When does a baby start walking?

Learning to walk is, contrary to appearances, a complex process that can occur in multiple stages. Psychological aspects can also come into play. A child must be ready for change and feel motivated to initiate it. Environmental factors can act as either stimulant or inhibitor. When do children start walking?

At what age does a child start walking?

Many parents new to walking wonder about the correct age for their child to begin walking. Defining this point can be pointless. Every child behaves differently in this regard and will stand on their feet when they're ready. The range is quite wide, ranging from 9 months to 16 months. Parents shouldn't worry if their little one isn't yet walking. It's especially inadvisable to rush or force the process. A toddler will begin learning to walk when the time comes. Many parents, feeling the pressure, are tempted to resort to various gadgets, such as walkers. This is definitely not the best idea. If anything, a walker is a better choice. It's more natural because the child has to stand up every time they try to walk.

When does a baby start walking? What happens before they take their first steps?

The stage preceding walking is standing up and accustoming the little body to an upright position. The first attempts at standing occur when the baby tries to control its center of gravity, which is located at the pelvis. Until now, it was inert during crawling, but now it must lift itself high above the body's support point. A popular position adopted by babies learning to walk is the so-called bear pose. While on all fours, the baby stretches its limbs and lifts its bottom as high as possible. This is also an attempt to control its center of gravity. A baby over 9 months of age usually assumes a kneeling position at this stage. Doing this, for example, near furniture, may attempt to straighten itself and briefly maintain an upright position. Initially, the baby may attempt to stand on tiptoes, and this is normal as long as it doesn't last longer than 3 months. It's normal for the baby to seek support and walk sideways along the line of the furniture. This helps the baby gain skill and learn to maintain balance.

Stages of learning to walk

The following stages of learning to walk can be distinguished:

• lying on your stomach,
• lifting the head,
• lifting yourself up on your hands,
• crawl,
• crawling on all fours,
• getting up,
• walking sideways,
• walking forward,
• independent walking.

It's also worth paying attention to the type of baby clothes your little one wears during the next stages of learning to walk. Clothes that are too loose can cause your little one to trip and fall over them. Clothes that are too tight can restrict movement and not provide enough freedom.

Walkers, jumpers and harnesses – are they worth buying?

Some say that the best way to help a child learn to walk is without any help at all. A toddler should go through the stages on their own until they reach maturity and take their first steps. Others believe that it's possible, and even necessary, to encourage a toddler to be active. This can be achieved by getting on all fours so they have company to crawl with. Encouraging your child to reach for toys placed around the room independently is also a good way to motivate them to move around the room. A crib is a safe space for practicing standing and walking sideways. The railing and high rungs provide easy grips for little hands, and in case of a fall, the child has a soft mattress behind them. Using harnesses is definitely not a good idea. They deprive children of the opportunity to practice balance, finding their center of gravity, and placing their feet correctly. Using jumpers is also not beneficial for a child's physical development. Swings attached to the ceiling force a child to jump unphysiologically, completely unnaturally. Another inappropriate gadget is a baby walker, which doesn't stimulate learning to place their feet correctly or position their knees while walking. Often, gadgets and accessories intended to support a toddler only hinder their natural development.