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Walking is one of the most exciting milestones your child will accomplish. If you are eagerly anticipating watching your baby take his first steps, you are not alone. Here is the information you need as your baby makes a move into toddlerhood.
You will spend the first several walking months chasing your child and wishing she would slow down, so enjoy all of the missteps along the way.
According to Lee’s Summit podiatrist Jeff Harsch, D.P.M., “In infants and toddlers, the longitudinal arch is not developed and flat feet are normal. The arch develops in childhood, and by adulthood, most people have developed normal arches.” Flat feet are only a concern if your child is experiencing pain or is behind developmentally.
Infants are born pigeon-toed because of their positioning in the womb. Nationally renowned pediatrician William Sears says to “rest assured, the great majority of infants and toddlers self-correct their intoeing as they get older.”
Most infants and early walkers also have slightly bowed legs due to womb positioning. Like pigeon toes, bowed legs tend to work themselves out by the time a child is a few years old.
Consulting with your child’s doctor is advisable if your child seems to be experiencing pain or discomfort, favors one side, falls a lot or isn’t walking by 18 months.
Early walkers and cruisers can exercise their leg muscles using a sturdy push toy. While push toys are generally safe with supervision, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that “baby walkers send thousands of children to hospitals every year…[with] broken bones and severe head injuries.” Baby walkers have also been shown to delay gross motor development in infants.
The Pre-walker
Your child starts developing the muscles that he needs to walk from the time he is born. Babies start developing their major muscle systems from the head and neck down. Rolling over, sitting up and crawling help your child develop important abdominal, back and arm muscles, while standing and cruising also help build leg muscles, balance and coordination.The Timing of Walking
It is easy to feel competitive or worried if you child isn’t walking as soon as his playgroup pals or your sister’s children. But most experts agree that children will walk when they are ready, regardless of intelligence, size, weight or parental effort. Many things, including genetics, personality and confidence help determine when your child is ready to walk. Most children will learn to walk between 12 and 14 months, though some walk as early as 8 months and other as late as 21 months.You will spend the first several walking months chasing your child and wishing she would slow down, so enjoy all of the missteps along the way.
Concerns and Worries
Parents often have concerns about flat feet, pigeon toes and bowed legs in early walkers. Most of these are normal and work themselves out over time.According to Lee’s Summit podiatrist Jeff Harsch, D.P.M., “In infants and toddlers, the longitudinal arch is not developed and flat feet are normal. The arch develops in childhood, and by adulthood, most people have developed normal arches.” Flat feet are only a concern if your child is experiencing pain or is behind developmentally.
Infants are born pigeon-toed because of their positioning in the womb. Nationally renowned pediatrician William Sears says to “rest assured, the great majority of infants and toddlers self-correct their intoeing as they get older.”
Most infants and early walkers also have slightly bowed legs due to womb positioning. Like pigeon toes, bowed legs tend to work themselves out by the time a child is a few years old.
Consulting with your child’s doctor is advisable if your child seems to be experiencing pain or discomfort, favors one side, falls a lot or isn’t walking by 18 months.
Encouraging Your Walker
The best ways to encourage your child to walk is to offer support, give him opportunities to build strength and confidence and celebrate his achievements. Spend time holding your little one’s hands and walking around the house and encourage him to let go of one hand at a time. Or you can make it a game by putting yourself or a fun object slightly out of his reach. Make sure your furniture is arranged to help rather than hinder your child’s movement. Children best learn to walk barefooted, so take off your child’s shoes and let her piggies go free.Early walkers and cruisers can exercise their leg muscles using a sturdy push toy. While push toys are generally safe with supervision, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that “baby walkers send thousands of children to hospitals every year…[with] broken bones and severe head injuries.” Baby walkers have also been shown to delay gross motor development in infants.
The Boo-Boos Along the Way
Lots of bobbles and missteps are normal for new walkers--some even revert back to crawling after a scary tumble. The best way to handle a fall is to say “uh oh” and encourage her to get right back up and keep moving. New walkers may need some help learning how to get back down once they are standing and walking. Gently show your child how to bend his legs and sit down on the floor. When your child runs into an obstacle, teach and encourage him to work his way around the problem rather than picking him up and rescuing him.Walking Safety
Once your child starts walking, all of a sudden nothing seems safe. Your child can reach new places and find things quicker than you can put them away. Make sure your house is “walkerproof” before the big day. Your best bet is to get down on your hands and knees to check out your house from your child’s level to make sure you have removed anything dangerous.
Tips to safety proof your house for your walker
- Make sure stairs and doorways are gated.
- Use corner guards on coffee tables with sharp edges and fireplaces.
- Secure large pieces of furniture to the wall to prevent tipping.
- Keep dangerous and breakable things well out of reach, as children can stretch and grab things from table tops.
Amber Hodgson lives in Lee’s Summit where she still excitedly recounts the story of her 3-year-old’s first steps.