Healthcare professionals are encouraged to consult the Professional Reference articles authored by UK doctors, which are based on research evidence and UK and European Guidelines. The Cerebral palsy article and other health articles may also be beneficial.
In this article :
Keep reading below
Developmental screening
While health visitors typically conduct developmental screening, they will involve the GP if they suspect any issues. It is important for all doctors to have an understanding of normal development, even if they are not directly involved in developmental assessment.
If a child seems close to reaching a milestone but has not quite achieved it by a certain time, monitoring their progress may be a prudent course of action. Referral is necessary if the child is far from reaching the milestone or if there are other concerning factors.
It is crucial for healthcare professionals to monitor a child’s development closely, as early identification of developmental delays or issues can lead to early intervention and support services. Regular developmental screening helps in identifying any areas of concern and allows for timely referrals to specialists if needed. Parents should also be involved in the process of monitoring their child’s development and should not hesitate to seek advice from healthcare professionals if they have any concerns about their child’s progress. Developmental screening plays a crucial role in ensuring that children reach their full potential and achieve important milestones in their development.
Gross motor developmental milestones
This serves as a rough guide to the gross motor development of children in the first three years of life, understanding that there can be variations.
Some milestones include sitting with support at 6 weeks, lifting the head at 90° in ventral suspension at 3 months, crawling at 9 months, and climbing stairs by 2 years.
What causes delay in walking?
By 12 months, children should be able to walk and stand alone. Late walking could be due to familial factors or underlying neuromuscular conditions.
Delay in motor maturation
Delayed motor maturation may explain late walking in an otherwise normal child, whereas severe learning disabilities tend to impact other developmental areas more than gross motor skills. Hypertonia may be linked to conditions such as cerebral palsy.
Abnormalities in muscle tone and power
In some cases, delayed walking could be the initial indication of cerebral palsy, while muscular dystrophy might manifest as a gradual delay in walking.
Environmental factors
Several factors, such as institutionalization, rickets, obesity, and the use of baby walkers, can influence brain development or delay walking milestones.
Assessing children with delayed walking
Any suspected cases of delay in children should undergo thorough assessment to determine if the delay is genuine or a variation of normal development. It is crucial to look for neurological abnormalities and potential causes of the delay.
History
Key questions to ask when evaluating a child for developmental delay include inquiries about pregnancy, delivery, feeding, jaundice, and past medical history. Family history and inherited conditions should also be considered.
Examination
For children between 0 and 3 months at risk of developing cerebral palsy, the General Movement Assessment (GMA) is recommended as a means of early detection by observing specific movement patterns.
Signs to watch for include persistent toe walking and increased muscle tone.
Investigations
A comprehensive developmental assessment can be time-consuming and intricate. While basic tests by a GP can be helpful, a full evaluation should be conducted by professionals with specialized skills if needed.
In cases of isolated delay in walking, a CPK level test should be done to rule out muscular dystrophy. Children showing abnormal features and at risk of cerebral palsy should be promptly referred for assessment.
Those first unsteady steps by a baby signify a major milestone in their journey from infancy to toddlerhood. It marks a newfound independence as they venture to explore and move on their own.
Walking is a significant developmental achievement, with each child progressing at their own pace. Some start walking as early as six months, while others may take longer to achieve this milestone.
The process of learning to walk begins gradually from the first few weeks, with early signs including scooting, pulling up, and crawling. Ensuring a safe environment by baby-proofing your home is essential in supporting their newfound mobility.
What age does a baby walk?
On average, children start walking independently around 14 months, but this can vary between 10 and 18 months. The journey towards walking begins at birth, with coordination and balance playing crucial roles in this development.
Developmental milestones include pushing up in a prone position at 3-4 months, sitting up independently at 4-9 months, and taking independent steps with improved muscle strength and balance between 8-18 months.
Additional tips for helping your baby walk:
Aside from the developmental stages mentioned above, there are additional ways you can support your baby’s journey to walking:
Encouraging movement
Give your baby plenty of opportunities for moving around freely, whether it’s on a soft play mat or in a safe, open space. This will help them build strength and confidence in their abilities.
Providing support
Use toys or furniture to help your baby stand up and take steps while holding on. This will assist them in practicing their balance and coordination.
Celebrating milestones
Each small achievement, like taking a few steps or standing up without support, should be celebrated to boost your baby’s confidence and motivation to keep trying.
Being patient
Remember that every baby is different and will progress at their own pace. Be patient and supportive as they work towards this major milestone in their development.
How to encourage your baby to walk
While babies will walk when they are ready, parents can support their development by engaging in play and providing stimulating toys. Each child’s growth and progress are unique to them.
Practice getting upright on furniture
Encouraging babies to stand by using stable furniture and enticing them with toys can motivate them to take independent steps confidently.
Hold hands
Guiding babies to stand upright helps instill confidence and prepares them for the challenge of walking independently.
Stand further back
Supporting babies as they walk longer distances aids in strengthening their walking abilities and improving their balance and coordination.
Standing them back up
Assisting your baby in standing back up encourages them to persist in standing and walking, fostering a sense of independence and mobility.
Play balance games
To develop balance, encourage your baby to practice standing on one leg while kicking a ball or engaging in activities that promote balance like stepping stones.
Avoid prolonged use of baby carriers and seats
Extended periods in reclining carriers can delay a baby’s ability to sit up independently. Limiting the use of bouncers, seats, and walkers to short intervals can prevent hindering their development.
Skip the shoes to begin with
While shoes have their benefits, allowing your child to walk barefoot, when safe, can help them build balance and maintain a natural gait.
Don’t rely on walkers or strollers
While walkers and strollers can aid in balance, it is important not to rely on them excessively. Encouraging your baby to stand unassisted can promote independence in movement and walking.
Motivation is vital
Utilizing toys, treats, games, and fun activities can motivate and encourage your baby as they navigate the exciting journey of learning to walk.
What if my baby isn’t progressing with walking?
If your baby has not started walking by 18 months, seeking advice from a professional is recommended. Remember, each child develops uniquely, and some may take longer to achieve certain milestones.
How to babyproof the house for when baby starts walking
Preparing your home for your baby’s newfound mobility is crucial for their safety. Taking measures such as securing cabinets, padding corners, installing child-proof gates, and other safety precautions can help create a safe environment for your walking toddler.
Taking care of your baby’s skin as they learn to walk
As your baby becomes more active, maintaining their skin health is essential. Using gentle baby cleansers and moisturizers like JOHNSON’S ® Baby Bath and JOHNSON’S ® Baby Lotion can help keep their skin hydrated and healthy.
For quick clean-ups between baths, consider using JOHNSON’S ® Top-to-Toe ® Baby Washcloths.
It’s important to choose baby products that are specifically formulated for delicate baby skin to prevent irritation and dryness. Always remember to apply baby lotion after baths to lock in moisture and keep your baby’s skin soft and smooth. And don’t forget to protect their skin from the sun with a gentle baby sunscreen when you go outside.