Most babies start walking between the ages of 10 and 18 months. But before walking, the baby must first crawl and creep. Keep in mind that every baby is different, so your baby may have to put a lot of effort into learning to walk or may suddenly start walking on his own. The key is to give your baby lots of encouragement and exercise to make it comfortable to walk.
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Part 1 of 4: Helping Baby Stand
Step 1. Let baby jump up and down on your lap with his feet on your calves
This will strengthen your baby's calf muscles, especially if he is still crawling or is just starting to learn to lift himself up to stand.
You should also show your baby how to bend his knees and have him practice bending his knees on his own so that he can develop the motor skills to stand and sit
Step 2. Buy a baby rocking chair (bouncy chair)
Around 5 to 6 months of age, give your baby a rocking chair to help him build calf muscles.
- Do not give baby walkers because the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) prohibits the use of wheels for infants. Studies show that wheels can slow motor development and can cause back problems in babies. Wheels are also a safety hazard, as they can tip over or fall on stairs.
- Baby wheels are banned in Canada and the AAP recommends Americans take the same action.
Step 3. Use a toy to pull the baby to his feet
Place toys just out of baby's reach, on top of them, or where they require him to stand.
Step 4. Help baby to sit back up once he can stand on his own
Most babies begin to stand on their own feet before they know how to sit back down, so don't worry if your baby cries for help while in a standing position.
Instead of holding your baby when he starts to fuss, help him learn to sit up slowly by teaching him to bend his knees and support his weight until he reaches the floor safely
Part 2 of 4: Helping Babies Spread
Step 1. Line up the furniture so the baby can crawl easily
Creeping is the process by which a baby begins to use furniture and other surfaces/objects as support when he begins to walk. Move your home furniture into stable rows to make sure everything is baby safe, so baby can easily crawl on their own.
- In fact, it's a good idea to double check the safety of the entire household when your baby starts creeping, because babies can now reach new heights, and new potential dangers.
- Help baby to release furniture as he creeps by reaching out your hand and letting baby hold you with both hands. In no time, he will hold on to you with one hand or even let go of you altogether.
Step 2. Buy push toys for your baby
A toy, such as a small shopping cart or a toy lawn mower, will support your baby while he is practicing climbing. Toys like this will also give your baby control as he learns to walk, improve his balance, and increase his confidence.
- If your baby is just starting to crawl on their own, start with toys that don't have wheels. Once you're sure your baby is strong enough, introduce a pusher with wheels.
- Always check to see if the push toy is stable, has bars or handles with good grip, and big wheels, because then the toy won't sway easily.
Step 3. Pull your baby to a standing position
Let your baby hold your fingers and pull him into a standing position, so he's basically lifting his own weight. Let the baby walk while you lead him under his arm.
- The more time your baby spends exercising his calves, the sooner he will start trying to pick up his own pace.
- Holding the baby while he is standing will also help straighten his calves and prevent calves from bending. Crooked calves will usually straighten out by the time your baby is 18 months old, but this problem can last up to 3 years of age.
Step 4. Praise your baby's efforts
It seems that most babies are born with a desire to please their mother and father, and to receive praise, applause, and shouts of encouragement. So let your baby know when he's successfully standing or crawling by offering clear encouragement and praise.
Step 5. Don't buy indoor walking shoes for babies
You don't need to buy a collection of baby shoes, because the best shoes for babies are no shoes at all.
- As long as the floor is clean and safe for your baby to walk on, allow him to walk and explore barefoot (or if you prefer, wear non-slip socks) as often as possible to help build muscle strength in his feet and ankles, to build arches in his feet, and help him build muscle strength in his feet and ankles. learn balance and coordination.
- If your baby is going to be walking outside, make sure the shoes he wears are light and flexible. Avoid high boots or high sneakers as excessive support at the ankles actually slows your baby down by restricting his movement.
Step 6. Don't try to force your baby to stand or walk with your help if he doesn't want to
This can instill fear in the baby and delay his ability to stand or walk.
Most babies will walk when they are ready, so don't worry if your baby doesn't start walking until 18 months, or maybe over 18 months
Part 3 of 4: Helping Baby Walk
Step 1. Turn balance into play
To encourage your baby to get into the habit of balancing on his own feet, try making balance a fun game, with lots of encouragement and praise.
Sit on the floor with your baby and help him stand up. Then, start counting aloud to see how long he can stand without falling. Give him a round of applause and praise after each attempt to balance himself
Step 2. Encourage baby to walk instead of just sitting still
The trick is to place the baby in a standing position, as opposed to a sitting position.
Step 3. Stand across the room and encourage the baby to walk towards you
This can help your baby feel confident and motivated enough to take the first steps.
Step 4. Celebrate the first step
The first step is a big moment for your baby, so make sure you show as much excitement and excitement as possible for your baby's first steps.
Encouraging your baby when he walks shows that he is doing the right thing and will give him the confidence to keep going
Step 5. Know that there are times when your baby stops and starts again
Don't worry too much if your baby is just learning to walk back on all fours after a pretty bad fall or illness. Babies are also developing other skills such as learning to talk or eat with their own hands, so they may need a few weeks or even a month to take a break from walking.
Some babies may be more comfortable crawling first so they may crawl/walk before actually walking
Step 6. Let your baby fall, as long as it's safe
When your baby starts to walk, he may fall up and down, walk on his side, or even fall on his stomach. Similarly, most babies do not have good depth perception so they are more likely to bump or fall rather than walk straight in the direction they are headed
- As long as the house is safe for baby to walk around and you're watching her practice around the clock, don't worry about these many inevitable falls. The baby may cry when he falls but he is likely more frustrated than hurt.
- Her diaper and little bottom will act as automatic restraints every time your baby falls, and she's likely to get over her falls and trips before you can get over them yourself. Don't worry too much about small falls when your baby is learning to walk on their own.
Part 4 of 4: Supporting Baby when Learning to Walk
Step 1. Avoid comparing your baby's development with other babies
Not all babies are the same, so don't worry if your baby hasn't walked by a certain age. The time it takes a baby to make certain progress, such as walking, can vary due to weight differences or even personality differences. Keep in mind that walking age is an estimate and not a fixed rule or absolute requirement for all babies.
- Some babies born prematurely may have more difficulty progressing at the same rate as other babies born after sufficient time in the womb.
- Similarly, sometimes babies are just afraid to let go of your grip and take the first step. So it is very important that you encourage and support your baby as he learns to walk and not put too much pressure or stress on him.
Step 2. Don't worry if it looks like your baby has flat feet
Actually, flat feet are just fat that fills the baby's feet. By 2 to 3 years of age, the extra volume in your baby's feet should disappear and you should be able to see their natural curves.
The baby's legs may also curl inward, looking like a half moon, which is another characteristic of babies, but they should straighten out on their own
Step 3. Rest assured that the baby's pigeon-toed toes will straighten themselves
Inward bending of the leg is caused by internal tibial torsion, meaning that the baby's shins are bent inward.
- This condition will improve on its own within 6 months of the baby taking the first steps.
- If your baby's legs are still bent inward after six months, ask your pediatrician about leg straightening exercises to correct the problem.
Step 4. Check your baby's feet to make sure he can straighten them
Some babies have a natural desire to tiptoe, which actually helps them develop balance. This is usually an oddity that will go away on its own, but although it's rare, toe walking can be an indication of overtight muscles in your baby's heels or feet.
If your baby can't physically straighten his legs on his own, or if he's still walking on tiptoes after age 3, talk to your pediatrician, as this may be a sign of a developmental problem
Step 5. Consult a pediatrician if your baby falls frequently, his calves appear very stiff, or keeps tripping to one side
These may be signs of possible nerve, joint, or spinal problems.
Step 6. Let your baby explore when he is more comfortable walking
Once he is more confident and becomes more comfortable walking on smooth, even surfaces, let him try walking on sloping or uneven surfaces. This new environment will help develop the baby's balance.
