Helping your Delayed Toddler Learn to Walk: A Pediatric Therapists Guide

As a parent, witnessing your toddler take their first steps is a monumental moment. It marks the beginning of their journey towards independence. Some children can take more time to achieve this milestone than others. It's common for a parent to compare and become stressed about their child being delayed. If this is you, know that you are not alone. Many kids take longer to walk independently, just as some may take longer to crawl, talk, or potty train. All kids are unique and develop at their own pace. Stay positive and try these expert tips from Pediatric Certified PTA, Steven Campbell, to help your child achieve this exciting new milestone. 

Walking requires a combination of strength, balance, and coordination. You need appropriate leg and trunk strength to keep your body upright, the balance strategies to prevent you from falling, and the ability to coordinate the many movements throughout your body in order to walk. One or more of these areas could be the reason your child is not yet ambulatory. Try these exercises at home to help your child become more confident in taking off on their own. 

Strengthening

If you notice their legs shaking while they're standing, excessively leaning forward, or lowering to the floor frequently, it may be an issue with strength. Here are some strengthening exercises you can try: 

• Sit to Stand 
• Step Up 
• Crawl Up Steps
• Stand on One Foot While Holding onto Surface
• Sit Ups
• Sitting or Laying Prone on Exercise Ball 

In order to walk, your child must become comfortable standing in place without holding onto something. Have your child practice standing alone for longer periods of time. If they are fearful of doing this, try giving them a toy or snack to distract them and keep their hands occupied. 

• Push Toy
• Walking with Hand Hold
• Walking Along Surface
• 

Baby Steps

Start taking steps independently with just one step towards a parent or other solid surface. Starting with a short distance will help them slowly build confidence. Once they master taking one step, then take them back 2 steps, then 3 steps, and so on. By the time they're able to take 8-10 steps in a row, they may have the confidence to take off on their own.