learning to walk
From 9-18 months your baby will probably be progressing from crawling to walking – an exciting time for both of you
You can help your toddler-in-waiting achieve this major milestone by making the house a safe place for her to explore as she takes those first tentative steps, and by giving her as much encouragement and opportunity to practise as possible.
ready, steady... go!
Your little one has no doubt benefited from lots of ‘tummy time’ play, which helps tremendously with her physical development and movement. Great tummy time products include colourful play mats and baby gyms, which can include removable arches with hanging toys.
Having developed good core strength, she’ll soon be trying to pull herself up to a standing position, which helps to develop her sense of balance in an upright position. After that comes ‘cruising’ – moving around holding onto the furniture for support. Some babies then let go and practise their balance for a while before taking the first step. Others may simply go for it.
These early steps will be unsteady – and even when she gets going, your baby’s first real toddle will be more like a waddle, with feet turned out and her nappy-bottom swaying.
From now on she’ll get more skilful and her walk more fluid. She’ll learn to squat to pick up toys mid-waddle (quite a tricky process to master), to push and pull toys along with her, and to crawl up and down stairs with a little help and lots of supervision.
There is a great range of baby walker products to help take her first steps with confidence. From push-along trucks and wooden walkers, your little one can find out just how much fun you can have walking.
Every baby develops at different stages, so don’t worry if yours seems to be content to be a crawler or bottom-shuffler well in the first year
baby walking tips
Try to keep your child barefoot while indoors.It’s easier to learn to walk without shoes and safer on slippery flooring. Hold her by the torso and not by her legs or arms as she takes her first steps. Help her to develop her sense of balance. assist her to stand up on her own strength and then, withdraw your support slowly. While removing your support, correct her stance by making adjustments. Don’t withdraw your support abruptly, as this could cause her to fall. A classic push-along walker such as the Mothercare Wooden Toddle Truck; is great for encouraging your toddler to get on the move. Keep it well away from steps and other dangers, though. Encourage her to walk, by calling out her name from a distance or by placing a favourite toy out of reach. Give her confidence by holding her hands and walking behind her. Be patient and encouraging. Taking those first steps takes time.
help your toddler to walk
Once your child is walking by herself you’ll need to give her plenty of opportunities to exercise. Going to the park or swimming pool is a good way to tire out an active toddler. Or find out if your local leisure centre has a soft play area – climbing about on the spongy equipment is a great way to encourage physical development.
Remember: every baby develops at different stages, so don’t worry if yours seems to be content to be a crawler or bottom-shuffler’ until well into the first year – but if you have any concerns have a word with your health visitor.