As a parent, seeing your baby grow and develop well is certainly a dream. One of the important milestones in toddlerhood is the ability to walk. Usually, children start learning to walk between the ages of 12 to 18 months.
However, the ability to walk in each child can vary. Moms do not need to immediately panic if the Little One is late in walking. This article will discuss the causes of late walking, ways to stimulate walking ability, and when parents should start to worry.
Causes of Late Walking?
There are several factors that can cause a child to walk late. Let's discuss them one by one.
1. Delayed Motor Development
Delayed motor development is a condition where the child's ability to move and coordinate their muscles is delayed compared to other children their age. This can affect the ability of the Little One to sit, crawl, and of course walk.
2. History of Premature Birth
Premature babies, which are babies born before 37 weeks of gestation, generally have slower development than babies born at term. This includes their walking ability. Premature babies may take longer to achieve the same motor skills as full-term babies.
3. Lack of Stimulation from the Environment
Adequate stimulation from the surrounding environment is very important for a child's motor development. Lack of stimulation, such as being carried too much or being stomped on, can hinder a child's ability to learn to crawl and walk.
4. Brain Injury
Brain injury due to a hard blow to the head or certain diseases can affect a child's ability to control and coordinate their body movements, including walking.
5. Brain Infection
Brain infections such as meningitis can cause damage to the part of the brain that controls movement. As a result, children may experience delays in achieving motor skills, including walking.
6. Other Factors
In addition to the factors above, several other conditions can also cause a child to walk late. These include genetic disorders, cerebral palsy (a disorder of muscle development and movement), muscular dystrophy (a rare disease that causes muscles to weaken), and autism.
How to Overcome Late Walking
Although the Little One is late in walking, Moms can still help him/her to learn to walk in the following ways:
1. Encourage the child to walk by leading him/her
Hold both hands of the child and help him/her to step his/her feet slowly. Do this regularly every day. In addition to practicing walking skills, this can also be a fun bonding moment between Moms and the Little One.
2. Use a Push Toy
Safe and stable push toys can help children to learn balance and coordination of movements when walking. Choose a push toy that is designed to encourage the child to walk, not one that the child can climb on, thus inhibiting his/her ability to learn to walk on his/her own.
3. Play Ball
Playing ball with your child is not only fun, but it can also train their leg muscle strength and movement coordination. Moms can roll the ball towards the Little One and invite him/her to chase it.
4. Put toys in a distant position
Place the Little One's favorite toys out of reach. This will motivate him/her to crawl or walk to retrieve the toy.
5. Avoid using a baby walker
Although it seems to help the child to move freely, the use of a baby walker can actually hamper the child's motor development. When in a baby walker, the child cannot feel the sensation of the floor and learn to balance their own body. As a result, their walking ability can be delayed.
6. Let the child go barefoot indoors
Going barefoot in a safe place can help the child to feel the texture of the floor and increase his awareness of his footing. This can help in the development of balance and coordination of movement.
7. Up and Down Exercise
Encourage your child to go up and down small stairs or safe steps with a sturdy handrail. This exercise can help strengthen leg muscles and coordination of movement. Always supervise the Little One when doing this activity to prevent falling.
When Should I Worry if My Little One Can't Walk?
Moms do not need to worry if the Little One cannot walk at the age of 18 months. However, there are several things to be aware of. Consult a pediatrician if the Little One.
- Cannot walk at the age of 2 years. This is the average age limit at which children are generally able to walk independently.
- Shows muscle weakness or physical abnormalities in his/her legs. Pay attention to whether the Little One has difficulty lifting his/her legs, his/her leg muscles appear abnormally tense or flabby, or there is a significant size difference between the two legs.
- Does not show interest in walking at all. Usually, children who are in the developmental stage of walking will show interest in moving and try to move.
Experiencing other developmental delays. Also, pay attention to whether the Little One is experiencing speech delays, difficulty in sitting without assistance, or is unable to follow simple instructions.
Remember that each child has a different time to learn to walk. Do not compare your Little One's development with other children. Continue to provide adequate stimulation and support their development with love and patience. If Moms feel worried or doubtful, do not hesitate to consult a pediatrician. The doctor can help assess your Little One's development and provide appropriate advice.
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