Help your baby learn to walk

For a baby to learn to walk, she must first develop months of muscle building, balance and motor skills. Your baby will achieve new milestones on her own timeline. You cannot teach her to walk, but you can create an environment and provide encouragement to help her learn.

Most babies start walking between nine and 18 months. That's a pretty big variance. Just because your sister-in-law's baby is walking at 10 months, doesn't mean yours is ready to, and it doesn't mean there's something wrong with her.

Now, you did tummy time, right? She loved that. Then she learned to roll over, then sit up. Now she's pulling herself up. This is the time to encourage walking.

• Encourage her to furniture surf. For instance, move the coffee table closer to the couch so she can reach it. Move other stable objects within her reach and then try moving them out a little bit.
• Keep your baby in bare feet while at home. This helps her develop balance.
• Play "Come to daddy/mommy" by reaching out for her while on your knees at increasing distances away. This helps build trust and confidence.
• Get a push toy, like a baby grocery cart or lawn mower. Note that the toy must be stable enough to support her weight.
• Spend lots of time outside at the park.
• Spend time in different environments outside the home. This can provide some extra stimulation and encourage her to explore.
• When you go for a walk, make sure she gets time outside of the stroller.
• Never put your child in a baby walker. They have been shown to be dangerous and are banned in Canada.
• This is the time to childproof your house. Make sure sharp corners and other hazards have baby bumpers on them or are put away. Stairways should be gated.
• It's okay for her to fall, but try putting pillows or cushions down in her crash zone.
• Place a favourite toy just out of reach and encourage her to try to step to it.
• Encourage her to be independent. It's fine to hold her hands while she learns to take steps, but don't let her get too used to it. You want her to build confidence in herself.
• If your baby cries for you or gets stuck, help her, but try to show her what she could do next and encourage her to try.
• Find ways to help strengthen her leg muscles, like holding her hands and having her jump on your lap or on the bed.
• Hold off on introducing shoes until your baby is comfortable walking.
• Never leave your baby unattended.
• Note: Babies who were premature will likely take longer to walk.

Wait to you see that smile of accomplishment when she takes her first steps. Happy parenting!