Toddlers: Mastering the Art of Walking

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As an infant your child was busy learning about the balance and movement of his own body. All of that work was in preparation for one major goal: walking. While some children begin walking early, the toddler years are typically the time that children learn and master this very important skill.

As with any other developmental skill, walking doesn’t happen at a particular age. Most children take their first steps between 10 and 18 months. In order to achieve this new skill, your toddler needs to have demonstrated the following skills: sitting, crawling, standing, and, of course, have an interest in forward motion.

Walking is a skill that toddlers learn “one step at a time”. Your toddler may take one step and then fall safely to his bottom and he may do so for weeks before trying a second or third step. As he learns to put several steps together you will see an initial “toddling” type gait develop. It usually involves a wide, exaggerated and bow-legged stance and his hands will be held out wide to help with balance. There are some toys that can help your toddler with this new skill. Stable, plastic or wooden play stations are available that allow toddlers to pull themselves up. Activities are attached around the station that encourages toddlers to move around it to explore all of the activities/toys. There are also scooters which transition to push carts as your toddler develops better strength and balance. In general, it is best to avoid putting shoes on your toddler when he’s just learning to walk because balance and coordination are better developed while he is barefoot (unless your going outdoors or the weather is too cold).

For early walkers it is important to keep in mind that falls are likely and injuries frequent. Some ways to minimize injuries are to practice in carpeted areas, pad hard edges and remove dangerous furniture or household items until your toddler has mastered his skills.

Once your toddler has developed more skill and comfort with walking he will begin to experiment with new skills like walking while holding a ball or toy.  By about two years of age your toddler will be comfortable with walking and have a steady gait and he may be running, jumping and climbing.  By three he should be working on skills which require more effort like balancing on one foot or a ledge, jumping on one foot or from foot to foot and he can start and stop quickly when running. Obstacle courses, gymnastics and soccer are great activities to help your toddler develop and master his balance and coordination.

Try to keep in mind that while all children begin walking at different times, if your toddler doesn’t seem interested in walking, doesn’t seem to be developing a heel-to-toe gait or hasn’t made any progress towards walking by 18 months, you may want to check in with his pediatrician. 

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