 | ||
|
| |    Walking Early or Late: Does it Matter? by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. It's always terrifically exciting when an infant learns to walk. Most parents remember how old their children were when they took their first steps, even if all the other milestones have faded from memory. It's as though walking were the most important developmental achievement. Actually, the timing of when a child starts walking doesn't mean very much in terms of the child's later development. Some children who are very early walkers, and who were ahead of their peers in strength and coordination all through infancy, might have a leg up when it comes to later athletic performance. But there are plenty of very athletic kids who walked at the usual time or even a bit late. Walking early or late has very little to do with a child's development in other areas, such as thinking or language. Early walkers are no smarter than late walkers, as a rule. I think that some children who walk quite early, and who are very engaged in the joy of movement, might put less energy into learning the names of things and thus talk a bit later than some other children. This can sometimes cause concern, but in the end it makes little difference. Psychological significance A baby's first steps do have a great psychological significance, however. They signal a new level of physical independence for a child, who can now go anywhere, see anything, and--most importantly--can easily leave his parent's side to explore. Many parents welcome this development, as it opens up exciting possibilities. Many also feel a loss as their baby moves away, literally and figuratively. As toddlers become skilled walkers and runners, the physical demands for chasing, and the challenge of keeping the little explorer safe, go way up. Can you help a child walk sooner? A lot of parents have questions about ways they can help their children learn to walk. (No one has ever asked me about ways to slow down the process!) There is no evidence that infant walkers help at all. In fact, they probably slow the process down by allowing children to move about without having to develop the needed balance, muscle coordination, and strength. Special orthopedic or support shoes don't help. It's probably easiest for children to walk barefoot, because they can grip slightly with their toes and have a better feel for the terrain. Children generally let you know when they are ready to start walking. An eager and adventurous child will pull to standing alongside a chair or couch, let go, and perhaps take a step before falling, and will repeat this exercise with passionate intensity until she succeeds. A more tentative child will stand holding on for several weeks before trying to let go. Another child, equally healthy, will show little interest in walking until he is 13, 14, or even 15 months. Then, seemingly all of a sudden, he'll be off. If a child is not walking, or not close to walking, by 15 months, a more complete developmental assessment by an experienced health or developmental professional can be reassuring or can sometimes point to helpful therapy.
| |  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| About Us |
Contact Us |
Our Partners Privacy Policy | Ethics | Advertising Policy | Terms of Service © Copyright 2004 The Dr. Spock Company. All Rights Reserved. THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information drSpock.com
provides is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care
professional if you have a specific health concern. Mention or advertisement
of any product, service, or brand does not constitute endorsement, guarantee,
or recommendation by The Dr. Spock Company. Please read our full
Terms of Service. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
