A child typically starts squatting between 13-18 months old.
Developmental Milestones Leading to Squatting
Squatting is a significant gross motor skill that develops after a child achieves other milestones like walking. Here's a breakdown of how these skills relate:
- First Steps: Babies generally take their first steps around 10-12 months. This milestone marks the beginning of independent walking, but initial steps are often wobbly and unstable.
- Improved Balance: As a child gains more experience walking, their balance improves significantly. This improved balance is crucial for developing the strength and coordination needed for squatting.
- Squatting Emerges: Once a child has gained stability while walking, they will start squatting. This typically happens around 13-18 months.
Why the Delay Between Walking and Squatting?
The delay between first steps and squatting is due to several factors:
- Muscle Strength: Squatting requires more leg and core strength than simply walking. Babies need time to develop these muscles.
- Coordination: Squatting requires a higher degree of coordination. Babies must learn to bend their knees and lower their body while maintaining balance.
- Practice: Like any new skill, squatting needs practice. Babies often start by briefly dropping into a squat before developing the ability to squat and hold the position.
Summary Table
| Milestone | Typical Age |
|---|---|
| First Steps | 10-12 months |
| Improved Walking Balance | Shortly after 1st steps |
| Squatting | 13-18 months |
Therefore, while a baby might start walking around their first birthday, squatting usually develops between 13-18 months as they gain more stability and strength.
