During the first year of your toddler’s life, they will hit many developmental milestones, and one of them is walking. The average age when a baby takes their first steps is usually between 10 and 12 months. However, what happens when they are already more than a year old, yet they haven’t started walking?
A vital point to remember when it comes to a child’s milestones is that they reach them at different ages. Every child is unique, meaning that even if your child isn’t walking yet by 12-14 months, it doesn’t always mean that there’s a severe problem.
When Is It A Cause For Concern?
Peter Rosenbaum, a professor of pediatrics at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont., and Canada research chair in childhood disability, says, “Some children walk at nine to 10 months, and others at 16 months or later.” He is also quick to note that the quality of movement is sometimes more significant than the child’s age or ability to walk.
“For example, a 15-month-old who does not walk but crawls actively is going to be fine, but another child who is generally stiff or floppy is a worry,” he continued. Before you worry about your child’s inability to walk at the “right” age, you must evaluate the situation first.
What Aspects To Check First?
You need to check some developmental milestones first before you assume that there’s a problem with your child because he or she hasn’t walked yet. Consider other areas that the child lags behind, such as speech, fine motor skills, or social interaction.
If you notice that your child can crawl or scoot around, then it means only one thing—they have the ability to travel, which is enough reason for you not to worry and watch and wait.
Lisa Rivard, a pediatric physiotherapist in Hamilton, Ont., suggests that parents need to observe their toddler carefully. Monitor if the child has equal use of both sides of the body, if the child can get in and out of a sitting position on their own, and whether they crawl on hands and knees. These are actions that indicate a solid foundation for walking.
How To Help Your Child Walk?
Toddlers who don’t start walking by 14 months only need some practice, and you can help them take their first steps. Slowly guide him or her across the floor as this will teach the child how to lift their legs and move across the room. Additionally, it will help them develop stronger leg muscles and improve their balance.
Also, if you tend to carry your child frequently at home, it’s time you lessen this. Give your child more floor time to give them the chance to become mobile and walk independently. Let him or her crawl, scoot, and pull up as often as possible – these are practices that will help them walk sooner.
Don’t Sweat It
If your child is showing actions of getting from one place to another, there is no real need to worry about if they haven’t walked yet. All you need to do is guide them and ensure that they are safe at home.
Keep in mind that no two children are alike, meaning that you shouldn’t compare your child’s progress with other kids. When it comes to walking, keep in mind that some are slow learners, but they will soon pick up the pace.
Catch up on the latest medical news at Dose of Healthcare. We have a wide range of medical topics you can read. Browse through our articles today!
