness of bones): Timely treatment can reverse it back.
3. Delayed Motor Skills.
4. Hypothyroidism
5. Muscular Dystrophy
6. Neurological Disorder
7. Prematurity
and there are some other reasons as well like if we are not giving children proper time and space for them to walk and practice. You can read more about these issues in detail on this link.
https://www.medicinenet.com/what_causes_delay_in_walking_in_babies/article.htm
As a parent, we always worried for our child and always want them to reach every development milestone at the proper time but they are unique and they will grow at there own pace. As a parent, we can make sure that we give proper care, safety and help them to grow and achieve these milestones.
My baby started walking one week before her first birthday and seeing her walking and taking tiny steps was such a wonderful experience. Share your experience in the comment box and how you are trying to help your child reach these small goals, so other parents can also get help from you.
Mom / Medical Professional
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4 Responses
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