When does a baby walk is one of the most common questions in new parents. Though baby’s first year is full of milestones and everyday they learn something new, but walking is one of the most anticipated milestones in our child’s life.
Every baby reaches this walking milestone at a different time which varies from 9 to 16 months. If the baby doesn’t start walking by 16 months, then it is best to consult a doctor but don’t stress. It may not be a concern if you notice other motor skills in baby like standing up, cruising etc.
In this Post, You will Find
5 reasons that might hinder babies to achieve this milestone earlier
- If the baby is a pre-mature baby by birth then, it could be that the development milestones are delayed a little
- If the baby has been sick or does not keep well then it may impact this milestone for the baby
- Lack of encouragement and free space also leads to delayed walking in babies
- Tight clothing or shoes hinder baby to walk.
- Healthier baby may take some time to start walking as they require more strength to carry their weight
When do babies walk?
Babies learn faster when they are encouraged and praised as it sends them a signal that they are doing something. They get the confidence to attempt it again and again.
Babies just don’t stand up and start walking independently. They go through other developmental milestones in order to achieve this final stage.
Your baby needs to be confident in these milestones before you can expect them to walk independently:
- Sitting up : At around 6 months, baby start sitting with support and eventually sit up straight
- Pulling to stand: around 9-10 months babies try to pull up to stand by themselves
- Cruising: Age varies for this as developmental growth is diff for each child. They start walking sideways with the help of available furniture around the room.
- Walking: The final stage where they learn to balance themselves on one foot and understand the art of moving forward.
Tips to make walking fun and desirable for babies
- Make way: Have enough empty space for baby to try walking. Make sure you baby proof the furniture as they take support of it and at times, miss it and fall.
- Encourage: Don’t force the baby, instead encourage depending on his comfort level with earlier stages. Time outside the cradle/crib/sling/babywearing and more on the floor encourages the baby to walk.
- Praise: When baby tries his first step, praise him. Praising lets them know that they are doing something good and right which encourages them to do it again.
- Assisted walking: Help the baby to walk, for him to gain confidence. Alternating between walking, crawling & cruising is perfectly fine, initially.
- Extend a hand: Sit or stand at a one- hand distance and extend your hand towards baby for him to reach you. Two to three steps at a time will also be enough.
- Comfort a fall: Make sure that you are present right there to catch him when he falls. This will build his trust and encourage him to try again.
- Clothing: Avoid tight clothing or diapers as it hinders movement. Comfortable pajamas and shorts make it easier on the leg movement.
- Shoes: Do not make him wear shoes as it adds weight (even the lightest one). Bare foot walking is best inside the house. It helps the baby feel the surface and increases balance and coordination. You can put on anti-skid socks if the floor is cold. Shoes are advisable only when the baby is comfortable in walking and is going outside the house. It is best to start with light weight shoes.
- Massage: Massaging baby’s legs helps in better blood circulation. It also relieves tension in muscles and strengthens muscles.
- Mood: Avoid practice walking just after the baby wakes up as it takes some time for the brain and body to sync up. Also, try it only when the baby is in mood to walk. Don’t force the baby.
We followed all these things with our baby and before our child turned 15 months old, he started walking independently and enjoys it a lot. He stops only to take a breather 😛
Hope these tips help your baby walk sooner. Let me know in the comments when your baby walks/walked.
Remember, every child is different and achieves milestones at his own pace. Please do not rush the child.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are solely based on author’s experience. Please do not consider it as professional advice.
