Witnessing your baby take those first steps are a huge milestone. I'm patiently waiting for my little one to get up and go. With each passing day, I watch him get stronger and stronger. There are activities we can try as parents to ensure that they're strong enough for their first steps. Here are ways to get your baby to walk soon and be on the move!
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Playtime
Encourage your baby to build their muscles by reaching for toys–especially balls that don't stay in place. Continuing to develop their motor skills will help them walk in the long run.
Crawling
Cheer them on when they start crawling! It's a big milestone. The more exercise they get on the floor, the stronger their legs will get to start walking.
Get a modern walker
The traditional walkers aren't recommended by American Academy of Pediatrics. They're considered dangerous, more likely to cause injury, and actually delay the child from walking. Go with an item the child can push around or a jumperoo.
Pulling up
Pulling up onto furniture is a great sign that your baby is moving on up! It's scary since they don't have their balance, but a couple of bumps and falls are totally normal and expected.
Moving targets
Whether it's a pet or a toy, make sure they have a moving target they want to reach. It'll encourage them to crawl even more and prepare the body for taking steps later on.
Helping them along
Helping your baby practice walking is such a fun activity! There's just nothing like watching those little feet do big things.
Standing without assistance
Sooner than you know it, your baby will be standing on his own. This typically happens between 9 and 12 months of age. That's the true indicator that they're ready to walk. I'll be grabbing the tissues when it happens to my son!
