Why your baby doesn't have to walk too early

As a parent, you want the best for your baby. And it is understandable that you are eager for every milestone moment. But when it comes to learning to walk, it is important to respect your baby's natural pace. Pushing to run too early can even backfire.

🚼 Every child has their own pace

Some babies take their first steps at 10 months, others not until after their first birthday. And did you know that it is completely normal for a baby not to start walking until 16 or even 18 months? Walking is a complex skill that requires balance, muscle strength and self-confidence.

🚫 Running too early: what can go wrong?

• Overuse of muscles and joints
  The legs may not be strong enough yet. This can lead to tension on the knees, hips or feet.
• Impaired motor development
  Children who skip crawling miss an important stage for their coordination and brain development.
• Poor walking posture
  If a baby is not yet balanced, it may start walking on tiptoe, for example, or adopt the wrong posture.
• Stress and frustration
  Comparisons with other children ("your brother was already walking at 11 months!") can create pressure - subconsciously.

👣 What can you do?

• Give space to explore
  Let your child play on the ground a lot, without shoes. Bare feet feel better where the weight is.
• Encourage crawling and pulling up
  These are essential intermediate steps for balance and muscle development.
• Trust the process
  Your baby will really get there. And if it walks, it will probably walk briskly.

🧸 Our vision at VintaToys

At VintaToys, we believe in toys that match a child's developmental stage - not the other way around. Our products encourage movement, feeling and play, without pressure. Because playing is learning, at your pace.

Let your child be a child. Things go the way they go 😉