When it comes to babies, the first things that come to mind are innocence, cuteness and sweetness. But what if your adorable baby is not able to walk at the age of 12 months? Does this mean that there’s something wrong with his or her development? This article will help you understand reasons for late walking in babies so that you can help your child develop faster. Read about 10 Signs baby will walk soon
Parents might be worried about their baby’s ability to walk, but rest assured that this is a normal phase in their growth. Even though babies begin practicing walking as soon as they can toddle around while holding onto furniture and other objects for support, most of them don’t take their first unassisted steps until they’re around 11 or 12 months old. Once your little one has mastered taking those first tentative steps, you can expect him or her to keep putting new skills together quite quickly.
12-Month Development Check Up
A developmental checkup is one of the best ways to ensure that your child is growing and developing as he or she should. Babies develop at their own pace, so having a clear idea of how your child’s development is progressing will help you to understand why your infant walks late. During a developmental check-up, your child’s doctor will assess your infant’s overall development, cognitive, language, motor and social skills. They will also observe your baby’s movements and general behavior to make sure they are typical for their age. The doctor will ask you questions about your baby’s sleeping and eating patterns to help them get a better idea of his or her development.
5 Reasons for late walking in babies
Genetic Factors
Some genetic factors can affect the development of your child’s nervous system, which in turn can delay their ability to walk. If either parent has a condition such as spina bifida, they should speak to their doctor about the best ways to care for their child. Certain nutrients and vitamins can also affect the development of your child’s nervous system, which may cause their walking skills to lag behind those of other babies their age. Your child’s doctor can help you to determine if your infant’s walking skills are delayed due to genetic factors.
Limited Awareness and Motor Skills
If your baby is walking late, it may be because he or she is not yet aware of their feet or has the motor skills to lift them. This may only be a temporary delay, as babies naturally become more aware of their feet and how to use them as they get older. However, babies who have limited awareness of their feet are also less likely to walk than their peers who have developed a heightened awareness of their feet through the normal process.
Skeletal Maturity
Babies must have the correct skeletal maturity before they’re able to walk. This means that they must have fully developed leg and foot bones, as well as a strong core. At around the age of nine months, your baby’s leg and foot bones will be fully developed. This is usually when most infants start to walk. However, some babies have a slower pace of development, which can delay their ability to walk for another three months.
Muscular Strength and Coordination
Your baby’s muscles are still developing and growing stronger, which is why some babies walk late. The muscles in your baby’s legs, buttocks and hips need to be fully developed before they can walk unassisted. If your baby’s muscles aren’t strong enough to support their weight, they may be unable to walk on their own. It’s common for babies who have delayed walking skills due to insufficient muscle development to use their hands for support while they learn to walk. However, don’t worry, as your child will learn to walk as soon as their muscles grow stronger.
Environment and behavioural Factors
While several factors can affect your infant’s ability to walk, there are also behavioral factors that may cause your baby to walk late. If your child has a low attention span, they may be too distracted to focus on learning how to walk. If your infant is struggling with sensory processing, they may be overly sensitive to the sounds and sensations of walking. If your child is distracted or overly sensitive, you may need to work with their pediatrician to find ways to help them focus on walking.
When should I worry that my baby is not walking?
It is normal for babies to take a few months to learn how to walk. Usually, this happens between 8 and 12 months of age. However, if your baby does not begin walking on her own by the end of the first year, there is nothing to worry. CDC recommends connecting with your child’s pediatricians if they don’t show any signs of walking by the age of 18 months of age.
How can I help my baby walk faster?
There are lots of ways to help your baby walk faster. One way is to walk beside him or her while holding the hand. Another way is to encourage him to move around as much as possible. It’s also a good idea to put your baby on a regular schedule, so that he understands when it’s time for a walk.
Another way you can help your baby walk faster is by wearing shoes that fit properly. If your baby’s shoes don’t fit well, it makes it harder for him to move his feet and keep up with other children walking around him. Also, make sure your baby is regularly stretching and rolling his ankles so that he has strong muscles in his legs that will support his weight as he walks. Finally, you could try buying a walker if your baby needs some extra help getting around.
Conclusion
Finally, there are many reasons why a baby may walk late, such as developmental issues or a general lack of focus. While it can be frustrating as a parent when your baby doesn’t walk as early as their friends do, it’s important to remember that each child develops at their own pace. If you’re worried about your baby’s ability to walk, speak to your doctor about their progress. They can help you to understand why your infant is walking late so that you can help them to catch up to their peers.