How to Teach a Baby to Walk
Babies start walking at different ages, but the average age is around 12 months, states HealthyChildren.org. While you don't want to rush your baby into walking before she's ready, know the milestones to look for. Technically, you can't actually teach your baby to walk, but you can encourage movements that will strengthen her muscles and develop the motor skills she needs to stand and to begin walking.
Things You'll Need
- Ball
- Push toy
Instructions
Signs of Readiness
Watch to see if your baby is hitting the normal developmental milestones. At 4 months, your baby should be able to hold her head steady without support, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's ̶0;Milestone Moments.̶1; When you lay your baby on her belly, she should lift her head and chest, and she may even roll over on to her back. By 6 months, she should be able to roll from her back to her stomach. Continue to monitor your baby's physical and motor development. Usually at 8 or 9 months, a baby can sit without support, states HealthyChildren.org. As your baby's trunk muscles get stronger, she should start to pull herself to a standing position. By 12 months, your baby should be able to stand alone, to cruise while holding on to furniture, or even take a few steps without help. Speak to your baby's pediatrician about milestones your baby meets between visits. Ask what to look for next. Point out any signs you notice that might indicate possible developmental delay. For example, tell your doctor if your baby isn't rolling over at 6 months or cannot stand unsupported at 8 to 12 months, advises KidsHealth. What You Can Do to Help
Lay your 1- to 3-month-old on her belly when she's awake. Tummy time allows your baby to practice lifting her head and it also strengthens the muscles in her neck, shoulders, arms and back, according to KidsHealth. Place your baby on her back or stomach. Frequently change her position from back to front and front to back. Put toys just out of her reach to encourage her to roll over. Let your baby grip your fingers and then pull your baby to a standing position to strengthen your baby's legs. Support your baby under the arms as she stands. Get down on the floor and play with your baby. Once she can sit without support, show her how to roll a ball back and forth between you to encourage motor development. Give your baby lots of room to move around. Generally, babies begin to crawl between 6 and 9 months, reports the CDC. When your baby begins to use furniture to pull herself up from the floor, rearrange the furniture so that she must reach and begin to walk while cruising. Build your baby's confidence by praising her efforts as she takes her first steps, unsteady though they may be. Allow your baby to walk bare foot indoors, as shoes can make it difficult for her to take steps. Choose a low-top style of shoe for outdoor wear. High-top shoes restrict ankle movement and prevent your baby from developing the muscle strength she needs to hold her balance and stabilize her position, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Steer your baby in the direction of smooth, flat walking surfaces. If your baby hesitates to walk, give her a push toy she can hold on to for support until your baby's balance improves and she becomes steadier on her feet.
