Baby Milestone – Walking

At what age do babies start walking

There is no fixed age for babies to start walking because very child is different. Some takes their first steps in 9 -12 months while some kids are only able to pull themselves up by the time they are 13-15 months. You shouldn’t really worry or panic if your child is taking a little longer than the rest of the kids surround you. in the first 1 year the body of babies mostly focuses on maintaining the balance and developing the strength in every part of the body. Sitting, crawling, rolling over are some of the indications that your child’s body is trying hard to gain the momentum and strength to put it up.

Once your child starts showing the sign of gaining such momentum, then its just a matter of 3-4 months that he will be all over place and ready for the next milestone.

How to help you baby start walking

While your baby is trying to pull himself up in the standing position, he may need your help in guiding him, how to do that. Encourage your child to pull himself up if he tries to give up on it and starts crying, instead show him how to bend knees, lift the upper body using the strength in the legs. Kids observe every single detail around them, they will try to mimic the same if you show them how to do that.

Also encourage your baby to walk by standing in front of them at some distance with your arms open and let them walk towards you. Take some time to take them out in a big open area like a park or hall and hold their hands to guide them and give support if they starts trembling, They might also enjoy baby walker or push toy to hold on to while they walk.

Are baby walkers helpful

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly discourages to use baby walkers due to some obvious reasons. Baby walkers does allow the muscles of the legs to grow naturally, and put irregular pressure. Every year a significant number of kids get injured due to an injury related to walkers as its very hard to always keep an eye on our younger one and even a second distraction can cause major injuries to the kids.

What to do if your baby hasn’t started walking

Don’t panic if your baby hasn’t started walking yet and taking her own time to meet the milestone. Keep in mind that babies have different timetables, if your baby is premature then its fine if he is behind his peer. For premature babies, as suggested by the doctors, you should date their milestones from your due date.

To be at the safer side, if your kid doesn’t able to stand with support at 12 months or can’t walk at 18 months  or isn’t able to walk steadily at the age of 2 years then your should consult your doctor.

What to expect once your baby starts walking

After the first magical steps, your child will start showing the journey towards freedom where he may be able to do some below activities without any support and your life will be as adventurous as their is.

• Standing
• Steady Walk
• Climbing
• Jumping
• Kicking
• Stairs