By the time your child turns 1 year old, she has achieved many developmental milestones, each one preparing her for the next. Your child has learned to raise her head, sit without support and crawl. Before her first birthday, she could probably stand with support and bounce on her legs. She might have experimented a little with a few hesitant steps. Some children begin to walk before they are 12 months old, but most children do not walk without support until after their first birthday, according to KidsHealth.org.
1-Year-Olds
Children are usually able to stand alone, sit down and climb by the time they are a year old. Your child can probably walk a little but may prefer to crawl. She needs sturdy objects to pull herself up on, climb on and hold onto while walking. She is learning about balance, strengthening her muscles and improving her coordination. If your child is not walking alone yet, she is right on target, according to child development professionals, and is probably developing the skills she needs to begin walking alone soon.
Toddlers and Walkers
Children who are learning to walk are called "toddlers" because of the way they toddle. Toddlers walk with wide-spread legs, arms stretched out in front for balance, and take jerky, hesitant steps. Six months after children start to walk, they begin to hold their arms at their sides, place their feet closer together and develop a more natural heel-to-toe gait. Falls are normal while your child is learning to walk. She'll develop more confidence after a few months of walking and move on to carrying or pulling objects as she walks. Her next goal is to learn to run, kick and jump as she approaches the age of 2.
Encouraging Movement
Toddlers are naturally curious and constantly exploring their environment. Encourage your child to move by childproofing your home and providing toys and other objects that help her stand and walk safely. Provide the time and space for crawling and climbing to help strengthen her muscles and improve her coordination. Take walks in the yard or hold hands and walk up the stairs together. Using her body helps her to develop awareness of it and how to move through her environment.
Developmental Delay
Because each child develops differently, developmental milestones are guidelines for gauging a child's growth and development. Most children start to walk when they are ready. Contact your pediatrician if your child is 18 months old and is not walking, not climbing the stairs while holding on or showing improved balance and walking patterns. You should also contact your doctor if you have concerns about the way your child walks, such as only walking on his toes.
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