Baby walk

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Walking

From bottom shuffle to wobbly totter, around now your baby’s likely to start learning how to walk. Child development expert Eileen Hayes explains what to expect as your baby starts to find her feet.

 On average, most babies take their first steps between 13 and 15 months old

How old should your baby be?

Walking, like all other developmental stages that your baby achieves, has quite a wide age variation that is entirely normal. Some babies may take a few unassisted steps as early as nine months, while others are still happily shuffling around on their bottoms at 18 months, though both of these are less common. On average, most babies take their first steps between 13 and 15 months old.

Don't panic

It can be tempting for parents to boast about early walking, talking and other skills. However, most late walkers soon catch up, and walking early doesn’t predict in any way how intelligent a baby is. It involves muscular development, not brain power, and this may occur more slowly in some babies.

Babies on the move

Learning to walk happens in stages. First, it’s likely your baby will start to try to pull herself to standing while holding on tightly to furniture. Once she’s mastered that, after a few weeks she’ll start to “cruise” – moving around upright, still holding on. She may be able to let go and stand still without any support. Finally she’ll let go to take her first unsupported steps.

Should you encourage walking?

Babies who have started early will need little encouragement! But there is no harm in helping your older baby practice the necessary skills. This might mean:
• holding her hands while pulling her up gently, and encouraging her to ‘walk’ while holding on
• placing her hands to grip the edges of a piece of low furniture, with her in an upright position
• leaving her barefoot as much as possible for a better, safer grip
• holding out a tempting toy: this encourages many babies to take the first few steps to grab hold of it
• choosing push-along toys with sturdy, stable handles, as these help many babies move around
• giving your baby time out of the playpen, cot or pushchair to get around.

Baby Walkers

Most experts don’t advise the use of baby walkers, and don’t believe they speed the process up in any way. Health visitor Christine Bidmead says, “Walking independently is so different from reliance on a baby walker. Pulling to stand and learning about balance is an important stage before letting go. Baby walkers can be fun, but should be used sparingly so that your baby can learn what she needs to know about moving through her own efforts.”

Shoes on, shoes off?

Buying first shoes is always exciting, though the thrill often wears off when you see the price and realise how quickly they are outgrown! Don’t be in too much of a rush. Most experts believe that barefoot is best when your baby’s learning to walk. This might not be practical outdoors or if it’s really cold, but you should let your new toddler toddle around as much as possible barefoot.