Zeke is like an adorable baby Frankenstein with his arms out, taking 20 halting steps down the hall before falling over. Hunter does about ½ that many comfortably but he's mastered going up and down our steps (with me next to him!)
It's an amazing time as they start to gain their independence and move from being babies to toddlers! Every day I watch them build their confidence and start trying new moves...sideways turns, standing without pulling up on something. It takes a tremendous amount of balance, practice and boo-boos, not to mention courage and kisses when they fall!
How can you make the walking process safer and better for your little one? The website Gurgle.com has some wonderful tips to get you started. First, they explain that every child starts walking at different times (as evidenced by my twins, who are fraternal). Most babies start walking between 9 and 13 months, but it's not unusual to wait until 17 months, especially if your little one is a good crawler. Plus it depends on your baby's temperament. If he's happy sitting and playing with toys on his own, he may decide to postpone exploring with walking.
Obviously, babies begin learning to balance by pulling up on furniture, walking while holding onto couches, chairs or tables. They practice standing to pick something up when it drops, and try bending at the knees. All these are important tools in your baby's walking lesson book. Experts say, try not to pressure your child into walking before he/she is ready. Making them practice their walking can actually slow them down and frighten them into walking later than they would have on their own.
What you CAN do, is make sure your child has a safe area to practice in, when they're ready. No hardwood floors or sharp edges (move back tables and fireplace tools). Put away small objects, heavy books and other items they might try to use to pull up by (the items can fall on them and hurt them.) A carpeted room with baby-height furniture is ideal. Toddler trucks that your baby can push along are also good for helping them practice. Encourage your baby by kneeling in front of him or her and holding their hands so they get used to standing. Or you can walk behind them while holding their hands as you both move forward. Of course, children adore games. So you can also let him/her stand on your feet while you walk with them mummy-style.
Babies move best with bare feet. Socks and shoes can be slippery, even the socks with rubber patterns on the bottom. Their toes are the best grippers for your floors, so let them go barefoot except outside. Obviously, offer lots of praise when they try a new move, and scoop them up quickly when they fall down and get hurt (hopefully just a small bump up.)
Also be aware, leaving your little one in a playpen for a long time delays their muscle development in the legs and can delay walking. Also baby-walkers can delay the onset of sitting and walking, so try to use them minimally (I use Exersaucers only at mealtime.)
Remember if your child has had an illness, it can slow down their walking. They may even regress and go back to crawling for a few weeks. But don't worry...they'll be up and at it again when they're feeling better.
But if your toddler is 18 months old and shows NO interest in walking, you should ask your pediatrician about it.
Otherwise, make sure to baby-proof the house, and then enjoy this stage as your magical baby comes toddling over to kiss you! It's the best.
Monica
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