The first year of life is a remarkable period in your baby's development. In just a short time, they transform from a helpless newborn into a walking toddler. Those first steps are unforgettable, marking the beginning of a new world of learning and exploration.
The Complexity of Walking
Walking is a complex skill that involves many changes in the body and brain. While the exact reason humans walk upright is still debated, it is believed to be an evolutionary response to changing environments.
Several factors influence when a baby takes their first steps, including genetics, environment, care quality, exercise, and nutrition. However, there is no evidence that early walking boosts intelligence. In fact, early walkers might skip mastering crawling, which is crucial for brain development and future skills like reading and writing.
Early Preparation for Walking
Even before birth, babies practice walking movements. These early activities help develop the motor cortex of the brain and build muscles needed for walking. Newborns also display a stepping reflex if held upright, making coordinated walking motions. Practicing this reflex can help prepare them for walking later on.
Key Developmental Milestones
Head Control: The first milestone is gaining control over the head. This develops the neck muscles and brain connections needed for future movements.
Shoulder and Upper Body Strength: Babies develop upper body strength by lifting and turning their heads, especially when placed on their tummies. This is followed by rolling over and eventually sitting up, which expands their visual range and frees their hands for exploration.
Crawling: Various crawling styles emerge, but hands-and-knees crawling is particularly effective for building coordination and stability.
Standing and Walking: Babies eventually pull themselves up and stand. Walking begins once their legs are strong enough to support their weight, driven by the need to use their hands freely.
Encouraging Walking
To help your baby learn to walk:
-Encourage them to walk towards you by kneeling and holding out your hands.
-Let them go barefoot to improve balance and coordination.
-Help them walk on different surfaces like sand and grass to strengthen their muscles.
-Provide a toddler truck to support their walking practice.
-Allow them to climb on and off furniture to build muscle strength.
-Remember, every baby develops at their own pace. Encourage your baby to practice rolling, sitting, crawling, and standing to build the necessary strength and balance for walking.
Adapted from The Enigma of Walking (Physical Development) by Dr Lin Day 2008 (Updated August 2021)
