5 Signs Your Baby is Ready to Walk

One important milestone that we usually anticipate is their first steps. Those first wobbly baby steps are bound to draw smiles on our faces. Here are 5 signs to observe when your baby is getting ready to walk:

5 Signs To Know When Your Baby Is Ready To Walk

1. Pulling Up To Stand:

Baby’s first steps are usually marked by their attempts to pull up to stand. This squat-like movement enhances the baby’s leg muscles and coordination. Make sure to encourage these movements, saying ‘up’ as the baby pulls up and ‘down’ as the baby squats.

Babies start pulling up to stand up on couches and coffee tables as they turn 9 months old.  

2. Being Adventurous:

This sign signals a great growth in self-confidence. For your baby to walk, they need to believe in their abilities. Although this might be worrying to you as a parent, given that risks most often imply danger, but providing your baby with a safe environment to stretch their physical abilities is important.

3. Cruising Around The House:

‘Cruising’ is when your baby walks as they hold onto furniture or use it to leap from one position to the other. This stage reveals that your baby is now working on their balance to move forward. Just make sure that the furniture provides a safe, solid path for your baby. 

This typically happens between 9 months and 12 months of age. 

4. Walking With Assistance:

Walking with assistance can help your baby with those first steps. Safe and age-appropriate push toys, such as a grocery cart, can encourage your child to attempt walking. Holding their hands to assist also works! 

5. Standing Without Support:

An exciting moment for you and your baby is the first time they stand alone.  Your baby would have stability and balance. They would require some time to gain some confidence before they attempt to take on those first wobbly steps. This typically happens around the age of one.

How can you encourage your baby to take their first steps? 

Child development varies, and that’s totally normal if your baby does not exhibit the readiness to walk at the designated time. It would be best to consult with your pediatrician if you are worried. There are some ways though to promote your baby’s readiness to walk and to take on those first baby steps! 

1. Deliver praise as your baby shows an intention to move or stand up. 
2. Comfort your baby when he or she falls to create a safe environment. 
3. Extend your arm for the baby to walk to you, or lend a hand to help your baby stand up. 
4. Encourage movement as it helps strengthen your baby’s muscles 
5. Use push toys that are safe and designed for babies to use.

What do babies do after they walk? 

As adventurous as the baby walking journey is, more adventure awaits after! Here are a few milestones that you also need to anticipate:

• At about 16 months, your toddler exhibits interest in climbing stairs but might need your help to do it. 
• At about 18 months, your toddler is a fan of climbing, kicking (after a few failed attempts), and probably dancing to music! 
• At around 26 months, your toddler will get better at jumping. 
• 10 months later, at the age of 3, your toddler is on the go and has got things going! 

Keep in mind, children cross developmental milestones differently. Consult with your doctor if you are worried.

References:

1. https://www.webmd.com/baby/when-does-a-baby-start-walking#2
2. https://www.webmd.com/baby/when-does-a-baby-start-walking#1
3.  https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-do-babies-start-walking/