Can it hurt my baby's joints if he walks too soon?

Question

My baby is 10 1/2 weeks old and is already standing on his own (while holding on to something and with me right there) I was told last night by a family friend that it can hurt his joints if he walks too young. Does anyone know if there is any validity to this claim?

Answer 1

No, not at all. Most babies begin to support their weight for short periods of time. He'll get more interested in sitting by himself and rolling and starting to crawl soon. He won't really start walking for another 6-10 months.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

No, this is perfectly normal and within the range for a baby to stand on their own, or even walk.

Really, you can't affect much when a baby learns to walk, either advancing or delaying.

Check the link for the WHO's info about motor milestones, and when it's normal to walk, stand and cruise.

ETA: I thought you said 10-1/2 *months* old. Well, my baby could "stand" at that age, too, with a great deal of support. It's not too likely your babe will walk anytime soon, though. My babe is a year now, and still not really walking. Regardless, though, you can't really affect one way or the other when the baby walks.

Answer 4

Nope...there's no validity to that claim whatsoever! It is completely normal for an infant past the age of 2 months to start wanting to be on his feet. After all, all he sees all day are people up on their feet, and he wants to copy them. I would say always be right there ready to catch him, because his muscles are still pretty young and will get tired pretty quick. Chances are he won't be walking until he's at least 8-9 months old though...even though he's holding his weight now, it takes them at least that long to figure out that they can do it without holding on, and they still have to get their muscles a lot more coordinated.

Answer 5

No. A baby will walk when he or she is ready and his or her legs are able to support their weight. Maybe your relative was referring to what some people call "walking" which really means the parent is holding the baby's arms and forcing the child to walk forward. I have seen people do this and then claim their baby "walked" at four months. Just let nature take its course. Provide opportunities for your baby to exercise his or her legs with walkers and other approved bouncing devices like "Johnny Jump Up". When your baby is developmentally ready - he or she will take those first steps.

Answer 6

Not at all. A babies joints are very flexible. The earlier a baby learns to walk, the better off they are. They will physically develop faster and stronger. It also shows the sign of being very advanced and learning much earlier than most other children. Nurture this trait and you may very well have a brilliant genius on your hands.

Answer 7

Baby's will walk when they are ready, don't push them and they will be fine. Some walk earlier then others. I have four kids and some walked under a year, others walked over a year. Just give them space, they know if it hurts they will stop.

Answer 8

no. That is a normal age for a baby to start standing, average from 10 -12 month.

Answer 9

Your baby is only 10 and half weeks old you have to think that bubs arms and legs are still fragile.
You shouldn't do that really till bub is around 3 mths, that way bub will have more strenght in his arms and legs.
Ask your Dr if your not sure.
It can cause problems with the hips and shoulders.

Answer 10

Babies do things in their own time. So if he is doing this on his own nothing is wrong. When my son was two months old he'd try to stand on his own and he's just fine now...not bow-legged or anything! He's going to walk when he wants to and when he's ready that means his is physically ready as well.