According to the Denver II, 25% of children can walk backwards
by 12 months, 75% by 15 months, and 90% by 16 months. Once your
child has learned to walk forwards successfully, they will then
attempt to take steps backwards. Walking backwards is a critical
skill for children to learn. This skill is essential for
protection from falling backwards. If a child falls forward they
can catch themselves with their hands, but if they are falling
backwards they have to be able to take steps to regain their
balance to keep from falling on their behind…or worse on their
head. Protective backwards stepping is developed last, after
forward and sideways protective stepping. Similarly, children
walk significant distances forward first, then sideways, and
then they learn backwards walking for distance. How to help: ·
When a child is first learning to walk backwards, stand in front
of them and hold onto both of their hands. Help them take small
steps backwards while continuing to hold their hands. As this
becomes easier, try h