Your baby is beginning to take its first steps and you are concerned about whether it is walking well. Well, we will try to answer your questions, but remember that both the foot and the leg of the baby, and of the child, as well as his body in general, will undergo a natural evolution in the first years of life.
Therefore, it must be taken into account that depending on how old you are, you will walk in one way or another, which will be fine for his age and evolution. However, we will also talk to you about the most common podiatric problems in babies and children.
Does my baby walk well according to his age?
From practically day one, your baby has been preparing to take his first steps. If you pick it up and hold it under your arms, you will see how it moves as if it were walking, it is a reflex action that it will only do for a couple of months. While growing up has been busy developing coordination, strengthening body muscles, learning to roll, sit, and crawl.
When you have mastered all of this, you will begin to stand upright, and you will shortly jump into the first steps. These usually occur between 9 and 12 months, and walks well over 14 or 15 months. But don't worry if your child takes a little longer. We never tire of repeating that each child is a unique and unrepeatable being.
Most children take their first steps on the balls of their feet and turning these out. And up to two years it is common for the legs to be bowed out, as if they were cowboy. It is normal, due to the insufficiency of certain muscle groups and the use of a diaper.
When do I take my baby to the infant podiatrist
During the first stages of the baby's life it is very important enhance their muscles and the correct development of both the foot and the legs. When the little ones walk, it is recommended that they do so barefoot on different surfaces. In addition to exercising the muscles of the feet, this practice favors their cognitive development.
It is also very important track the evolution of children's footfall, since detecting pathologies in time can be key when it comes to treating and correcting them. A first visit is recommended when the child is no longer a baby, at 4 or 5 years old, and earlier if you have detected a previous problem.
If the baby has the mounted or deviated toes, then you will have difficulty walking well, but with a few simple bandages or small silicone splints, they can be placed in their correct position in just a few months. Many mothers also decide to take their babies before walking to the podiatrist because their nails become bald, certain stains that can appear.
Why is my child not walking well?
We must start from the idea that a child does not walk well until they are 5 years old. At certain ages, for example, it is normal to have flat feet, because the foot has not finished forming. The important thing is that the professional knows the normality values and go assessing the evolution of the little one.
All children are born with flat feet, since its plantar arch has not been formed. But, the problem comes when it does not develop and it corrects itself on time. In addition there are other problems that are common in children, for example Sever's disease, heel pain, which appears between 7 and 12 years.
The valgus feet, This is with a deviation of the heel, they cause instability, and your child may not be able to walk well. It usually affects children between the ages of 4 and 6. Infant tiptoe walking appears, and is normal, in the early stages of children. It is only considered a disorder if it is maintained over time, since the causes must be found. You can find more information about her here.