Scientists Discover the Genes that Influence When Babies Start Walking

According to a new study by the University of Surrey, the age at which babies take their first steps is strongly influenced by their genes. In the first study of its kind, scientists analyzed the genetic information of more than 70,000 infants. They identified 11 genetic markers that influence when babies start walking, providing several starting points for future in-depth biological research. In an article published in Nature Human Behaviour, the study concluded that genetics accounts for about a quarter of the differences in when children take their first steps.

Walking is an Important Milestone in a Child’s Development

It has been known for years that environmental factors can influence when babies learn to walk, but this new finding shows that genetics also plays an important role. It suggests that, just as with other traits such as height, some children are naturally predisposed to learn to walk earlier or later due to their genetic makeup. Professor Angelica Ronald, lead researcher on the study at the University of Surrey, said: “Most babies take their first steps sometime between 8 and 24 months, so this exciting event occurs within a fairly large time window. It’s a big moment for parents and child because it symbolizes a new stage of life.“ Dr. Anna Gui, author of the study and researcher at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and Birkbeck, University of London, said: ”Until now, we didn’t know why there were such large differences between children in when they took their first steps. Parents often worry that early or late walking is a bad sign or that they have done something wrong. We see that genetics has a significant influence on the timing of this milestone.”

Walking is not only an important milestone in a child’s development, but is also linked to many other important aspects of human development that are genetically influenced. The study found that the genetic factors that influence when children take their first steps are partly the same as those that influence brain development, including the number of folds and grooves in the outer layer of the brain (the “cortex”). In addition, a later start to walking within the typical time frame was genetically associated with a lower risk of developing ADHD. Finally, the study showed that a relatively late start to walking was influenced by some of the same genes that are responsible for higher educational attainment.

A Later Start is Not Always a Sign of Problems

According to Professor Angelica Ronald, it is exciting to discover the genes that influence when children learn to walk. Walking independently is an important milestone for young children. The researchers hope that these new genetic findings will improve our fundamental understanding of the causes of walking and help to better support children with motor disorders and learning difficulties. Parents should still consult their family doctor if they are concerned, but a slightly later start is not always a sign of problems. There are large differences in when children take their first steps on their own. The study was led by scientists from the UK and made possible by a large-scale collaboration with scientists from the UK, the Netherlands, and Norway, as well as UK and international funding, including from the Simons Foundation for Autism Research Initiative.