Stepping Into A Whole New World–No Small Feet

by Debbie Twomey on April 30, 2011

 

It may seem like only yesterday that your baby mastered crawling. It probably was and now they are all ready for the next stage-Walking. These transitions happen so quickly parents better not take too long of a long blink.

Rather than rushing the learning process, parents should take their cues from their babies. Pulling themselves up on furniture, placing their hands out before themselves (as if to break a fall) and pushing up from the crawl position are all indications your baby is preparing for their First Steps.

The age they take their first steps is not really a reflection of your parenting (good or bad). If they are late walkers it is not indicative of lack of skill or poor conditioning and certainly not a lack of intelligence. Gross motor skills need developing (pulling their heads up from laying on their tummies builds and strengthens important muscles) and actually a general interest in walking are all necessary for that milestone to take place.

The age of first steps varies but most experts agree, it is usually between 9-15 months of age. Just remember, your baby is growing and developing at their own pace and unless you see major reasons for concern, you should allow them to grow and evolve on their own. There are certain steps a parent can take to help the process but never force any change before your baby is fully prepared.

Parents can make the taking those first steps a positive experience by encouraging your child and by providing safety measures to protect them.

Encouragement and Interaction:

  •   Be sure to have the baby get lots of time on their stomachs since they must sleep on their backs and being on their back can impede development
  • Having a ball for your baby to reach for from a sitting position to help with their balance and to strengthen back muscles
  •   Allow your child to pull themselves to a standing position using stable furniture
  •   Get down on the floor with your baby to mimic the movements of crawling, rolling and pulling themselves up (you can make it a game)
  •   Keep your baby barefoot as shoes discourages use of toes needed for balance
  •   Cheering, clapping and praise go so far when babies are learning. Most children thrive on the attention and try just for that acknowledgment

 

Each stage in a baby’s development is important but those first few lone steps set in motion independence. They also represent the end of tranquility for parents counting on those “baby free areas.” Nothing will be off limits (unless boundaries are consistently and firmly established). Your baby is up and Running. The baby is now mobile, seeking to discover the rest of their world from a level no higher than 3 feet.

 

 

 

 

Imagine the possibilities!                  

The focus for parents now becomes safety and child-proofing their world.

Safety Precautions:

  •   Make sure furniture is stable and not easily toppled
  •   Remove those sharp coffee tables and surfaces that come to the babies eye level that are too pointed
  •   Secure area rugs and be sure no ends are folded or sticking up to prevent tripping
  •   If your child is exposed to stairs, install safety gates that secure properly
  •   Use socket covers and make sure chords are out of reach of little hands and feet
  •   Lock up toxic chemicals
  •   If possible have a soft area to walk on (carpeting) because falls are inevitable and most babies start out head first in walking so that is how they will fall
  •  Keep all sharp or harmful objects out of the way as that is the first direction your child will head
  •   Be close by to offer a steady hand

 

In the first year of your baby’s life, the most memorable milestone is taking their first step—all by themselves. It is an exciting, fascinating, and wonderful time filled with exploration and growth. Watching their determination and seeing how often they will pick themselves up and try again is an amazing time to discover the tenacity of the human spirit. I hope your babies DANCE.

 

 

 

 

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Dr. Mary Starr May 2, 2011 at 11:12 pm

Very helpful. thank you Debbie!

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