Motor Development - Bipedal Locomotion

Bipedal locomotion means walking on two legs, which is a main way humans move. Babies are not born knowing how to walk; they learn slowly, step by step.

Before walking, babies must master other movements. Progress happens in a fixed order for all children, though ages may vary slightly.

1. Rolling Over

• Babies first learn to roll from lying on their back (supine) to lying on their stomach (prone).
• This is important for learning body control.
• Age Range: Starts at about 1.8 months and becomes easier by 5.8 months.

2. Sitting Up

• The next step is pushing themselves up from their stomach to a sitting position.
• Sitting alone shows they can balance their body.
• Age Range: Starts around 2.5 months, becomes easy by 8.3 months.

3. Standing Up

• Babies usually stand by holding onto furniture, like a table or walker.
• They learn to balance and enjoy standing by themselves.
• Age Range: Starts around 8.1 months, can stand well by 9 months.

4. Walking

• After standing, babies try taking steps. At first, they may fall.
• They keep practicing until walking becomes smooth and purposeful.
• Age Range: First tries at about 8.8 months; by around 13.8 months, walks like grown-ups.

• Bipedal locomotion means walking on two legs, a key human skill learned in steps.
• Babies go through four stages before walking:
• Rolling Over (1.8–5.8 months) – from back to stomach.
• Sitting Up (2.5–8.3 months) – balance in sitting position.
• Standing (8.1–9 months) – holding furniture to stand.
• Walking (8.8–13.8 months) – from first steps to smooth walking.
• Each stage builds muscle control and balance needed for walking.