Delayed walking and other baby foot and leg problems

Most babies can pull themselves up to stand and begin to take their first steps somewhere between the ages of 8 months and 12 months. Near their first birthday, they can usually stand alone and take a few steps holding onto furniture. But what if your baby shows signs of delayed walking? And what if you notice your baby has bow legs or is walking on tiptoes -- should you worry?

All babies' first steps are awkward and look more like lurching than walking. As their leg muscles grow strong from crawling, babies begin pulling themselves up to standing and start "cruising". They walk along the edge of a couch or table, using furniture or your outstretched hands for support.

There is a wide variation from one baby to another in learning to walk. One happy baby may not walk until three or four months after another. That does not necessarily signal a foot or leg problem or delayed walking. Both children will probably be equally healthy and able to run and play as they get older.

Are a baby's bow legs a reason for concern?

Bow legs are a common concern of new parents, who may not realise that nearly every baby has bow legs at birth. This outward curve of the leg bones usually resolves itself by the age of two. Bow legs do not cause delayed walking or affect your baby's ability to learn to walk. Toddlers usually sway from side to side rather than move forward, at first, making their bow legs look even more exaggerated.

In a few rare cases, when bow legs do not resolve naturally by age two, your baby's knees may be turned outward by the curve of the leg bones. This can cause knee problems. If bow legs persist beyond age two, see your baby's doctor.

Rarely, bow legs are a sign of rickets. This is a condition caused by lack of vitamin D and calcium in your baby's diet and inhibits bone growth. If bow legs suddenly appear in your baby when they are around two years old, see your baby's doctor. This may be a sign of a relatively rare condition called Blount's disease, which causes abnormal bone growth in the tibia, or lower leg bone.

Can intoeing, or "pigeon toes", cause a delay in a baby learning to walk?

Many babies have a slight intoeing, also called pigeon toes, when they are born. This usually disappears during their toddler years.

Pigeon toes are often caused by a condition called metatarsus adductus. This is a curve in the whole foot itself, usually created by the baby's position in the womb before birth. You can see metatarsus adductus when you look at the soles of your baby's feet. They will curve toward each other like two half-moons.