Watching your child take their first steps is an exciting milestone in their growth and development. Typically, babies begin walking between the ages of 10 and 18 months, after they have mastered crawling and standing up on their own.
However, if your child is not walking by 18 months, it may be a cause for concern and you should consult with your pediatrician. There could be various reasons for a delay in walking, such as muscle weakness, balance issues, or developmental delays. Early intervention and physical therapy can help address these issues and support your child in learning to walk.
As your baby continues to walk, they will also begin to develop their fine motor skills, such as the ability to pick up small objects with their fingers and manipulate objects with their hands. This development is important for their overall dexterity and coordination.
It is important to create a safe and supportive environment for your baby to practice and develop their walking skills. Encouraging them to explore different surfaces, textures, and obstacles will help them become more confident and agile in their movements.
Remember that every baby develops at their own pace, so it is important to be patient and supportive as they learn and grow. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, as they continue to progress in their walking journey.
What can I do to help my baby learn to walk?
To help your baby learn to walk, create a safe space for them to explore and offer encouragement and support. Allowing them to walk in a secure environment will boost their confidence and promote physical development.
Encourage your child to walk towards you, push toys, or navigate through obstacle courses to strengthen their muscles and improve their posture.
Keeping the play area clear at home will ensure safety and provide ample opportunities for your baby to practice walking.
Avoid the use of baby walkers as they do not aid in learning to walk and can lead to injuries.
When should my baby start wearing shoes?
Allow your baby to walk barefoot indoors to promote normal foot development. When necessary, choose properly fitting shoes to prevent foot deformities.
When should I seek help?
If your baby is not walking by 18 months or if you have any concerns about their development, consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
If your child experiences a regression in walking abilities or shows signs of motor or developmental issues, seek medical advice promptly.
Resources and support
For more information on your baby’s development, visit Starting Blocks, Pregnancy, Birth & Baby’s guides, or contact Parentline for assistance and information.
Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?
Check the Aboriginal Child, Youth, and Family Strategy for helpful tips on keeping your baby safe during the learning-to-walk phase.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Get in touch with Pregnancy, Birth and Baby for advice from a maternal child health nurse via phone on 1800 882 436 or through video calls, available daily.
Professional Reference articles provide evidence-based guidance on child development milestones, including information on cerebral palsy and other health topics.
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Read on for more information
Developmental screening
Health visitors typically conduct developmental screenings, alerting general practitioners to any concerns. It is essential for doctors to have knowledge of typical child development, even if not directly involved in assessments.
Review children who do not reach milestones at a later date if progress is expected or refer them if developmental delays persist.
Developmental screenings are important because they can help identify any potential issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and support. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to work together as a team to ensure the best outcomes for children’s development.
Gross motor developmental milestones
Children’s gross motor skills undergo significant development in their first three years, with some variations being common. Monitor milestones closely and seek help if delays continue beyond expectations.
Some common gross motor developmental milestones include:
- By 6 months: Rolling over, sitting up with support
- By 12 months: Crawling, pulling themselves up to stand
- By 18 months: Walking independently
- By 2 years: Running, jumping, climbing stairs
- By 3 years: Riding a tricycle, balancing on one foot
It’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, so these milestones are just a general guideline. If you have concerns about your child’s gross motor skills, don’t hesitate to speak with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist.
What causes delay in walking?
Most children begin walking independently between 11 and 15 months, and delayed walking could indicate underlying conditions such as neuromuscular diseases. Seek evaluation and support from healthcare professionals if needed.
Delay in motor maturation
Some children may have delayed motor development without impacting other areas, while severe learning disabilities can affect various aspects, including gross motor skills.
Abnormalities in muscle tone and power
Conditions like cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy can cause delayed walking, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and monitoring.
Environmental factors
Brain development disorders or direct delays can affect a child’s ability to walk, necessitating thorough assessment and appropriate management.
In some extreme cases, babies who are institutionalized and confined to cots may experience delays in gross motor skills, a situation also observed in children who have been bedridden due to illness. Emotional deprivation typically has a smaller impact on gross motor skills.
Rickets has been linked to delayed walking but can be reversed if identified early. Obesity is not proven to cause delayed walking. Research on baby walkers has shown minimal effects.
When assessing children with developmental delays, consider whether it is a true delay, isolated, part of a broader delay, any abnormal neurological findings, and potential causal factors. Medical history, family history, and observation are all crucial in evaluating developmental delays. The General Movement Assessment (GMA) is recommended for at-risk children during routine check-ups.
A detailed developmental evaluation can be complex and time-consuming, with basic tests typically conducted by GPs. Children showing increased risk of cerebral palsy and abnormal features should be urgently referred for further assessment. Milestone delays may warrant a creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) test. Delayed motor milestones commonly seen in cases of cerebral palsy include delayed sitting and walking. Normal gross motor development varies but generally follows a progressive pattern. Late walking may have a familial link or be related to underlying neuromuscular or neurological disorders.
Assessing children with delayed walking
When evaluating these children, take into account:
– Is this delay a deviation from normal development?
– Is the delay isolated or part of a broader delay in development?
– Are there any abnormal neurological findings?
– Are there underlying causes for the delay?
History
Key questions to inquire about a child suspected of developmental delays include:
– Were there any complications during pregnancy?
– Was the child born full-term through natural delivery?
– Did the child initially feed well?
– Was there significant jaundice present?
Medical History:
– Has the child experienced serious illnesses like meningitis?
– Are there concerns regarding other developmental aspects such as sitting, motor skills, and speech?
Family History:
– When did the parents begin walking?
– Are there any known inherited conditions in the family?
Examination
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends the General Movement Assessment (GMA) for high-risk children aged 0-3 months as part of routine neonatal follow-up assessments to identify potential cases of cerebral palsy.
Observation for delayed developmental milestones:
– Poor head control or floppiness at 6 months
– Inability to sit unassisted at 9 months
– Lack of weight-bearing through the legs at 12 months
– Absence of walking at 18 months
– Not engaging in running by 2 years
– Inability to climb stairs by 3 years
– Consistent toe walking
– Increased muscle tone
During assessments, observe the child for any signs of abnormal development.
Thoroughly examine neurological aspects, focusing on muscle tone, reflexes, and movement quality.
Test for the plantar response to assess neurological maturity.
Investigations
A comprehensive developmental evaluation is best performed by specialists with the required skills and training. In cases of isolated delayed walking without other developmental concerns, a creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) test may be sufficient to rule out muscular dystrophy. Children at risk for cerebral palsy with abnormal features should be promptly referred for assessment. Common delayed milestones in cases of cerebral palsy include delays in sitting and walking according to corrected gestational age.