Learning to walk is a thrilling achievement for infants! While it typically occurs around their first birthday, the milestone can vary between 12-15 months. Below are some enjoyable activities to assist your baby in walking!
7 Simple and Effective Activities to Promote Walking
These exercises are perfect for incorporating into your baby’s daily playtime! Remember to supervise and remove any potential tripping hazards before starting.
1. Cruise along furniture
Encourage your baby to sidestep while holding onto a stable object to promote cruising. Make sure to have cushioned surfaces around for safety.
2. Support Baby’s trunk
Instead of holding hands, provide trunk support to help your baby stand and walk. Falling is a normal part of the learning process at this stage.
3. Give Baby something to hold onto
Offer small toys to your baby as they stand to encourage walking without assistance. Keeping their hands occupied helps build confidence.
4. Encourage them with toys
Use toys to entice your baby to walk towards you by teasing them with items just out of reach.
5. Reach up and down
Place toys at different heights for your baby to reach, aiding in developing their ability to grab objects. Initially, babies may not bend down to pick up items.
6. Set up a scavenger hunt
Engage your baby in a playful hunt around the house to motivate them to walk. Always supervise and join in on the fun!
7. Introduce Push Toys
Introduce push toys to support your baby while walking, keeping an eye out for toe-walking and using weighted carts for stability.
Safety tip: Avoid baby walkers and opt for push toys for a safer development process.
With practice and encouragement, your baby will soon master the art of walking! Consult their healthcare provider if you have any concerns along the way.
Once your baby has mastered walking, explore these engaging motor activities for further skill enhancement!
Acquiring the ability to walk marks a significant milestone in a baby’s life. Provide a firm surface for practice and allow them to explore at their own pace.
Explore the topics on this page:
- Standing independently: If your baby is able to pull themselves up to a standing position and balance without support, they may be ready to start taking steps.
- Cruising: When your baby is able to move along furniture or other objects while holding on for support, this is a sign that they are building the strength and coordination needed for walking.
- Walking with assistance: If your baby is able to take steps while holding onto your hands or a push toy, they are likely getting ready to walk on their own.
- Show interest in walking: Some babies may show a strong interest in walking by reaching out towards objects or people while standing, or by trying to take steps on their own.
Baby shoes
Avoid shoes while your baby is learning to walk to promote balance and sensory development. Choose soft sole shoes for outdoor use, ensuring adequate toe space.
Cruising
Cruising assists babies in moving around with support from furniture. Babyproof your surroundings and encourage cruising with toys along stable surfaces.
Gradually increase the distance between stable objects to facilitate your baby’s walking progress.
Bridging the gap
Encourage your baby to move between furniture by placing toys strategically to catch their attention. Boost their walking confidence by widening the gaps between furniture gradually.
As your baby gains more confidence in walking, you can also try encouraging them to step over small obstacles or crawl through tunnels. This will help further develop their balance, coordination, and motor skills. Remember to always supervise your baby during these activities to ensure their safety.
Walking with push and pull toys
Push and pull toys, while not essential for walking, can be enjoyable. Utilize them in short sessions under supervision to enhance muscle control and balance.
Ensure supervision to prevent obstacles and promote imaginative play with push and pull toys.
Signs your baby is ready to use a push and pull walking toy:
- crusing
- starting to let go from furniture or people
- maintaining good balance while standing
Using push and pull walking toys
Be cautious with push trolleys on smooth surfaces and provide adequate support for your baby. Encourage them to collect items to enhance their balance.
Walking is a significant achievement in your child’s development journey. Typically starting between 10-18 months after crawling and standing.
As babies develop walking skills, it is important for parents and caregivers to provide a safe environment for them to practice and explore. Encouraging babies to crawl, pull up, and cruise can help them develop the necessary muscle strength and coordination needed for walking.
It is also beneficial to allow babies plenty of time and space to practice walking independently. This can help them build confidence in their abilities and improve their balance and coordination.
Additionally, engaging babies in activities that promote gross motor skills, such as playing with toys that encourage walking or going for walks outside, can further support their development of walking skills.
Provide support
Using a stable baby walker or holding your baby’s hands as they take steps can give them the support they need to build their confidence in walking.
Celebrate their progress
Clap, cheer, and celebrate each milestone your baby achieves in their walking journey. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to keep trying and improving.
Encourage balance and coordination
Activities like playing with stacking toys, crawling through tunnels, and climbing on safe surfaces can help your baby improve their balance and coordination, essential for walking.
Seek professional advice if needed
If you have concerns about your baby’s development in learning to walk, don’t hesitate to consult with a pediatrician or physical therapist for guidance and support.
When should my baby start wearing shoes?
Unless a baby is going outdoors, they do not need to wear shoes. Allowing them to crawl and walk barefoot inside aids in natural foot development. Non-slip socks or those with grip can prevent slipping.
Selecting well-fitted shoes from the start is crucial to prevent foot issues and support the learning-to-walk process.
It is recommended for babies to start wearing shoes when they are beginning to walk outside or on rough surfaces. Make sure to choose shoes that are flexible, breathable, and have a non-slip sole to ensure your baby’s comfort and safety. Remember to regularly check the fit of the shoes as your baby’s feet grow quickly during the first few years of life.
When should I seek help?
If a baby is 18 months or older and has not started walking independently, or if there are concerns about their development, seeking advice from a healthcare provider is recommended.
Medical attention should be sought if a child has started walking but experiences any concerning issues.
Resources and support
For further information on a baby’s development, visit Starting Blocks. Additional resources are available to guide parents on ensuring their baby’s safety.
Explore more about a baby’s growth and development during the first 12 months on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby’s website.
For advice and information, contact Parentline in your state or territory using the provided contact numbers:
- (02) 6287 3833, Mon-Fri, 9 am – 5 pm AEST / Sat, 10 am – 12 midday
- 1300 1300 52, Mon-Fri, 9 am – 9 pm / weekends, 4 pm – 9 pm
- 1300 30 1300, 7 days, 8 am – 10 pm
- 1300 364 100, 7 days, 7:15 am – 9:15 pm
- 1300 808 178, 24 hours, 7 days
- 13 22 89, 7 days, 8 am – 12 midnight
- (08) 9368 9368 or 1800 111 546, open 7 days a week, 8 am – 8 pm
Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?
The Aboriginal Child, Youth and Family Strategy provides tips, information, and contacts for parents of young children to ensure their safety during the walking learning process.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Contact Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak with a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or via video call. Assistance is available from 7 am to midnight (AET), seven days a week.
Learning to walk brings significant changes for both the baby and their caregivers. For babies, it means increased mobility, independence, and a new perspective. Caregivers must now keep up with an active toddler.
Key Points:
When do babies start walking?
When do babies start walking?“>
The baby’s first steps can happen between 9 to 18 months, with independent walking typically starting around 12 to 15 months after initial support from furniture.
What are the signs my baby will walk soon?
Indications that a baby is close to walking independently include testing pre-walking skills like standing and cruising, which aid in strengthening and bettering balance.
Learn more about each stage of the walking progression:
Pulling up to stand (7 to 10 months)
Pulling up to stand is an initial step in walking development, usually beginning around 7-10 months of age. This action strengthens muscles and provides support for standing and walking.
Cruising (9 to 13 months)
Cruising, where a baby moves sideways while grasping onto furniture, typically occurs from 9-13 months of age. This prepares them for walking by enhancing balance and leg coordination.
Encourage cruising by arranging furniture to create safe pathways for the baby to practice movement.
Standing unassisted (10 to 16 months)
Once a baby gains confidence in cruising, they will attempt standing without support. This milestone generally occurs between 10-16 months of age, paving the way for independent walking.
Observe and assist a baby as they progress from supported standing to unassisted standing to prepare them for their first steps.
Celebrate milestones: Encourage and celebrate every small achievement your baby makes towards walking. Whether it’s standing up on their own or taking a few steps, make sure to cheer them on and show your excitement.
Provide a supportive environment: Create a safe and encouraging space for your baby to practice walking. Remove any obstacles or hazards that might hinder their progress and ensure that the environment is conducive to their development.
Be patient: Remember that every baby develops at their own pace. Some babies may start walking earlier while others may take longer. Be patient and provide the necessary support and encouragement without putting pressure on your baby.
Encourage exploration: Allow your baby to explore different textures and surfaces to help strengthen their muscles and improve balance. Encourage crawling, climbing, and other movements that promote physical development and readiness for walking.
Seek professional help if needed: If you have concerns about your baby’s walking development or if you notice any delays or difficulties, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a pediatrician or a developmental specialist. Early intervention can help address any issues and support your baby’s development.
Remember to enjoy the journey: Watching your baby learn to walk is a special and memorable experience. Take the time to savor these moments and enjoy seeing your little one take their first steps towards independence.
What are the pros and cons of baby walking toys?
“>
Baby walking toys are generally categorized into baby walkers and push toys, sometimes referred to as push walkers.
Baby walkers
Studies have shown that seat-based baby walkers with wheels can be unsafe and lead to numerous child injuries each year. Some research suggests that these walkers could delay walking development by hindering proper muscle coordination and impeding the natural wobbliness that aids in learning balance.
Several countries, including Canada, have banned these walkers, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has called for a ban in the U.S. Rather than using walkers, encourage your baby to practice pulling up and cruising to enhance their walking skills.
Push toys
On the other hand, push toys or push walkers can support your baby’s walking progress. Look for options with adjustable wheels, a wide base, and an upright activity panel for stability. These toys can help your baby stay upright and use their legs to support their weight without compromising their joints or growth.
Push toys with a narrow base and long handle, like a toy lawn mower, may not provide enough support for cruising or new walkers. These toys can easily tip over, which is why Lovevery experts do not recommend them. Always closely supervise with push toys to prevent accidents.
What about pull toys?
Once your toddler is confident in walking independently, around 15 to 18 months old, consider introducing The Buddy Stroller or a pull toy like The Pull Pup. These toys encourage whole-body coordination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving. Pull toys engage various muscle groups and promote the integration of fine and gross motor skills.
The Buddy Stroller stimulates imaginative play while improving independence and motor skill development.