You should also show them how to bend their knees and have them practice bending their knees so they develop the motor skills to stand up and sit down.
Avoid getting your baby a walker as The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages the use of walkers for babies. Studies show they can actually slow motor development and cause back problems for babies. They are also a safety hazard, as walkers can tip over or roll down stairs. [4] X Research source Walkers are banned for use in Canada and the AAP is recommending the U. S. take the same measure against walkers. [5] X Research source
Rather than pick them up when they start to fuss, help them learn to sit down by gently bending their knees and supporting their weight until they reach the floor safely.
In fact, once your baby starts to cruise, it’s a good idea to childproof your home again, as they can reach new heights, and possibly, new hazards. [9] X Research source Help your baby let go of the furniture as they cruise by holding out your fingers and allowing them to grip you with both hands. Soon enough, they’ll be holding on to you with one hand or even letting go altogether. [10] X Research source
If your baby is just starting to cruise on their own, start with a toy that does not have wheels. Once you are confident your baby is strong enough, introduce a push toy with wheels. Always check that the push toy is sturdy, and has a bar or handle that has a good grip, as well as big wheels, as this will make it harder for the toy to tip over. [12] X Research source
The most time your baby spends exercising their legs, the sooner they will begin to try to take steps on their own. Holding your baby as they stand will also help their legs to straighten out and prevent them from bowing later. Bowed legs typically go away by the time your baby is 18 months old, but this issue can linger until they are 3 years old. [13] X Research source
As long as the indoor surfaces are clean and safe for your baby to walk on, let them walk and explore barefoot (or, if you’d prefer, non-slip socks) as much as possible to help build muscle tone in their feet and ankles, help their arches develop, and help them learn balance and coordination. If your baby is going to be walking outdoors, in most cases they should be fine going barefoot. If there is a need for footwear due to heat, cold or unsafe surfaces, make sure their shoes are lightweight and flexible. Avoid tall booties or high-top sneakers as too much ankle support can actually slow down your little one by constricting their movement.
Many babies will walk when they are ready, so don’t be alarmed if your baby doesn’t start walking until they are 18 months old, or possibly, older than 18 months. [17] X Research source
Sit on the floor with your baby and help them to stand up. Then, count out loud how long they can stay up before they tumble down. Clap and praise them after each balancing attempt.
Cheering your baby as they walk indicates they are doing something right and will give them the confidence to keep walking.
Some babies may be more comfortable at first with crawling so they may do the crawl/walk before they fully embrace walking. [22] X Research source
As long as your home is childproofed for a walking baby and you watch them carefully at all times, don’t stress about their inevitable and numerous tumbles. They may cry when they fall, but chances are they are more frustrated than injured. Their diaper and little tush will work as built-in bumpers for any falls, and they will likely forget their trips and tumbles before you do. Avoid making a big deal out of little falls as they learn how to walk on their own.
Some babies who are born prematurely may have more trouble reaching milestones at the same rate as other children born at full-term. As well, sometimes babies are just frightened of letting go of your fingers and taking their first steps. So it’s very important to encourage and support your baby as they learn to walk and not to put too much pressure or stress on them.
Their feet may also curve inward, appearing like half moons, which is another infant holdover. Over time, their feet should straighten out.
This will correct on its own within six months of your baby’s first steps. If your baby still has pigeon-toed feet after six months, ask your pediatrician about stretching exercises to correct the problem.
If your baby cannot physically flatten their feet on their own, or if they are walking on their tiptoes past the age of 3, let their pediatrician know, as this could be a sign of a developmental issue.
