11 Month Old Daughter Bends Toes Down To Walk

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11 Month Old Daughter Bends Toes Down To Walk

by casey
(maine)

My daughter when she's in her walker, bends her toes down where her toes touch the bottom of her foot to walk but its only the right foot.... I am worried that something is wrong with her feet (or foot). Have you ever heard of any babies bending down their toes like this? Should I try to stop it? Any ideas?

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11 Month Old Daughter Bends Toes Down To Walk

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Mar 25, 2009

Walkers and good physical development
by: Baby Help Line - Annie

Hi Casey,

I'm trying to imagine what you are describing and having trouble! However, if you are concerned your daughter is not developing normally then take her to get checked out by a doctor. Most babies do have a dominant foot, so she may have developed a method for scooting using that foot.

I have a big word of caution with using a walker. Walkers have been banned in many countries now, partly due to safety concerns - there are more babies injured in walker accidents than with all other toys combined. But also there are increasing concerns with the negative effect walkers are having on muscle development and even contributing to back pain in later life!

Walkers do not teach a baby to walk, they merely get them mobile. Studies have shown that babies that spend a lot of time in a walker are slower to walk than the average baby. Sitting in a walker does not develop the muscles correctly, nor does baby learn to get her own balance. Learning to walk is a complex process of muscle development, balance, co-ordination and confidence. Walkers are totally misnamed as the only thing they do is develop false confidence and can even lead to a baby becoming reluctant to try walking because it is so much quicker to zap around in the walker.

Using a walker as a toy for her to scoot around in for a short period is fine so long as she can't get into any danger, such as the top of stairs - I have even seen a baby scoot out the front door onto the street! I wouldn't have your daughter in her walker longer than 15 mins per day.

Make sure she has far more periods of walking with you holding her hand and being able to walk around the furniture. Even if you have to hide the walker from view so she doesn't constantly want to get into it! I would expect as her muscles develop properly and she gains confidence, she will be unlikely to use that foot like you describe with proper walking. But if you are still concerned then a doctor can check in case there is something more.

Enjoy your little girl, she is at such a lovely age, the world is opening up as she becomes more independent!

Annie Desantis

May 16, 2011

UK
by: Mary

Hi,

When I read this, I had to smile. My little brother did exactly the same thing when he was around 1 year old. He would even run and jump keeping his fet like this - I can't imagine how how he could; I would break my toes if I tried!

But he liked it, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with his feet. If anything, he is probably a bit more limber than the average guy. He is 34 years old now :-)

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