30 Jun Are you concerned that your  child is falling over too often?

Are you concerned that your  child is falling over too often? Have you noticed that your child seems to fall over nothing but their own feet

We all know that falling over and getting up again is part and parcel of learning to walk. However, trying to differentiate between falling as part of normal development and falling as being abnormal can be tricky. 

Here’s some Top Tips on normal development:
Most children learn to walk between 12 to 18 months old. Children who are learning to walk are called “toddlers” because that’s exactly what they do — they toddle, keeping their legs wide apart and seeming to hesitate between each step, jerking from side to side as they move one foot forward, then the next. About 6 months after taking their first steps, toddlers develop a more mature gait, holding their hands at their sides and moving with their feet closer together. They start to walk with a heel – toe pattern. During these months of practice, most toddlers will fall down frequently but this is part of learning to walk. After walking for a couple of months, your child will begin to feel more confident about walking and take on new challenges — picking up and carrying objects, moving while pulling a toy behind, and climbing stairs.

By the middle of the second year, your child may learn to run, start to kick a ball,  and even attempt to throw a ball. By 2 years, your child may jump in place. Falling over will become less frequent as your child becomes more skilled in their balance.

When to seek help:
If your child is still not walking by 18 months old, or
If your child is still very unsteady after 3-6 months of walking independently, or
If your child only walks on their toes at all times, or
If your child is falling over 2-3 times a day just walking, 6 months after they have learnt to walk independently, or
If you are worried about your child’s development, because you noticed that they are not quite keeping up with their peers.

Got more questions? Why not ring My Favourite Physio on (02) 9790 4233 or DM us @myfavouritephysio and speak to one of our Paediatric Physiotherapists today.
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