Walking is one of the most exciting milestones in a baby’s first year of life. Parents eagerly await those first steps as they mark the beginning of a new phase in their child’s development. Knowing the stages of physical development and learning how to encourage a baby to walk can help parents support their little ones as they gain confidence and independence.

Baby’s Developmental Stage

Babies typically begin walking between 9 and 15 months, although every child’s timeline is unique. Learning to walk involves developing foundational skills, including sitting up, crawling, pulling up to stand, and cruising (walking while holding onto furniture).

These stages help babies build the strength, balance, and coordination needed to walk independently. Walking involves a combination of muscle development, balance, and spatial awareness. Babies often begin by pulling themselves up to a standing position, then slowly progress to cruising along furniture. Eventually, they may take a few tentative steps before confidently walking on their own.

From a psychological perspective, walking is more than just a physical achievement; it represents a leap in a baby’s sense of autonomy and self-confidence. Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development suggest that children develop a sense of autonomy and independence around this age. Walking allows them to study their environment, interact with others, and gain a sense of control over their world.

Building a baby’s confidence during this period is crucial. According to attachment theory, babies with secure attachments feel safe studying and trying new things, such as walking. Providing a supportive environment can help babies feel encouraged to take risks and develop resilience as they learn.

Tips for How to Encourage Baby to Walk

Encourage Floor Time for Muscle Development

Babies need to strengthen their leg, core, and back muscles before they can walk. Spend plenty of time on the floor, allowing your baby to crawl, roll, and push up. These activities strengthen their muscles and help them develop the coordination needed to stand and walk. For instance, place toys just out of reach so your baby has to stretch, twist, or crawl to reach them. This helps build the muscles they’ll use when they start pulling up to stand and eventually walk.

Use Pull-Up Toys and Activities

Toys that encourage pulling up to a standing position can be beneficial. Try placing sturdy toys or objects at a height where your baby can pull up to reach them. Items like activity tables or stable ottomans can provide support as your baby learns to stand. For instance, set their favorite toy on a low table so they have to pull themselves up to get it. As they do this more often, they’ll develop the confidence to stand and take steps.

Create a Safe Space for Cruising

Once your baby starts standing, encourage cruising by creating a safe space for them to walk along furniture. Arrange couches, coffee tables, or other sturdy items close enough that they can move between them. Babies develop balance and leg strength through cruising, an important step in learning to walk independently. You can also sit a short distance away, encouraging them to walk along the furniture to reach you.

Hold Their Hands to Walk Together

Walk with your baby by holding both of their hands for support. This allows them to practice taking steps without having to balance on their own. As they gain confidence, you can try holding just one hand or letting them walk while holding onto your fingers. For example, walk them around the house while holding their hands, giving them the freedom to analyze. Gradually, they’ll become more comfortable and start taking steps on their own.

Let Them Go Barefoot for Better Grip

Walking barefoot helps babies feel the floor and improves their balance. Bare feet provide a better grip, allowing babies to stabilize themselves more easily than in shoes. Let your baby practice walking indoors without shoes or socks. The ability to grip the floor with their toes helps them maintain their balance, and they can feel the surface changes, which improves spatial awareness.

This photo is used to represent encouraging babies to walk.

Set Up a Toy with Wheels to Push

A push toy, like a baby walker, can help babies practice walking by providing stability. Look for a push toy with a broad base and sturdy wheels that move slowly, allowing your baby to push it at their own pace. Push toys allow babies to practice walking while feeling supported. For example, you could introduce a wagon filled with toys that they can push around the room. This allows them to concentrate on coordination and balance.

Encourage Squatting to Build Strength

Squatting helps babies develop leg strength and balance. Place a toy on the floor while they’re standing and encourage them to squat down to pick it up. You can also make a game out of it by handing them toys to squat and place in a basket. This strengthens the muscles they need for standing up and taking steps. The more they practice this motion, the easier it will be to transition into walking.

Provide Positive Reinforcement and Celebrate Small Steps

Every small step to walking is worth celebrating! Offer enthusiastic praise and encouragement, even if your baby only takes one step. Clap, cheer, and smile to let them know they’re doing well. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and makes the experience fun. For example, when they pull up to stand or take a few steps, give them a big smile and clap. Your excitement will motivate them to keep trying.

Stand or Sit a Few Feet Away to Encourage Steps

You can encourage your baby to walk by sitting or standing a short distance away and calling them over. Hold out your arms, smile, and say their name. This motivates them to take steps toward you, knowing they have a comforting presence waiting for them. If they hesitate, you can offer a favorite toy or a gentle hug as a reward when they reach you.

Be Patient and Support Their Pace

Every baby reaches milestones in their own time, so patience is key. Avoid pushing your baby to walk if they’re not ready. Instead, concentrate on creating a supportive environment where they can analyze and learn at their own pace. Each small step is progress, and even if they don’t walk right away, the experiences they gain from crawling, standing, and cruising will build the foundation for future walking.

Stay Positive and Reassuring

Babies look to their parents for cues on how to react. By staying positive and encouraging, you create a safe space for them to try new things without fear. Offer plenty of smiles, hugs, and cheers to show them that walking is an exciting and safe adventure.

Allow for Trial and Error

Babies learn through experimentation. They might fall a few times or get wobbly, but these experiences are important for building resilience. Allow them to fall safely and let them try again. Each attempt brings them closer to walking independently.

Concentrate on the experience, not just the destination.

Walking is an important milestone, but it’s also part of a larger experience in your baby’s development. Enjoy each stage, from crawling to standing and cruising, and appreciate the small victories along the way. Watching your baby learn and grow is a rewarding experience, so take it one step at a time.

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FAQ

When should I start encouraging my baby to walk?

Most babies begin walking between 9 and 15 months, but the timeline varies for each child. You can start encouraging walking when they begin showing interest in standing or pulling up to furniture, usually around 8 to 10 months.

What should I do if my baby doesn’t seem interested in walking?

If your baby shows no interest in walking by 18 months, consult your pediatrician. However, each baby develops at their own pace, and some babies may take longer to feel comfortable walking. In the meantime, encourage other forms of movement, like crawling and cruising.

Are baby walkers safe for encouraging walking?

Stationary activity centers or push toys are safer than traditional baby walkers. Traditional walkers with wheels can lead to accidents. Push toys provide stability while allowing your baby to practice walking in a safer environment.