Playtime Activities Which Encourage Walking

Here are some fun activities to help an infant learn to walk. Remember, learning to walk is mostly a natural process, but here are some ways to encourage a baby in his or her new-found adventure. Use these every day household items to encourage walking:

• Line up chairs side-by-side against the wall. Be sure the chairs are placed firmly against one another and firmly against the wall. Place a toy on the top of the last chair. Encourage the baby to hold onto the chairs to reach the toy. Scarves- gently wave a scarf at the end of the last chair. Baby will love the colors and will try to reach for the scarf.
• When baby can stand, play Ring around the Rosie. (Ring around the Rosie, A pocket full of Posies, a-tishoo a-tishoo, we all fall down). Holding onto the baby's hands, walk slowly around in a circle. After a few times, fall down together.
• Blowing bubbles- sit on the floor (cover the floor with newspaper) or go outside and gently blow bubbles for your little one to follow.
• Hula Hoop- hold a hula hoop and guide the baby to step through it (for infants just starting, they may want to crawl through the hula hoop which is OK too).
• Hold baby's hands and show him or her how to gently bend the knees to bounce up and down.
• Play parade- When baby is able to stand, begin to show him or her different movements, like a wiggle. Take an object that makes noise, like a musical instrument, or toy and hold it just out of the baby's reach. Show her how to wiggle to the sound. This will help to strengthen her legs and teach balance. In the beginning, be sure to do this near a chair or ottoman so baby can hold on if she loses her balance.

A Caution About Teaching Toddler To Walk

Although you may be anticipating those first steps, at no time should a child be forced to walk. He or she will let you know when it is time. Remember that your baby will develop at his or her own pace. Simply bouncing a baby on your lap, or laying the baby on his back and allowing him to push his legs against your hands can help with balance, coordination and strengthening his legs.

Important Notes When Teaching Toddler To Walk

While adults tend to think of walking as a way to get from A to B, toddlers view their newfound mobility quite differently. In your child's first months on their feet, they will be far more interested in exploring things around them than following mum or dad.

You should notice that your toddler will do most of his or her walking while you're sitting still. This way, they can come and go from you as they want. In fact, you may even find that when you get up and start moving yourself, you'll probably find that your toddler stops (and maybe makes signals to be carried).

Keep your stroller/push chair to hand! Just because your toddler is walking, they will tire easily and be prone to wandering. So don't ditch the buggy to early!