Generally, babies learn to walk before they learn to talk.
Understanding a baby's developmental milestones can be exciting for parents and caregivers. While every child is unique and develops at their own pace, there are common patterns in how babies acquire new skills. When it comes to mobility and communication, mastering movement skills typically precedes complex language development.
Baby Milestones: Walking vs. Talking
Based on general developmental timelines, babies usually achieve significant motor milestones like walking before they reach major language milestones like speaking words and short phrases.
As referenced, generally, babies should know how to walk by the age of one and be talking by the age of two. This suggests a typical sequence where walking ability is expected around the first birthday, while talking develops more significantly later, closer to the second birthday.
| Milestone | Typical Age Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Around 12 months | Taking independent steps |
| Talking | Around 18-24 months | Speaking single words, short phrases |
The Development Process
Babies develop skills through exploration and interaction. While milestones provide a general guideline, the exact timing can vary.
- Gross Motor Skills: Learning to walk involves developing muscle strength, balance, and coordination. Skills like rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and pulling up often come first, building towards independent walking.
- Language Skills: Language development starts much earlier with babbling and understanding simple words. However, speaking recognizable words and sentences is a later stage.
Nurturing Your Baby's Development
It's important to remember that babies don't learn everything completely on their own. As the reference states, you must nurture and encourage your baby to reach these important milestones.
Here are a few ways to support their growth:
- For Walking: Provide a safe environment for them to explore movement. Encourage tummy time, let them practice sitting and crawling, and offer support as they stand or cruise along furniture.
- For Talking: Talk to your baby frequently. Read books, sing songs, and describe what you are doing. Respond to their babbling and encourage them to imitate sounds.
Understanding these typical timelines helps in appreciating your baby's progress and providing the right kind of encouragement as they grow.
