Learning to Walk in 10 Easy Steps

Step 1 – Tummy Time

Long before your baby starts taking those first steps, you can give your baby some tummy time. From just a few weeks' old, he or she can spend up to 30 minutes a day on the tummy. This helps develop coordination in your baby as well as helping to strengthen their precious little neck and back muscles.

 

Step 2 – Practice rolling over

This will start to happen naturally as baby becomes curious about things around them. You will notice your baby starting to look from side to side. You can encourage them to flip from back to tummy by holding a toy in front of them and as they reach for it, slowly move it across their body so that their reaching turns into a rolling over. Again, this will help develop leg, neck, back, and arm muscles.

 

Step 3 – Encourage sitting and leaning

Starting at around four months, your baby can start sitting while supported and at six months he or she may be able to sit by him or herself. You can help them into a sitting position by carefully pulling them from lying on their backs using their hands. You can also hold a toy just out of reach to encourage them to lean in different directions.

 

Step 4 – Place things just out of reach

From six to ten months, your baby will start to lunge for objects from sitting position. Take advantage of this and start placing objects further away to encourage movement. You may also want to start childproofing your home with your child's new found mobility.

 

Step 5 – Help strengthen tiny leg muscles

Your baby will soon start pulling him or herself up on objects like furniture, your leg, or anything else to which will support them. This is the tipping point and after strengthening the leg muscles, you'll find your baby is well on their way to standing up without support (if only for short moments at a time to begin with). You can help strengthen those leg muscles by bouncing your baby gently on your lap with their feet on your legs. It's also wise to teach them to bend their knees so they learn how to get back onto the floor.

 

Step 6 – Be a companion

Once your baby gains more strength and balance, he or she will soon start to "cruise" or move along by holding onto furniture and other objects. And while you did some childproofing when your baby began to crawl, this would be a good time to childproof your house again! A nice way to support your baby walking is to hold their hands and walk behind them.

 

Step 7 – Consider a walking aid

The jury is out on baby walkers so we won't condone or condemn them here. Suffice to say that some people swear by them and others suggest that a baby walker is unnecessary and potentially even detrimental. It's up to you. Even if you decide against a walker, there are other walking aids such as a stroller, a push-trolley, and a jumper. Whatever you decide to do, we recommend you do as much research as possible before choosing which (if any) walking aid you are going to use.

 

Step 8 – Go somewhere fun!

And now for the moment you've been waiting for: Most toddlers will take their first steps anywhere from nine to thirteen months and can start walking steadily between fourteen to seventeen months. You can encourage your baby to walk between you and another person kneeling on the floor and you should notice your baby will let go of walls, furniture, and your hands as they start to take those first steps on their own.

 

Step 9 – Don't compare

Remember: not all babies are the same. They will reach milestones at different times. The time it takes for a baby to reach a particular milestone can vary due to different body weights or even personality. While it can be hard, try not to get frustrated or disappointed if your baby doesn't toddle at a precise point in their development. Keep in mind that the given walking timeline is an approximation and not set in stone.

 

Step 10 – Get the right footwear

It's a good idea to go shopping for shoes at the end of the day because your child's feet will swell a little throughout the day. Have your toddler stand in the shoes and make sure they have a little room to spare at the toes and heel. Let your toddler walk around in the shoes for a while in the shop and then check for any irritated, red spots on the feet. If there are spots, try a bigger size.