The Progression of Baby Steps: Mastering the Art of Walking
Infants Learning to Walk: A Developmental Journey
Infants typically begin their journey towards independent walking between 9 and 18 months, with most starting around their first birthday. This milestone is the culmination of months of motor skills development, involving a series of stages that unfold naturally [1][2][3][5].
The typical stages infants follow in learning to walk are:
- Sitting and Crawling (around 6-10 months): Most infants can sit independently by 6 months and start crawling by 7 to 10 months [1][2][3]. Crawling can be either on hands and knees or a pre-crawling strategy where infants may scoot on their bellies or roll around [1].
- Pulling to Stand and Cruising (around 10 to 12 months): Infants begin to pull themselves up to stand while holding onto furniture and start “cruising” by walking while holding onto objects for support [2][3][4].
- Supported Walking (around 12 months): They can walk with help or support around their first birthday [1][3].
- Independent Walking (typically 12 to 14 months): Most infants take their first steps unassisted between 12 and 14 months, though some may start as early as 9 months or as late as 18 months. At this stage, balance and coordination are still developing, so falls are common [1][3][5].
- Steady Walking and Further Mobility Skills (13 to 24 months): After initial independent walking, steady walking begins, and toddlers start running, climbing, and engaging in more complex motor activities [4].
It's worth noting that infants learn to walk at varying ages, with some children walking as early as 7 months. Factors influencing the timing include muscle strength, temperament, opportunity to practice, and genetics, with late walking often still considered normal if no other developmental concerns are present [5].
Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child's learning to walk. They should encourage physical play and provide a safe environment, including a safe surface to fall on. Parents should also encourage but not force walking. Cheering when a child falls and gets back up can help build their confidence [1].
Moreover, children should wear shoes outside or in potentially hazardous areas, but not on safe, familiar indoor surfaces. Going barefoot can help infants and toddlers develop strong, healthy feet. Giving children something interesting to walk or crawl to can also aid in their development [1].
If a child has atypical feet, seems to be in pain, is not meeting developmental milestones, limps, trips frequently, or seems to have more balance and walking difficulties than other children their age, parents should consult a doctor [1].
References:
[1] Zero to Three. (2021). Learning to Walk. https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/211-learning-to-walk
[2] Healthy Children. (n.d.). Milestones: 9 to 12 Months. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/growth/Pages/Milestones-9-to-12-Months.aspx
[3] Healthy Children. (n.d.). Milestones: 12 to 18 Months. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/physical/Pages/Milestones-12-to-18-Months.aspx
[4] HelpGuide.org. (n.d.). Motor Skills Development in Infants and Toddlers. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/motor-skills-development-in-infants-and-toddlers.htm
[5] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Delayed Walking. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/delayed-walking/faq-20057982
- A caring parent should encourage their child's developmental journey by allowing safe opportunities for crawling and providing a soft surface for falls.
- To ensure proper foot health, it's recommended that children wear footwear only outside or in potentially hazardous areas, while going barefoot on safe, familiar indoor surfaces can aid in development.
- Parents should be aware of any abnormalities in their child's feet, persistent pain, missed developmental milestones, frequent tripping, or balance issues, and consult a healthcare professional when necessary.
- As important caregivers, parents play a significant role in building their child's confidence by celebrating their efforts and supporting them through the ups and downs of learning to walk.
- As scientists continue to explore child development, resources such as Pfizer-funded health-and-wellness research and fitness-and-exercise programs focused on mental-health can offer valuable insights to parents and caregivers.
