Remember when your little one first smiled? What about when they first started crawling? Those precious milestones children go through are heartwarming, and you can’t help but be proud of them as a parent. Every parent enjoys seeing their kids make it through or exceed childhood milestones.
Walking is one of the milestones that most parents can’t wait to see their little ones through. Every child will start walking when they are ready, but you could always give them a nudge towards the right direction.
Here are a few tips on how you can teach your baby how to walk.
Encourage them to Stand More
Once your little tot stands freely, you should help them to stand more.
One way is to hold their hands and dance with them for a while. For the little one who can’t stand yet, get them a baby jumper to get them started.
When you do decide to get your child a baby jumper or baby walker, get them one that is stationary as opposed to one with wheels. A stationary baby walker sees to it that your young one does all the work from standing to moving around.
Also, get a baby walker or baby jumper that is structured to develop your tot’s motor skills.
Standing more works on your young one’s coordination and balance. Coordination and balance are important aspects of walking.
Have them Move
Kids can spend a considerable amount of time in their playpen entertained with toys, but having them move around will help start them off when it comes to walking.
There are several ways to get your toddler moving including dancing and playing moving games with them. For instance, you could walk around and have them follow you as they support themselves on furniture.
Also, get your older kids involved because kids tend to respond well to each other. Have your older ones try to play with your young one, even if they aren’t moving around much yet.
Work on their Muscles
The reason why your little one topples over after free standing for a while is that their feet muscles aren’t well developed. Help them develop the muscles of their feet with a trip to the beach.
The beach has sand, which is an uneven surface. When your tot stands on the surface, the muscles of their feet work harder to keep them upright and this, in turn, helps to build the muscles.
Also, the sand at the beach is cushiony, and you don’t have to worry much when your little one topples over.
Interact with Other Babies
Studies show that kids pick a lot of social cues and emotional response mechanisms by interacting with other adults, other than their parents, and other children as well. Your little tot might just learn how to walk by interacting with other children who are already walking.
Being able to see other kids walking will spark the interest and desire in your young one to walk. Walking is also often triggered by a toddler’s self-initiative, meaning that they should really want to do it to start trying to do it.
Put together play dates or attend baby jamborees to get your little one fired up to take their first steps. Socialization is also another important aspect when it comes to helping children say their first words.
Don’t forget that your little tot is unique and they will hit their milestones when the time is right. If you have concerns about your child’s milestones, discuss them with your physician. Otherwise, with the straightforward and easy steps outlined above, you will be able to give your toddler the nudge they need to start walking.