3 Steps To Help Your Infant Learn to Walk

Walking is one of those milestones that everyone is hyper aware of. If you have a child around one, you've probably been asked, "are they walking yet?" dozens of times.

And while most infants take their first steps between 9 and 15 months of age, the exact timing can vary widely from child to child¹.

If your child is practicing many (but no necessarily all) of these movements, then they are probably getting ready to walk!

• Sitting - with and without support
• Crawling - moving forward using the hands and knees with the stomach touching the floor
• Creeping - moving forward on hands-and-knees with the belly lifted off of the ground
• Scooting
• Standing
• Cruising - walking while holding onto something

If it seems like your child is getting ready to walk, here's what you can do to support them.

3 Steps To Help Your Infant Learn to Walk

1. Follow their Natural Development

Every child develops at their own pace so avoid pushing your infant to stand or walk before they show signs of readiness.

Trust that their body will guide the process and support their progress without rushing it.

2. Prepare the Environment

a) Once the infant starts rolling over and becoming more mobile, make sure the spaces they spend time in are safe and open to allow for free movement. Having an open space will help them to navigate the room with more confidence.

b) Ensure the pathways to their toy shelf or other areas of interest are clear and free from obstacles. 

Clear pathways not only promote independence but also help prevent frustration when they’re trying to get to something they’re interested in.

c) Adapt the space as they grow, i.e. when they start pulling up to stand, provide sturdy, secure objects for support, like a heavy ottoman or a low shelf.

These safe surfaces offer opportunities to practice standing and cruising.

If your child is looking to explore new forms of movement, look for safe opportunities where they can practice rather than discouraging the behaviour. 

From birth to 2.5 years of age, children are in a sensitive period for movement, specifically acquiring new forms of movement, so they are highly motivated to learn all the different ways their bodies can move.

3. Introduce Toys that Invite Gross Motor Movements

This could include balls, cars, or any toy that rolls. Allow the toys to gently roll away from the infant, encouraging them to reach for or move to retrieve them. 

Tip: It’s okay to help or move toys closer if your infant seems unsure or frustrated. The goal is for them to feel supported, encouraged and capable, not discouraged by something just out of reach.