- In a new study from the University of Surrey, researchers looked at the genetic information of more than 70,000 infants.
- They found that genetics accounted for almost 25% of the variation in gait milestones.
- This information helps health care providers assess and assess the reason for a child’s walking delay.
A baby’s wobbly first steps are a source of pride for many parents.
A child’s environment has long been associated with when a child walks. But groundbreaking research from the University of Surrey has found that genetics also play a key role.
What does this study mean for parents and their babies? Let’s break it down.
What research reveals about babies’ first steps
Study authors Dr. Anna Gui, a researcher at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, and Dr. Angelica Ronald, a professor of psychology and genetics at the University of Surrey, and their research team analyzed the genetic information of more than 70,000 infants.
They identified 11 genetic markers that may influence a child’s brain development from birth and the timing of independent walking. This study revealed that nearly 25% of the variation in this milestone is due to genetics.
The study also revealed good news for slow walkers.
While some previous studies have linked early walking to higher grades later in life, this study found a correlation between genes that influence later walking and genes associated with higher education attainment. The study also shows that walking slowly may be genetically linked to a lower chance of developing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Note that this study does not define what is considered slow gait.
“What this means is that children who are genetically predisposed to be a little more active and move around more will walk a little faster,” Dr. Gee and Dr. Ronald explain. “It is important to be clear that the association, while significant, is modest. Therefore, we do not expect that all people who walk early have ADHD, nor do we expect that all people with ADHD have walked early. However, there is a moderate overlap in the genetic variants involved, and this may help us further understand child development.”
How the environment shapes walking
A child’s genes can influence their gait, but so can their environment. Dr. Gee and Dr. Ronald recommend that children need a nutritious, energy-sustaining diet and plenty of space to practice walking skills.
Dr. Michael Glazier, a pediatrician and chief medical officer at Bluebird Kids Health, agrees that a nutritious diet is important because malnutrition can lead to “low energy, low interaction with the environment, low muscle strength, and low stamina.”
But that’s not the only thing parents should pay attention to.
“Babies who are constantly held or placed in swings or other restrictive environments don’t get the chance to do the physical exploration that helps them learn to walk but also is necessary,” explains Dr. Glazier.
In contrast, infants in safe, open spaces may develop walking skills faster because they can explore on their own, she says.
Encourage your child to play and explore to help develop their motor skills. Dr. Glazier reassures parents that it’s okay if your child gets upset when a toy is out of reach, and they need to learn how to problem-solve and strengthen their muscles.
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When to ask for a walking assessment
While many parents look forward to their child’s first steps, expecting them to occur by their first birthday, Dr. Glazier says there are a variety of “normal” milestones. Research shows that the average time it takes for children to start walking is 8 to 18 months.
Dr. Glazier says gross motor skills tend to progress “top down” as babies first gain some control over their head, followed by their shoulders, trunk, knees, and legs.
“It is also important to understand that there is a range of normal ranges, and early achievement does not necessarily mean faster or ultimately better proficiency,” he says.
Still, if you’re concerned about your child’s progress in motor skills, Dr. Glazier strongly recommends contacting your health care provider for an evaluation.
According to Dr. Glazier, indicators that your child may need to be evaluated include:
- Not raised by 12 months
- No cruising (using objects as transportation aids) by 15 months
- Unable to walk on their own by 18 months
Dr. Glazier also says that infants who cannot walk on their own, but can stand and hold on to objects on their own, are less worried than infants who are not yet able to do so.
A typical developmental evaluation for motor delays involves close observation, gathering the patient’s medical history, and a thorough physical exam, explains Dr. Glazier. She recommends having a video showing the health care provider what the child can and cannot do.
What genetic research means for the future
Although this new genetic study will not replace the need for individual testing, Dr. Glazier believes it promises additional information to help health care providers assess and evaluate the reasons for a child’s delay in achieving walking milestones.
Dr Gui and Dr Ronald hope their research will better support children with learning and motor disabilities and help parents understand that achieving milestones is not a competition and that all children learn at their own pace.
