Signs Your Baby Will Walk Soon and How to Support Them

Few milestones in a baby’s journey captivate parents’ hearts, like anticipating their first steps. The promise of independence and a world filled with exploration hangs in the air as caregivers eagerly await the signs that their little one is on the brink of walking. This blog will explore the three signs baby will walk soon and give you invaluable tips on supporting your baby through this transition. 

Your baby will nonverbally tell you they’re ready to start walking when they show signs of improved balance and coordination. They’ll also start pulling themselves up on their own and begin cruising along the furniture in your home. To support your baby through their crawling-to-walking journey, you should:

• Create a safe environment for them to walk/stumble/crawl in
• Encourage them to play on the floor
• Hold their hands as they walk to provide support
• Give them a push toy (wheeled walkers or toys with handles
• Avoid overusing a walker
• Celebrate their progress via positive reinforcement

Read on to learn how to identify the signs and how to encourage walking.

Signs Your Baby Is Ready To Walk

Improved Balance and Coordination

As babies grow, they start developing better balance and coordination. You’ll notice that your little one can sit up straighter, roll over easily, and stand up momentarily while holding furniture. These stability improvements indicate that their muscles are getting stronger and preparing to take on the challenge of walking.

Pulling Themselves Up

Around the age of 8 to 10 months, many babies start pulling themselves up to stand using furniture, crib rails, or any other support they can find. They are eager to explore their surroundings from a different perspective. Successfully pulling themselves up indicates that their leg muscles are gaining the strength to support their weight.

Cruising Along Furniture

Cruising is when a baby holds onto furniture and moves sideways, taking supported steps. This skill usually develops after they’ve learned to pull themselves up. Cruising helps them practice shifting their weight from one leg to another, an essential skill for independently walking. 

Tips for Supporting Your Baby’s Walking Journey

Create a Safe Environment

As your baby begins to take their first steps, ensure their environment is safe from hazards or obstacles. Install safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs, cover sharp corners, and secure any furniture that could tip over if leaned on. 

Encourage Floor Play

Give your baby plenty of opportunities to practice their newfound mobility on the floor. Floor play encourages your child to improve their coordination, steady their balance, and strengthen their leg muscles. You could place toys in front of them just out of reach to motivate them to crawl or cruise towards them. 

Hold Their Hands and Provide Support

Gently holding your baby’s hands while they stand can give them a sense of security and help them build confidence. Allow them to put weight on their legs while holding onto your fingers or hands for balance. This practice supports their physical development and creates a positive bonding experience between you and your baby.

Invest in Push Toys

Push toys, like wheeled walkers or toys with handles, can be excellent tools to support your baby’s walking journey. These toys provide stability and something to hold onto while moving, allowing them to practice taking steps without fearing falling. Choose toys with sturdy construction and smooth-rolling wheels for a safer experience.

Avoid Overuse of Baby Walkers

While traditional baby walkers might seem like a convenient option, they can hinder your baby’s natural development of walking skills. Research has shown that prolonged use of baby walkers can delay independent walking. However, the research isn’t strong enough for this to be a blanket rule. Baby walkers can help, but try to keep your baby from becoming overly reliant on them.

Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Remember that each baby develops at their own pace. Celebrate every small achievement, whether standing without support, cruising along furniture, or taking those first wobbly steps. Positive reinforcement and encouragement create a nurturing environment that boosts your baby’s confidence and motivation to explore their newfound abilities.

Conclusion

Watching your baby transition from a crawling explorer to a wobbly walker is a heartwarming experience. By recognizing the signs indicating they’re ready to take those first steps and providing the right support, you can confidently help them embark on this exciting journey. Remember, it’s not just about the destination but the steps they take along the way that matter most.