When Do Babies Take Their First Steps?
If there’s a moment parents remember forever, it’s when their child starts walking. Knowing this, you can understand why parents can be so anxious for it to happen. Therefore, many parents are impatient and want to know when their babies will take their first steps.
You have everything prepared: you baby-proof the furniture and dangerous objects, you give your child space and the opportunity. You always have a hand available to help him if he wants to try. However, it seems the baby still isn’t ready to take his first steps.
The impatience parents feel only makes this situation worse. In fact, you shouldn’t forget that babies will walk when they feel ready. If you want to know more about this long-awaited event, keep reading.
In this article, we’ll tell you what to expect and how to help your child’s development so that she can start walking.
What Age Do Babies Take Their First Steps?
This might discourage you a little, but the truth is that there isn’t a set age for when babies take their first steps. This is a natural process that depends on many things, just like when they start talking and crawling, etc.
Normally, babies start walking between 9 and 12 months. However, you shouldn’t worry if they’re a few months behind. As long as nothing seems abnormal, this is completely normal.
Your baby could also surprise you and take her first steps at 8 or even 7 months.
The development, physical condition and neurological state of each little one is unique. It’s impossible to establish a fixed age for what’s “normal.” However, it’s important to state that, if your baby still hasn’t walked by 18 months, it’s time to consult your pediatrician.
What Do I Do If My Baby Doesn’t Walk On Time?
If your baby is 18 months and still hasn’t walked, you should ask your trusted doctor. In this checkup, your doctor will run a few routine tests to analyze your child’s general condition. Factors that can cause this delay are:
- The baby crawls well and doesn’t need to walk to move as he wants.
- He’s a calm, quiet baby and doesn’t want to take new risks yet.
- His development process is slow due to genetic issues or because he was premature.
- He’s somewhat overweight, making it harder to move.
- Lack of stimulation.
- Vision or hearing problems that can affect his balance.
- More specific psychomotor delays that the pediatrician can identify.
“The truth is that there isn’t a set age for when babies take their first steps. This is a natural process that depends on many things.”
Activities to Teach Your Baby to Walk
For when babies start to walk, there are certain “exercises” that you can practice to help them keep their balance and not trip.
Of course, you can only do these when babies are ready. How can you know? You’ll notice that they’re strong enough to stand on their feet – with or without help – and may even try to take a step.
One of the exercises consists of putting your baby in front of you, hold her hands, and gently push her feet with your feet. You can do this while you count. This way, your baby hears your voice and can concentrate more on her first steps.
It might also help to put her in her play penn and try to get her to walk while holding the bars. One way to do this is to try to lure her with a toy she likes and gets excited when she reaches it. Eventually, she’ll be encouraged to walk without holding on to something.
Throughout this whole process, be very careful that your baby doesn’t fall and hurt herself. This could even make her afraid to take her first steps.
Additionally, remember that you need to be patient and excited for your baby. Everything will come in good time. What’s better than enjoying this beautiful stage and watching your baby grow!
