Watching your little one grow and develop is an amazing experience. One of the most exciting milestones is when your baby starts to take their first steps. Walking is a sign that your baby is growing stronger and becoming more independent. But how do you know when your baby is about to start walking? A few signs can indicate your baby is getting ready to take those first wobbly steps. In this article, we will tell you about signs that you can watch out for that indicate that your little one is about to start walking.
Babies usually start taking their first steps between the age of nine and eighteen months. But it is important to note that all babies develop at their own pace. So, if your baby takes a little longer than expected, you do not have to worry. Your baby will learn to walk when he/she is ready, and with your encouragement, they'll gain the confidence they need.
Early Signs That Your Baby is Getting Ready to Walk
There are a few early signs that can give you a hint that your baby is preparing to walk. These signs will vary from baby to baby, but we have listed down some common ones that you may notice. A few signs to look out for are:
1. Crawling:
Your baby's first steps towards independence. Crawling helps babies develop their coordination, balance, and strength. Watch as they learn to crawl faster and more confidently, chasing after toys and exploring their world on all fours.
2. Cruising:
This is like baby parkour! Your little one will use furniture and your hands as their personal obstacle course as they practice balancing, stepping, and exploring their surroundings. Soon enough, they'll be cruising around the room like a pro, taking bigger steps and feeling more confident every day. And finally, they will move both feet together to take bigger steps.
3. Standing without Support:
When your baby starts standing up without any support, it's a sign that they are building confidence and strength in their leg muscles. This is a huge milestone for the baby, so do not be surprised if they start bouncing up and down with excitement or if they take a few wobbly steps towards you with their arms outstretched for a big hug. Before you know it, they'll be running and jumping like little champions.
4. Being Fussy:
This is one not-so-common sign, but you might notice that your baby is fussing more than usual or getting a bit cranky. It's perfectly normal for your baby to feel frustrated as they work towards the walking milestone. But don't worry; with a little encouragement and support, they'll be up on their feet in no time. And once they take those first few steps, you'll see their whole face light up with pride and excitement.
5. More Tired than Normal:
All that hard work to reach the walking milestone is exhausting. Your baby might be climbing up on furniture, cruising across the room, and practising their balance and coordination, which can really wear them out. Plus, they might be going through a growth spurt at this age, adding to their tiredness. So don't be surprised if they're snoozing more than usual - they need all the rest they can get to keep up with their new active lifestyle.
6. Being Adventurous:
Walking requires self-confidence, and your baby is building that confidence with every step. You might be nervous about them taking risks and exploring their surroundings, but providing a safe and supportive environment for them to explore is important for their growth and development. Here we have listed down helpful tips to prepare your home for your baby's first steps, ensuring a safe and secure environment for their practice.
Preparing Your Home For Your Baby’s First Steps
As your baby gets closer to taking their first steps, it's important to prepare your home to make sure it's a safe and supportive environment for them to learn and explore. We have compiled some tips to help you get started:
1. Clear the Floors:
Remove any tripping hazards, such as loose rugs, toys, or other clutter, from the floors. This will give your little one plenty of space to move around safely.
2. Secure Furniture:
Make sure any furniture that your baby might use to pull themselves up is securely fastened to the wall. This will ensure that there is no risk of any furniture toppling over.
3. Cover Sharp Corners:
Cover any sharp corners on furniture or counter-tops with foam padding to protect your baby from bumps and bruises.
4. Create a Play Area:
Designate a safe play area for your baby with plenty of soft, cushioned surfaces. This will give your little one a comfortable and secure place to practice their newfound skill of walking.
5. Install Safety Gates:
Use safety gates to block off stairs or any other areas that may be unsafe for your little one.
Remember, preparing your home for your baby's first steps is an ongoing process. As your little one grows and develops new skills, you may need to make additional adjustments to ensure their safety. But with a little preparation and a lot of love and support, you can create a safe and nurturing environment for your baby to take their first steps. You will have your baby sauntering across your home confidently in no time.
Encouraging Your Baby's First Steps
1. Exercise to Strengthen Muscles
Exercise is an important part of strengthening your little one's leg muscles and improving their overall physical and cognitive development. When do babies start walking? Regular, everyday exercise can help improve coordination, circulation, and muscle strength. Here are some activities that you can incorporate into your baby's routine:
a. Tummy Time: When do babies start walking? Place your baby on their tummy and lay down beside them. Watch as they lift their head, raise their arms, and kick their legs. It helps strengthen the muscles in their arms, legs, and core before they're ready to start walking.
b. Standing: Hold your baby in a standing position to help them build strength in their legs. Support them under their arms and make sure their feet are flat on a stable surface.
C. Assisted Walking: Help them by holding their hands and letting them take a few steps. This will not only help build their leg muscles but also their confidence.
Engaging Your Baby with Fun Activities
Take the time to entertain your baby with enjoyable activities. Start with shorter exercises, observe their reactions, and then move forward. Alternating between activities keeps them engaged and entertained. Make sure to have fun and enjoy your special time together with your little one. After all, that's what matters most.
Closing Thoughts
We hope our guide gives you a clear idea of what signs to look out for and how to prepare your home for your baby’s first steps. Embrace this exciting milestone with your little one. Encourage them with positive reinforcement and celebrate their accomplishments as they take their first wobbly steps. Recognising early signs, preparing your home, and supporting your baby are all important steps to help them in their journey of mastering the skill of walking.
As you prepare to witness your baby take their first steps, you need to remember that this important milestone in a child’s development is just the beginning of their lifelong journey of learning and development. At Raising Superstars, we understand the crucial role that early childhood development plays in shaping your child's future success. That's why we offer amazing prodigy programmes to boost your baby's growth and development, starting from the early years. Our screen-free programmes encourage early learning and help you support your child's talents and skills, providing them with a strong foundation for a lifetime of success.
