These Feet Were Made for Walking?

Answer 1

It is hard to believe that it is already time for a baby to start walking. Make the most out of this milestone with these few tips and your baby will be running in no time.

1. Purchase a Doorway Jumper

A Graco Bumper Jumper (Amazon, $35) is a great way to begin teaching a child how to walk. The jumper hangs from a doorway and is very easy to assemble. The jumper will allow a child's leg muscles to strengthen as they bounce up and down.

2. Let Baby Pull Themselves Up

Once the baby has played in the jumper, he or she may be able to pull themselves up without assistance. Babies need stable support as their balancing abilities are not fully developed, so using mom and dad as that support will help them feel comfortable.

3. Furniture Can Help

Allow the baby to begin walking around the furniture. They’ve probably mastered pulling up onto your legs, so the furniture is the next best step. A perfect example would be for a parent to place the child on the middle part of their bed. Let baby hold onto the headboard and jump. If they fall, they will be right in the middle of the bed, so they will be safe. The bed is a perfect place for children to learn balance since they can fall safely.

4. Guide Them Walking

Now that a child is able to have better balance from parents and furniture, it is time to begin the walking process. Start holding a child's hands while they walk across the floor. If he or she falls, encourage them to get back up again and praise them. They will love having pleased you and have the desire to continue going.

5. Try One Hand

If the child can do well walking with a parent's guidance, it is time to remove one hand. Slowly take away one of your hands and see what the child does. If they can balance and have the will to keep going, practice this over and over again.

6. Remove Both Hands

Now that the child can balance and walk with one guiding hand, remove both hands and see if the child can balance. It may take a while for the baby to adjust to walking without your guidance and they might fall a lot. Just remember to always praise the child so that they have the desire to keep going.

7. Left Foot, Right Foot

Now that both hands are removed and the child can handle it, try allowing them to walk to you. Each time they walk toward you, move backwards a little more and see if they can make it. They will love the challenge and will be so proud of themselves when they fall into their parent's arms.