When Do Blind Infants Usually Start Walking?

The gross motor skills of blind babies, including walking, are generally on track with babies who can see, according to WonderBaby.org, a website published by the Perkin's School for the Blind in Massachusetts. Blind babies may need a little extra coaching along the way, but they generally manage to put one foot in front of the other within a standard developmental time frame. That said, all babies reach milestones in their own time and learn to walk on their on schedule.

  1. Time Frame

    • A blind baby typically pulls herself to stand with the help of a coffee table or other means of support from 7 to 9 months. She may even try to take a tentative step or two while holding your hand. A baby with normal vision maneuvers her little body into a standing pose starting around 8 months and will also grab a hand or a piece of furniture as she takes her first cautious steps, explains HealthyChildren.org, the official website of the American Academy of Pediatrics. A blind baby can usually take five well-coordinated, unassisted steps and walk up and down stairs with help at 13 months.

    Guidance

    • Parents play a major role in helping their blind baby learn and perfect his walking skills. For example, placing a mat on hardwood, vinyl or tile floors provides traction for an increasingly mobile visually impaired baby, explains the Blind Babies Foundation. Arranging furniture in a way that provides your baby with as much open space as possible -- and keeping the furniture in place to avoid unwelcome surprises for your little one -- gives him room to practice walking safely.

    Running

    • Once a sighted baby feels confident about his walking skills, which normally falls around 13 months, she's ready to start running. A blind baby is usually physically able to move about in fast motion but needs extra assistance to avoid obstacles. Run hand-in-hand with your little one or hold one end of a rope as your child clutches the other, recommends the American Federation for the Blind. Create a makeshift running track in your backyard by stringing light rope or a clothesline at your toddler's waist level. Plant a bell or rattle at one end of the rope and have your little run toward the sound as he hangs onto the other end of the cord.

    Considerations

    • As a blind baby continues to grow and develop, he is capable of keeping up with his sighted peers if he gets proper guidance. Teachers or therapists who specialize in helping visually impaired children can help them thrive in spite of their disability, explains KidsHealth.org. As blind children get older, they may consider using a trained guide dog to serve as their eyes and help them to lead more independent lives.

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