Most babies take their first steps between 9 and 12 months old. They are walking well by the time they are 14 to 15 months old.  It is normal for some babies to walk a little later.  Some babies don’t walk till  16 or 17 months old. Babies learn how to roll over, sit  and crawl before pulling up and standing up.

How to help your baby walk

As your baby pulls himself in the standing position, he may need help figuring out how to get back down. If the baby gets stuck and starts crying, do not pick him up.  Show him how to sit down without toppling over  and let him give it a try himself.

Another way you can also encourage your baby to walk is by standing or kneeling in front of him and holding your hands out. You may also hold both of his hands and let him walk towards you. He will enjoy a push toy that he can hold on to as he walks.

It is important to make sure that your baby is in a safe environment to learn his new skills. It is important to make sure that your home is childproof and that the child is never left unattended.

Should my baby use a walker ?

The American Academy of pediatrics discourages the use of a baby walker. Even though parents think a walker can help a baby walk faster, it does in fact  delay when a baby walks.  Walkers prevents the upper muscles of the baby’s legs from developing correctly. Baby walkers are not safe to use. Babies who use it are at increased risk of

• rolling down the stairs
• drowning by falling in the tub or pool while in the walker
• getting burned because they can reach higher objects and grab hot items
• being poisoned because they can reach higher items

What should i do if my baby is not walking ?

You have to know that babies reach developmental milestones at different times. Premature babies may reach this and other milestones later than their peers. If your baby cant stand with support by 12 months, cannot walk  by 18 months or is not walking steadily by age 2, let your doctor know.

NOTE

It is important to hold off on shoes until the baby is walking outside or an a rough surface. Walking barefoot helps improve balance and coordination.