Things to Watch for When Your Baby Starts To Walk
Children grow up fast. Newborns will often begin to walk within 18 months, so parents must pay close attention to what they’re doing. A mobile toddler will get into just about everything they can. Here are some things to watch for when your baby starts to walk.
Poor Foot Posture
One of the biggest things to watch for when your baby starts walking is their foot posture. Poor posture early on can be a sign of more significant problems that you should address. If your child walks with flat feet, on tiptoes, or intoed, you should consult your pediatrician immediately.
Solutions Are Available
While these types of problems usually are fixable with basic therapy techniques, more severe issues such as bunions, limping, and abnormal toe shapes require more attention. Solutions can range from orthopedic footwear to increased stretching. Your family doctor can give you more information about effective treatments.
Adventurous Behavior
Ensuring your baby develops the proper walking technique is only half the battle. Once they’re fully mobile, you’ll have a lot of work to do keeping them safe. Adventurous behavior, such as exploring and climbing, can put your child at risk if you aren’t paying attention.
Children who have learned to walk can quickly escape from the house into dangerous areas and have bad falls. Using doorknob covers, corner guards, and security cameras will help you protect your little one. If you want to add a little security to your cabinets, you can install latches and strikes to keep the doors shut.
Putting Things in Their Mouths
You’ll also have to be careful about what you leave lying around once your baby starts to walk. Although babies have a habit of putting things in their mouths from birth, they can more easily get ahold of dangerous objects once they can move around.
Be Wary of Small Items
Coins, buttons, and small pieces of food are just a few of the items you’ll need to be careful about. For example, pet feeding areas are one of the overlooked areas of your home you should childproof because your baby could ingest your furry friend’s meal. Try to maintain supervision of your child, and give them gentle reminders that they’re too old to chew on things.
Support Your Baby Through Their Early Development
Babies grow from newborns to toddlers in a snap. Once they become mobile, they’re no longer as secure in your care as they once were because their ability to walk exposes them to new risks. Knowing which things to watch out for when your baby starts to walk will ensure you can support and protect them as they grow and develop.
