When a kid is squatting it means they are developing their gross motor skills and balance.
A kid will also squat as a functional way of the child interacting with the world, such as playing with toys on the floor or exploring of objects at ground level.
Squatting is when the child bends their knees and lowers their body towards the ground to play or pick something up and is a natural way for them to get down on ground level.
Squatting to pick up a toy is a milestone that occurs at 13 months to 18 months of age, and helps the baby to develop their motor, sensory and play skills.
It is normal for kids to squat even when they are older and above the toddler stage.
Some kids will squat when playing or they just find it a comfortable position to be in.
It is also normal for toddlers to squat even when walking as they are developing their muscles and coordination.
Squatting is a milestone also known as a motor skill milestone for babies and toddlers that often occurs between 13 months to 18 months of age.
Babies and toddlers squat to help them learn to balance and to also strengthen their leg muscles while also picking up objects.
Squatting in babies and toddlers also signifies improved balance and coordination as the toddler or baby moves from walking to more complex movements such as squatting down to play.
Squat walking is also normal in toddlers because your toddler is developing their gross motor skills, most particularly their balance as well as coordination.
Squat walking in toddlers is a natural way of the toddler exploring their environment and also allows the toddler to more easily pick up objects.
Squat walking in toddlers can be a sign of developing strength as well as agility.
Toddlers that are squat walking is also a way for the toddler to strengthen their legs and core muscles, which are also essential for walking and other physical activities.
Toddlers also will squat to pick up toys, explore objects on the ground or even play in a more ground position and is very normal as a part of the toddlers development as the toddler becomes more mobile and curious.
Most toddlers will begin squatting within 3 months of learning to walk, which is often around 13 months to 18 months.
If the squatting in your toddler is excessive then you may want to consult with a pediatrician although most cases of toddler squat walking is normal and nothing to worry about.
Waddling when walking is also very normal in toddlers, especially up to 3 years old and as they grow and age and gain more balance and coordination the toddler will eventually stop waddling when walking.
If the toddler is still waddling after 3 years old then it may be a problem with the toddlers gait and they should see a doctor.
But it's perfectly okay and normal for toddlers to waddle as they learn to walk and continue to develop.
The reason why toddlers waddle is because a toddlers body is still developing the necessary coordination as well as balance and muscle strength.
Waddling in toddlers is a normal part of the toddler's developmental process as they establish their walking pattern.
Common characteristics of a toddlers waddle are a wide stance and outward pointing feet, coupled with a swaying motion.
Toddlers are still developing their coordination and balance, which are essential for a smooth and adult like gait.
The muscles in the toddler's legs and hips are also not yet strong enough to support a more refined walking pattern, which leads to the wider stance and swaying motion in toddlers as they walk.
And the toddlers nervous system is also still developing the pathways which control their movement, and practice is key for the toddler to strengthening those pathways.
And a wider stance also provides a larger base support, making it easier for toddlers to catch themselves when they lose their balance.
Babies also have fat pads on the soles of their feet and may not have the same muscle strength and ligament stability as older children.
And some toddlers even naturally walk with their feet turned outward, "out toeing", which can also result in a waddling appearance in toddlers.
A waddling gait in toddlers is normal, especially in toddlers under the age of 3 years old, although it should become less pronounced as the toddler grows and develops.