Step By Step Ahead

Taking those first steps on their own is a milestone for all children. However, some children start walking on their own well before they turn a year old, while others remain on all fours well past their first birthday. This is a normal occurrence and should be no cause for alarm. Before they can walk, children first need to go through the proper stages in developing gross motor skills—sitting, crawling, pulling up, and then finally, walking. Undergoing this process properly is a far more important concern than getting to the finish line promptly, so to speak.

Why is this so? A child who starts walking without crawling first may experience bilateral integration problems, or the ability to use both sides of the body in an integrated way, later in life. One of the most important determinants of early walking is the amount of time babies spend on their tummy during their early months. Regular tummy time contributes to strong neck, back, arm, and shoulder muscles, which in turn make crawling possible.

To encourage children’s independent movement, limit the time they spend on a baby walker or infant seat. Instead, allow them to explore on the floor and soon enough, they will learn to pull themselves up against furniture and take their first wobbly steps.

However, if you notice that your child is experiencing difficulty carrying weight on his or her legs while standing, or if you observe no change in his or her motor development for two months, it’s best to discuss your concerns with a physician, who then can determine if there is an underlying cause for this delay.

In the mean time, enjoy the precious last few weeks when your child still goes around on all fours. Before you know it, you will be chasing after an adventurous, running toddler!