Toddlers on the move

Taking walks
Toddlers still like walking with a parent, holding on with one or both hands. Once your toddler can walk around, it's great to explore the world outdoors in parks, playgrounds or quiet neighbourhood streets. As her walking becomes more proficient, she'll start to concentrate on what she sees while you're walking or listen while you talk about what you both encounter.

You may notice that your toddler will comfortably toddle off on her own while you stay still or sit down. She knows you're there as a secure base, so she feels free to move around and explore. Researchers note, however, that if the child is left alone or with a caregiver she doesn't know, she moves around and explores a lot less and plays less freely.

Then you may find that she won't follow you when you start moving away to take her home. If you try to take her hand, she may refuse it or stop and start many times. When you move, she may feel that you're going away from her when she wants to be close to you. You'll need to carry her or put her in a stroller if you want to move more quickly.

Just like adults, toddlers have very individual walking styles. Some toddlers start out walking with their feet turned out, but later they turn their toes in. During their second year, it's very common for their toes to turn in because of a natural change in the angle of the upper leg as it meets with the pelvis. Also, because babies don't develop much of an arch in their foot until later, they often compensate while walking by turning their feet inward. The condition of intoeing does evolve over time and very rarely needs surgical intervention. However, if the pigeon toes interfere with walking or don't straighten out over the next year or two, or if your toddler walks in some other unusual way, consult your doctor.