When Do Babies Take Their First Steps?
If thereโs a moment parents remember forever, itโs when their child starts walking. Knowing this, you can understand why parents can be so anxious for it to happen. Therefore,ย 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 isnโt ready to take his first steps.
The impatience parents feel only makes this situation worse. In fact, you shouldnโt forget thatย babies will walk when they feel ready.ย If you want to know more about this long-awaited event, keep reading.
In this article, weโll tell you what to expect and how to help your childโs developmentย so that she can start walking.ย
What Age Do Babies Take Their First Steps?
This might discourage you a little, but the truth is thatย there isnโt a set age for when babies take their first steps.ย 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.ย However, you shouldnโt worry if theyโre 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. Itโs impossible to establish a fixed age for whatโs โnormal.โ However, itโs important to state that,ย if your baby still hasnโt walked by 18 months,ย itโs time to consult your pediatrician.
What Do I Do If My Baby Doesnโt Walk On Time?
If your baby is 18 months and still hasnโt walked, you should ask your trusted doctor. In this checkup, your doctor will run a few routine tests to analyze your childโs general condition.ย Factors that can cause this delay are:
- The baby crawls well and doesnโt need to walk to move as he wants.
- Heโs a calm, quiet baby and doesnโt want to take new risks yet.
- His development process is slow due to genetic issues or because he wasย premature.ย
- Heโs somewhat overweight, making it harder to move.
- Lack of stimulation.
- Vision or hearing problems that can affect his balance.
- More specificย psychomotorย delaysย that the pediatrician can identify.
โThe truth is thatย there isnโt a set age for when babies take their first steps.ย This is a natural process that depends on many things.โ
Activities to Teach Your Baby to Walk
For when babies start to walk, there are certain โexercisesโ that you canย practiceย to help them keep their balance and not trip.
Of course, you can only do these when babies are ready. How can you know?ย Youโll notice that theyโre strong enough to stand on their feet โ with or without help โย 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.ย One way to do this is to try to lure her with a toy she likes and gets excited when she reaches it. Eventually, sheโll be encouraged to walk without holding on to something.
Throughout this whole process,ย be very careful that your baby doesnโt fall and hurt herself.ย This could even make her afraid to take her first steps.
Additionally, remember that you need to be patient and excited for your baby.ย Everything will come in good time. Whatโs better than enjoying this beautiful stage and watching your baby grow!
