A Toddling Toddler
 Those first steps that your toddler takes are among the most exciting
moments, not only for you but for your toddler as well. Learning how to
walk means that your toddler is gaining more independence. She can now
go where she wants without your help.
Prelude to a Step
Most toddlers take their first steps between 11 and 14 months. However,
it is not at all uncommon for some to start walking as early as eight
months or as late as 17 months. Your toddler’s past behavior is
a pretty good indication of when you can expect her to start walking.
If she was rolling over and crawling at an early age, there’s a
pretty good chance she’ll be an early walker too. Before those first
cautious steps are taken, though, you will probably notice your toddler
getting ready for the momentous occasion.
Around eight months, your toddler will start to raise himself up to a
standing position with the aid of low-lying furniture. As he gets better
at standing, he will begin experimenting with his mobility all the while
clutching on to that furniture. You know he is on his way to walking once
he can stand on his own and easily walks with the aid of the furniture.
You can encourage your toddler to take those first steps by holding out
your hands while kneeling or standing in front of her. You could also
hold her hands while she walks towards you. However, avoid walking with
her; you want to encourage her to do it on her own. Otherwise, you may
find yourself with a toddler who can walk perfectly well on her own but
insists that you always hold her hand.
Look at that Toddler Go!
Once the art of walking has been mastered, it will be time to add new
skills to this fantastic ability. Walking backwards, walking while holding
an object, and – a toddler favorite – running are just of
few of the new talents your toddler will learn to go with his walking.
By the time he is two, his stride will be more confident and by the time
he is three he will hardly need to concentrate on how to walk anymore.
But before your toddler reaches this level of confidence in her walking,
she will likely have taken many spills. Her lack of co-ordination and
balance, along with her preoccupation with what she is doing rather than
where she is going, are to blame for the numerous bruises.
Although you may want to rush out a buy a pair of shoes
as soon as your toddler starts to toddle around, it may be a good idea
to wait. While shoes are definitely necessary if he is going to be outside
or walking regularly on rough or cold surfaces, whenever possible, it
is best to let your toddler go barefoot. Being barefoot can actually help
improve his balance and co-ordination. If you have cold floors at home
but don’t want your toddler to always wear shoes, non-slip slippers
or socks are a good compromise.
Problems
While some toddlers develop
at a slower rate than others, if your toddler still hasn’t started
walking by 18 months, it may be a good idea to have her assessed by her
pediatrician. Although there could very well be nothing wrong other than
a little child development stage fright, it is best to investigate the
issue just in case.
Many toddlers enjoy walking on their tiptoes when they are first learning
to walk or when they just feel like it. However, if you notice you toddler
always walking on his toes it could indicate a physical problem or a motor
disorder that requires professional attention.
Another common problem with toddlers when they begin walking is in-toeing
or walking pigeon toed. Either form of walking is perfectly common and
may be accompanied by bowlegs or knock-knees. The majority of the time,
these problems disappear after a few months. But, if you don’t notice
any improvements after six months, it interferes with your toddler’s
ability to walk or if her toes don’t naturally point straight when
she is at rest, make an appointment with her pediatrician to see if there
is anything you can do.
Prelude to a Step
Most toddlers take their first steps between 11 and 14 months. However,
it is not at all uncommon for some to start walking as early as eight
months or as late as 17 months. Your toddler’s past behavior is
a pretty good indication of when you can expect her to start walking.
If she was rolling over and crawling at an early age, there’s a
pretty good chance she’ll be an early walker too. Before those first
cautious steps are taken, though, you will probably notice your toddler
getting ready for the momentous occasion.
Around eight months, your toddler will start to raise himself up to a
standing position with the aid of low-lying furniture. As he gets better
at standing, he will begin experimenting with his mobility all the while
clutching on to that furniture. You know he is on his way to walking once
he can stand on his own and easily walks with the aid of the furniture.
You can encourage your toddler to take those first steps by holding out
your hands while kneeling or standing in front of her. You could also
hold her hands while she walks towards you. However, avoid walking with
her; you want to encourage her to do it on her own. Otherwise, you may
find yourself with a toddler who can walk perfectly well on her own but
insists that you always hold her hand.
Look at that Toddler Go!
Once the art of walking has been mastered, it will be time to add new
skills to this fantastic ability. Walking backwards, walking while holding
an object, and – a toddler favorite – running are just of
few of the new talents your toddler will learn to go with his walking.
By the time he is two, his stride will be more confident and by the time
he is three he will hardly need to concentrate on how to walk anymore.
But before your toddler reaches this level of confidence in her walking,
she will likely have taken many spills. Her lack of co-ordination and
balance, along with her preoccupation with what she is doing rather than
where she is going, are to blame for the numerous bruises.
Although you may want to rush out a buy a pair of shoes
as soon as your toddler starts to toddle around, it may be a good idea
to wait. While shoes are definitely necessary if he is going to be outside
or walking regularly on rough or cold surfaces, whenever possible, it
is best to let your toddler go barefoot. Being barefoot can actually help
improve his balance and co-ordination. If you have cold floors at home
but don’t want your toddler to always wear shoes, non-slip slippers
or socks are a good compromise.
Problems
While some toddlers develop
at a slower rate than others, if your toddler still hasn’t started
walking by 18 months, it may be a good idea to have her assessed by her
pediatrician. Although there could very well be nothing wrong other than
a little child development stage fright, it is best to investigate the
issue just in case.
Many toddlers enjoy walking on their tiptoes when they are first learning
to walk or when they just feel like it. However, if you notice you toddler
always walking on his toes it could indicate a physical problem or a motor
disorder that requires professional attention.
Another common problem with toddlers when they begin walking is in-toeing
or walking pigeon toed. Either form of walking is perfectly common and
may be accompanied by bowlegs or knock-knees. The majority of the time,
these problems disappear after a few months. But, if you don’t notice
any improvements after six months, it interferes with your toddler’s
ability to walk or if her toes don’t naturally point straight when
she is at rest, make an appointment with her pediatrician to see if there
is anything you can do.
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