Osteopathy and childhood: what are the benefits to support your child's development?
5 July 2026
The early years of life are an extraordinary period of discovery, learning and change.
The baby's first steps are a magical moment — and often more complex than parents imagine. Between the child who walks at 9 months and the one who waits until 16 months, the range is huge and completely normal. This guide covers everything you need to know to support baby through this key milestone. 👣
The average is around 12 months, but the normal range extends from 9 to 18 months. A baby who walks at 9 months is not «ahead» in the medical sense — they have just started a little earlier. A baby who waits until 16 months is not «behind» — as long as they are progressing through the preparatory stages.
What matters is not the age of baby's first steps but the progression: he must first sit unsupported, then crawl (or move around in another way), then pull himself up to a standing position using furniture, then take sideways steps while holding on, and finally let go of the supports.
If baby is still not walking at 18 months, a paediatric consultation is recommended — not to cause alarm, but to ensure there is no underlying cause to be treated.
Walking cannot be rushed — it is the result of several months of muscular and neurological development:
Walking is prepared on the ground. The more baby crawls, stands up, and moves around on all fours, the more they strengthen the muscles needed for walking. Avoid excessive use of the baby bouncer, baby walker and baby seat — baby needs to move freely on a rug or a safe floor.
When baby starts to pull themselves up and cruise along the furniture, make the space safe: cushioned furniture corners, socket covers, stair gates, non-slip rugs. Falls are part of learning — they must be safe.
Hold out your arms, call baby, and encourage him to move forward — but do not support him all the time. He needs to find his balance on his own. Activity arches and push toys (baby walkers) are excellent supports for his first assisted steps.
Paediatricians and physiotherapists unanimously advise against it. Baby walkers position babies on tiptoe, engage the wrong muscles, and create a reliance on support. They do not prepare for walking — they delay it. Baby walkers (pushed in front of oneself) are a valid alternative.
A baby does not need shoes to learn to walk. Until they are walking outside on a regular basis, bare feet (or non-slip socks) are the best option — foot sensitivity helps build balance.
When the first shoes become necessary:
Stiff shoes, thick soles and «preventative» models are not recommended unless specifically advised by a doctor.
Falls are inevitable and are part of the learning process. A few precautions to make them safe:
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Baby pushes it in front of him while holding on to it. He chooses his speed, stops when he wants, and starts again. The ideal baby walker has adjustable floor resistance (to stop it from rolling away too quickly) and is stable enough not to tip over.
Placing attractive objects a few steps away from baby naturally encourages them to move to reach them. It is the most effective motivation there is for first steps.
A play mat rich in stimulation invites baby to crawl, explore, move around — all the preparatory steps towards walking.
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Not necessarily. The normal range goes up to 18 months. The main thing is that he is progressing: is he pulling himself up to stand? Is he cruising while holding on? Is he taking sideways steps along the furniture? If so, he is on the right track. Mention it to your paediatrician at your next appointment for peace of mind.
The baby's first steps toe walking is common and often transient. If this persists beyond 2 years of age or if baby cannot place their foot flat on the ground, consult a paediatrician or a paediatric physiotherapist.
No. Some babies move differently: bottom-shuffling, rolling, or hopping. The important thing is that they move around and develop their mobility. Crawling on hands and knees is not a mandatory stage.
The signs: he stands up by himself using the furniture, walks while holding on, stays standing for a few seconds without support, and begins to lift one foot while holding onto something. These four elements combined indicate that baby's first steps autonomous ones are imminent — often within the following weeks.
Protective knee pads, safety hats, and early learning toys that encourage mobility: PetitMaxou offers a carefully curated selection to support your baby through every stage of their development. Free delivery across the EU, returns within 14 days.
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The early years of life are an extraordinary period of discovery, learning and change.
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