How to Help Your Child Walk: 20 Tips to Strengthen Your Baby's Legs for Walking

According to SAEDNEWS, most babies start walking between 10 and 18 months. However, they need to progress from crawling to walking on all fours and finally to upright walking. Every baby is different, so your child might need more practice. The key is to encourage and practice walking with them. This article explores how to help babies start walking sooner and how to strengthen their legs.

Ways to Help Your Child Walk Early

1. Bounce on Your Lap: This strengthens their leg muscles, especially if they are still crawling.

2. Show How to Bend Knees: Teaching them to bend their knees improves motor skills for standing and sitting.

3. Use a Bouncer Seat: Around 5 to 6 months, a bouncer seat can help build their muscles.

4. Avoid Walkers: Studies show that walkers slow motor development and can cause back issues. Walkers are banned in Canada, and the AAP advises against them in the USA.

5. Encourage Standing with Toys: Place a toy out of reach to motivate them to stand.

6. Teach Sitting from Standing: Help them bend their knees and sit, rather than just picking them up when they cry.

7. Safe Furniture Arrangement: Ensure furniture is placed to support safe walking and reaching without risk.

8. Assist in Getting Down from Furniture: Let them hold your hand or use both hands to get down safely.

9. Provide Push Toys: Push toys like a small shopping cart or lawn mower can help with balance and confidence. Ensure the toy is sturdy with large wheels.

   

10. Support Standing: Let them hold your fingers and pull themselves up, supporting their weight and guiding them as they walk.

11. Praise Walking Efforts: Encouragement boosts their confidence and motivation.

12. Avoid Indoor Walking Shoes: Barefoot is best for strengthening feet and maintaining balance. Use lightweight and flexible shoes for outdoor walking.

13. Don’t Force Walking: Forcing them can cause fear and delay walking. Most children walk when they’re ready, even if it’s later than 18 months.

14. Turn Balance into a Game: Use fun balance activities to encourage walking, and praise their efforts.

15. Encourage Walking Instead of Sitting: Stand across the room and call them to come to you, boosting confidence and motivation.

    

16. Celebrate First Steps: Make a big deal of their first steps to encourage them further.

17. Expect Ups and Downs: It’s normal for them to revert to crawling after falling or being sick. Be patient as they work on other skills like talking or eating finger foods.

18. Allow Safe Falls: Let them fall safely to learn faster. Avoid making a big deal of falls to prevent fear.

    

19. Don’t Compare with Others: Every child develops at their own pace. Walking timing depends on their growth, weight, and personality.

20. Address Foot Concerns: Flat feet usually resolve by ages two to three. Ensure they can straighten their toes by six months; consult a doctor if they can’t. If they walk on tiptoes beyond age three, seek medical advice.

When to Be Concerned

If your child isn’t walking by 18 months, consult a doctor. Some children just need extra help. Follow any recommendations for motor skills and physical therapy seriously.