My Baby is Not Walking Yet, What Should I Do?

The motor process of the human being begins from a very early age, the development and recognition of their own limbs is the first approach when they are babies, then is the ability to sit and stand upright.

Usually, all babies begin to move with his arms and legs around 6 months as a natural instinct to move and later crawl at 9 months on average, some earlier than others, therefore it is possible that some babies have a longer transition from crawling to walking. crawling should be stimulated around the baby’s 9 to 10 months because it is very important for neurological development, for this reason it is not healthy to stop them from doing it or place them in a walker. Finally, around the 12th month, on average, the baby should be able to stand up on their own and start walking without forcing them. If you believe that your baby is having issues developing these skills, here are some general reasons why your baby is not yet walking.

Premature Birth:

For obvious reasons, your baby’s growth and motor development is slower. By being a premature baby, many of the systems are still developing, their locomotor skills will take much longer to be reflected.

Walkers:

The use of walkers is contraindicated because it takes away time for the baby to crawl and favors accidents at home such as falls from the stairs or traumas that can be avoided, for this reason we do not recommend the use of walkers at any age.

Lack of Stimuli:

It is important that babies have stimulation usually from 6 months, on the floor, on a foam mat or mat, upside down with dolls or colorful toys that stimulate the beginning of early crawling, then towards 9 months parents should stimulate positioning them on all four extremities so that they start crawling alternately and around the year accompany the child in taking their first steps, to give them security and prevent them from falling and causing fears that delay the start of walking.

Overweight:

If the baby is overweight, it will be more difficult for him to start walking. Walking is a new activity for the human body, so it will be more complicated and risky than taking his first steps with an extra weight on his body.

Keep in mind that It is always essential during the first months and years of life the baby is checked up by different types of specialists to make sure that you have an accurate diagnosis. All babies have a different growth process, starting from different pathologies, conditions or environment, if you have any doubts you can schedule your appointment with your trusted doctor. 

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119