| A newborn's legs are folded as they were in the womb, and look bowed. They straighten out in time. When 2-week-olds are held upright on a firm surface, they move in a march-like fashion, with each foot jumping up as it touches the surface. By 2 months infants can bear their weight when they are held in a standing position. By 8 months many babies are crawling, and by 9 months they start to climb onto things. Between 9 and 16 months, most babies start wakling; they first pull themselves up to a standing position and cruise around by holding on to furniture. | Eventually they walk unaided: Typically they hold their arms out and spread their legs for balance, and point their knees out and toes in or out. By 18 months toddlers have graduated to a heel-to-toe gait. Most 2-year-olds can walk backward and climb stairs one foot at a time while holding on to an adult's hand. Most children this age can also run. By 3 years preschoolers are able to jump with both feet off the floor at once, stand on one foot for several seconds, and walk up and down stairs on their own. |
Source: Laura W. Nathanson, M.D., Parents Magazine, Oct. 1994