How to Teach a One Year Old to Walk
It may be frustrating to hear friends and acquaintances brag about how their babies started to walk at 7 or 8 months old while your child shows no interest even at age 1. Babies develop at the pace that is normal for them. Some may not walk until they are 18 months old, although most are walking around 14 or 15 months, according to the What to Expect website. Encouraging your baby to walk must be an enjoyable experience for both of you to prevent frustrations.
Instructions
Hold your baby by each hand and walk backward while guiding him in his first attempts at walking. Walk slowly and encourage him with a soothing and encouraging tone of voice. Be sure to praise his efforts, no matter how awkward. Practice this three or four times each day. Place one of your baby's hands on a coffee table, sofa or other low object. Take her other hand and practice walking with her. Give her an incentive at the end of the table, such as a piece of whole grain cereal or other baby-appropriate snack. She will soon grasp the concept of walking, realize she is safe and try it on her own. Purchase a push toy that your baby can hold while learning how to walk. Look for a toy with a handle or bar and large wheels that prevent it from flipping over. It may be necessary to place her hands on the toy and stand her up behind it. Keep your hands on top of hers as you demonstrate how the toy works. This gives her confidence to try it on her own.
