8 Ways To Encourage Your Baby To Walk

If you’ve learnt one thing as a parent, it’s probably this; babies don’t like to be rushed. They don’t stick to schedules and they do things in their own time.

Having said that, there are ways that you can help boost her development when you think she may need it – such as when she’s teetering on the edge of walking but not quite building up the confidence to take those all-important first steps.

Most babies start walking between the ages of nine and 12 months and are getting around on two feet confidently by the time they’re 15 to 18 months old. But if your baby isn’t, don’t panic. She’ll get there in her own time.

Make Sure She’s Ready
Before you even think about walking, be sure that your tot’s happy cruising (getting around holding on to furniture) first. If you haven’t already, childproof each room in your house and make sure there’s no unstable furniture that your baby could topple over.

Invest In A Walking Accessory
A toddle truck or a similar toy that your baby can hold on to and push is ideal when your baby’s gearing up to take her first steps. Make sure you buy her one that has a sturdy handle and non-slip wheels so it’s safe for her to hold on to.

Stand By
We all need a safety net to feel safe sometimes – and your baby is no different. As she starts to look like she’ll move from cruising around to walking solo, stand or kneel in front of her ready to catch her if she falls.

Ditch The Shoes
As adorable as baby shoes are, there’s actually no need for you to buy them until your little one’s walking around outside or on rough or cold surfaces. Let her toddler around the house barefoot, to help improve her co-ordination and balance.

Put Toys Out Of Reach
Sounds cruel, but placing toys and tempting objects just out of reach of your baby is a great way to encourage her to get on the move. You’ll be surprised how much she moves when your mobile phone’s the prize…

Take Her Places
Take her somewhere she’s keen to explore. A park or a playground is a way more exciting place to go for a walk than the living room.

Be Encouraging
Make a big deal about any progression your baby knows. She'll recognise that you're happy with her and be more willing to try again.

Don’t Rush Her
If your baby’s easily rolling around, crab walking, scooting or climbing stairs using her hands then it won’t be long until she’s walking. And she’ll get there in her own time.

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