Baby

Baby’s First Steps

One of the most amazing and exciting developmental milestones accomplished by a toddler is the ability to walk-or take their first steps. The average age for babies to initiate their first steps is generally 9-12 months but every child is different.

There are various stages involved in the process of walking, some children experience every step, others skip steps, or progress quicker or slower than others.

This process begins by first mastering rolling over, sitting up, crawling, pulling up to a standing position and then cruising. Once cruising has started, walking solo is the next step.

Being that every child develops differently, walking will occur when your child is ready and not before.

There are a number of ways that parents can assist their little ones in mastering this skill. Arrange low- lying furniture in a way that allows a child to get around the room safely, while holding onto ledges. Caution must be used to protect the toddler from furniture with sharp or pointed edges.

Make sure the child has enough room to walk safely, preferably an area that is not cluttered.

Practice, Practice, Practice. Let your child use you for leverage when walking until comfortable walking alone.

Place toys in different areas of the room to motivate your child to move around the room.

Stand in various areas of the room and encourage your little one to walk to you.

Provide plenty of push or pull toys that can be moved by the feet.

Initially, your child will take a few slow, cautious steps and experience many falls and bruises. Their steps will look stiff and clumsy and will appear to walk on their toes or front part of their feet. Provide encouragement and within days of their initial steps, they will be walking more confident, steady, and much faster. Practice helps to strengthen the muscles and improves their balance.

If you notice that your child has shown no interest in walking or other forms of mobility by 15 months old, follow-up with your pediatrician for an evaluation.

SHOES OR NO SHOES

It is important for your child to start their walking process on bare feet, inside the home and on soft surfaces. Bare feet allow the child to move more freely without resistance and also allow their toes to grip the floor for balance. Shoes are only needed when the child is coming in contact with rough surfaces or hot and cold surfaces. It is recommended to start with tennis shoes or moccasins due to the flexibility of the soles. Not only are they comfortable but they provide ventilation and traction.

Hand me down shoes are fine if the soles are not worn, able to provide good traction, and in good condition.

Heels are not necessary and can cause tripping.

Shoes do not need to be expensive. Children shoe sizes change so rapidly that expensive shoes are a waste of money.

SHOE SIZE AND PROPER FIT

Always check fit with the child standing. The shoe should be approximately a ½ inch longer than the big toe. You should be able to grab a small piece of the shoe at the widest part of the foot. The heel portion should fit close enough to prevent flipping up with walking.
Do not buy shoes that are too big-hoping the child will grow into them. This becomes a big safety hazard.
Have child walk in shoes to assess fit and comfort
Check your child’s shoe size each time you buy shoes. Do not rely on existing sizes because a child’s shoe size changes as the child grows.
If any questions or concerns arise, consult your pediatrician or department store shoe attendant for assistance.

Signs of improper fit:

red marks on child’s foot or toe
pressure marks on the surface of the shoe
swelling of the feet
blisters on the feet or heels.

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