Babies' motor development is remarkable. While they may initially move awkwardly and can barely lift their heads, they'll soon be crawling all over the house. Those first steps, in particular, are an important milestone in your baby's development. But while you wait impatiently, your child has their own individual pace. Since learning to walk is a maturational process, it can neither be forced nor accelerated: Parents have to wait, because the first steps only come when your little one is ready. However, if you want to gently support your little one in their development, this article offers tips for encouraging learning to walk in a playful way.
At what age should a child be able to walk?
Especially with their first child, new parents can hardly wait to celebrate the first milestones. They eagerly await the first turn, crawl, sit, and especially the first steps. If their little one initially shows no interest in walking upright, many parents compare and wonder why it is taking so long. But every baby and child is different, and that's a good thing! The fact is: As a rule, most worries about learning to walk are unfounded. While some early bloomers are happily toddling around at 8 months, for others it can take up to 18 months. However, if your baby shows no signs of sitting up after a year, it is a good idea to consult a pediatrician. In general, however, you can wait and provide your child with the ideal conditions for learning to walk. We will explain to you how you can support your baby in this important developmental step without forcing it.
Support when pulling up
Before your baby can take its first step, it must first stand. To achieve this, it will first pull itself up using all sorts of furniture and objects. The sofa, the living room table, and even familiar people are particularly popular. You can help ensure that your child is successful here. If it's wearing socks, for example, it's easy for your baby to slip and end up back on its knees. Non-slip shoes like our vegan booties ensure that the little feet have a good grip, so that your child can pull themselves up with their hands. Sturdy boxes, stools, and baby walkers also help little ones to hold on and practice balance. Parents should definitely avoid baby walkers in which the child sits. These are dangerous and teach babies incorrect movement patterns.
Support while standing
Once babies are able to pull themselves up easily, they may try to reach objects while standing or move forward by holding on to something. You can provide your little one with objects that can be pushed or rolled around. This way, they can slowly practice moving forward while standing with support. Sturdy doll strollers, walkers with wheels, and baskets are ideal for assisted walking.
First free walking attempts supported
Your baby will stand securely if they hold on tight, and will also take a few steps, holding your hand, using a walker, or against a wall. Now you can encourage them to slowly let go and test their balance. Depending on what your child likes, you can be inventive. For example, if your baby wants to reach an object, don't just push it into their hand, but hold the toy a little further away. This will encourage them to let go of one hand to reach for it and they may take a step or two in that direction before falling on their bottom. You can also sit in front of your child and stretch out your arms so they try to walk towards you. This way, children slowly become braver and may even try out their first steps without help.
Provide space to practice
Freedom of movement is extremely important for babies and toddlers. Babies who spend a lot of time in playpens don't have the opportunity to take many steps. Padding also makes it difficult for them to stand and maintain their balance. Especially outside in the garden, in the park or on the playground, your little one will be particularly motivated to run and explore the world. Spend as much time outside as possible and let your little one out of the stroller regularly when you are in a safe place. This way, they will see other children playing and running and will also have the urge to move forward and stand on their own two feet. The right footwear is essential here too. Fashionable sneakers look cool, but the hard soles hinder balance and inhibit motor skills. Instead, choose shoes with soft soles like our first walker shoes . These fit the feet perfectly, help with those first steps and also protect against mistletoe and sharp stones.
Praise and encouragement
Whether you're doing playful walking exercises with your little one or letting them try things out on their own, the best way to motivate your baby is to encourage and praise them as they attempt to walk. Even very young children notice this positive attention and are delighted with their achievement. If your baby manages to take a step with the walker before they fall to the floor, encourage them and show them that you've seen their success. This gives your little one an incentive to try this movement again right away.
Support through the right baby shoes
The right footwear isn't just crucial for us adults; babies and children also need appropriate shoes for balancing and learning to walk. The age at which you get your little one their first pair depends on their development, the season, and your circumstances. In summer, your child can certainly go barefoot in the garden. Outside in the park and on colder days, it's better to wear shoes to avoid stepping on bees or thorns and to keep their feet from getting too cold. Slippers can also reduce the risk of slipping and provide your baby with better grip.
Our vegan and sustainable booties are the perfect companions for learning to walk and exploring the world. The soft sole and supple fabric allow your feet to be completely free yet protected. They are completely slip-resistant and support the development of babies and toddlers as they crawl and learn to walk. At the same time, they are very breathable, so little feet don't get too warm. You'll find these handmade booties in many wonderful designs in our Cosy Roots online shop .
Attentive to the needs of children
When babies learn to walk, it's an enormous achievement for them. Their muscles are being trained, and those first steps require a lot of effort and concentration. Many children are so busy with this that other skills temporarily take a break in their development. Therefore, you should never pressure your little one into anything and should respond attentively to their needs. Always remember that every child develops at a different pace, and don't let others stress you out. You can practice playfully with your baby and make sure they have the right conditions and shoes, but ultimately, they themselves will decide when they take their first steps. So sit back and let your little sunshine discover the world in peace: When babies learn to walk is entirely up to them!
