When Do Babies Start Walking?
If there is a moment that is forever etched in the memory of parents, it is when their little one begins to walk. Considering this, the anxieties with which this event is expected can be understood. For this reason, there are not a few who get impatient and ask when babies start to walk.
You have everything prepared: you move the furniture and dangerous objects, you give it the space and the opportunity and you even have your mobile at hand to record the moment. However, there seems to be no case: the baby is not yet ready for its first steps.
Parents’ impatience only makes the situation worse. In fact, what should never be overlooked is that the baby will walk at the same time that he is ready for it. If you want to know more about this long-awaited event, we invite you to continue reading. Thus, you will know what to expect and how to promote the development of your child so that he can start walking.
At what age do babies start walking?
This statement may put you off a bit, but the reality is that there is no set time when babies start to walk. This is a natural process that will depend on many issues, such as speech, the ability to crawl and others.
The normal thing, however, is that this occurs between 9 and 12 months of life. However, you shouldn’t be alarmed if this comes a month or two late; As long as you don’t notice any abnormal signs, it is something that can happen.
The maturation and the physical and neurological condition of each child is so particular that it is impossible to establish a fixed date as a parameter. However, it is necessary to emphasize that, if this achievement does not occur until 18 months of life, it will be time to carry out some medical check-ups with the pediatrician.
What to do if the baby does not learn to walk in time?
In the event that the latter happens, you should go to your trusted pediatrician. At this consultation, the doctor will proceed with some routine tests to diagnose the general condition of the child. The causes that can lead to this delay are the following:
- The baby crawls well and does not need to walk to move as he wants.
- He is a very calm little boy and his spirits to take new risks have not yet been awakened.
- Its development process is slow due to genetic reasons or because it is a premature baby.
- He is somewhat overweight, which makes his movements difficult.
- Lack of stimulation.
- Vision or hearing problems that can affect your balance.
- More specific psychomotor delays that the pediatrician will be able to identify.
Activities to teach a baby to walk
For the moment babies start to walk, there are certain ‘exercises’ that you can practice to help them keep their balance and avoid tripping. Of course, you must do it in a playful and fun way, not as a requirement that must be strictly met.
Of course, these exercises can only be done when your baby is ready. How do you know? You will notice that he has the strength to stand for a few seconds – with or without help – and that he even tries to take the odd step.
One of the exercises consists of stopping him in front of you, holding him by the hands and propelling his feet with light touches of yours. You can do it while you’re counting, so that she feels your voice and becomes more focused on the process.
It can also be useful to place him in his pen and encourage him to walk holding on to the bars. One method to do this is to call him with a toy that he likes and cheer him on when he reaches it. Eventually, he will be encouraged to walk without holding on.
Throughout this process in which babies begin to walk, you must take extreme care to cause falls and blows. These, even, could generate a fear that would mean a setback in this learning. Also, remember that patience and encouragement will be essential. Everything will come in due time: what better way than to enjoy this beautiful stage, appreciating its progress!
