Learning to walk involves a complex interplay with a child’s
motor, cognitive and sensory skills. Most children begin to walk independently
between 10 -15 months. There is growing research that with the ‘Back to Sleep’
program and less tummy time, motor skills including walking are delayed. The
norm is now for children to walk between 10-18 months. Children with low or
high muscle tone can sometimes be even further delayed. Following a developmental pattern is
important. Children typically reach, then roll, then sit up, then crawl, then
stand up and then walk. But, they do not have to perfect each skill before we
can progress them forwards. Teaching a baby to walk starts from day one! The
more they explore, reach, shake, rattle and roll, the faster they will walk.
Important take home messages:
- Children should have the desire and reason to move. Incorporate lots of play with different sensations (music, light, textures, etc). Engage them and encourage them to move in any which way they choose.
- Learn to love your feet’- Babies first explore the world by kicking. Rub their feet together, have them press their feet against your hands, and help them hold their feet. Kicking and reaching for feet helps build abdominal strength to allow them to sit up. Any pressure through the feet also helps babies get used to putting weight through them when they are ready to stand. You can use little musical anklets on their ankles to motivate them even more to kick and reach for their feet.
- Tummy Time- This is HUGE! There is so much
sensory input and strength children can gain from being on their bellies. They
learn to lift their heads, stretch their hips and develop core strength for ALL
motor skills.
Tummy Time tricks:
- Have your baby lie on his/her belly on your chest looking towards your face- what better motivation than to look at mom or dad?
- Lying on a therapy ball *Have your Occupational or Physical Therapist show you some cool ball tricks before attempting!
- Lying over a boppy pillow - This helps support some of their weight and make it easier to lift up. Always supervise tummy time!
- Important skills to incorporate in play: crawling over obstacles, pulling up to stand, cruising, and crawling/walking on different surfaces- grass, carpet, mats etc
- Walker and Jumperoos- As a therapist, I have seen many children rely on walkers and jumpers to stand. Using them for 10 minutes or so is fine to give them a new way to explore. It is hard to wean children off these, so use them in limitation. If your child only stands or walks on tiptoes, discontinue using walkers/jumpers.
- Braces and other supports- Sometimes children just need a bit of extra help to align their legs/feet. Your Physical Therapist is the best resource for this. At Building Bridges, we have an on site orthotist weekly who can also measure and order any equipment for your child.
