As a parent, you may wonder whether your child’s early walking development will have any impact on their bone strength in the long run.

Because bones are the building blocks of the body, it is essential to encourage strong bone growth from an early age. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of early walking on bone strength in children and how you, as a parent, can help your child develop strong bones.

How Bones Develop in Children

Bone development in children is a complex process that relies on genetics, nutrition, and physical activity. During infancy, bones are primarily made up of cartilage, which gradually hardens and turns into bone tissue.

At around eight months, a baby’s bones start to become more dense and contain more minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus.

By the time a child reaches three years old, their bones have reached around 90% of their adult size and strength. However, the bones continue to grow and strengthen until the age of 18-20.

During this time, bone density increases, and bones become less porous, reducing the risk of fractures.

Walking and Bone Development

Walking is one of the most fundamental physical activities that children start to engage in as they grow and develop. It helps improve their motor skills, develop their sense of balance, and promote bone health.

Studies have shown that early walking development is linked to the development of stronger bones in children.

One study conducted on 299 children between the ages of five and twelve compared their bone health with their physical activity levels.

The researchers found that children who were active and walked or ran more frequently had greater bone mineral density than those who were less active.

Another study done on preschool children found that daily walking and physical activity played a critical role in increasing bone density, muscle strength, and overall physical fitness.

The study found that children who walked more than 15 minutes per day had a 14% increase in bone density compared to those who walked less than 15 minutes per day.

Ways to Encourage Early Walking and Bone Strength in Children

There are several ways parents can encourage their children to develop strong bones from an early age. Here are some tips:.

1. Encourage movement

Encourage your child to engage in physical activities that involve weight-bearing exercises such as running, jumping, and skipping. These activities help promote bone growth and density.

Encourage your child to play outside, join sports teams, or go for family walks or bike rides.

2. Provide a healthy diet

A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other essential vitamins and minerals is essential for proper bone development. Make sure your child consumes adequate amounts of dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and fish.

3. Ensure proper rest and recovery

Physical activity is essential for bone health, but so is rest and recovery. Encourage your child to take regular breaks during intense physical activity and ensure they are getting enough sleep to aid in their bone recovery.

4. Avoid unhealthy habits

Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy eating are not only harmful to overall health but also negatively impact bone development.

Avoid exposing your child to these habits, adopt a healthy lifestyle in your home, and teach your child healthy habits from an early age.

Conclusion

Early walking and physical activity have a significant impact on bone strength in children.

Encouraging your child to stay active, eat a healthy diet, get enough rest, and avoid unhealthy habits will contribute to their overall bone health and development. As a parent, it’s crucial to foster healthy habits in your child’s life and set them up for a lifetime of strong bones.