Helping your baby build strength to stand and walk is such a pleasure! Seeing your baby develop is one of the very best things about being a parent, but it is also one of the most frustrating.
It feels like they’re happily sitting on the floor one minute, and the next they’re pulling themselves up against the sofa, delighted by their new achievement!
However, it does take time to learn to stand and walk, and every baby develops at their own pace. There is no need to rush. The best way to help your little one is to give them lots of time to build their confidence through movement and play.
Here are some simple ways to help your baby get stronger and prepare for those first steps.
Helping Your Baby Build Strength to Stand and Walk
Plenty of tummy time
Tummy time is a great way to help babies grow stronger in their back, neck, shoulders, and arms. These muscles are critical for your baby when they are starting to sit, crawl, pull themselves up, and eventually walk.
Make tummy time fun by putting your baby’s favourite toy just out of their reach or getting down on the floor to chat to your baby. A little bit at a time throughout the day will make a difference.
Encourage crawling and moving around
Crawling is important to help babies develop their coordination, balance and strength. Every baby crawls in their own special way, and it is a delight to discover how your baby crawls.
Give your baby a safe place on the floor to explore. Put their favourite toys nearby to encourage them to reach, stretch, and move towards them.
Floor play is one of the simplest and best ways for little ones to develop their muscles naturally.
Let your baby practice pulling up
Once your baby is ready, they might try to pull themselves up on furniture. A low, stable piece of furniture, like a sturdy sofa, can give them something safe to hold on to.
Stay nearby and make sure the furniture can’t fall over or wobble. Let your baby practice standing for a little bit, holding on as they build their strength and confidence.
You might find they love standing up but haven’t quite worked out how to sit down again! Give them time and gentle encouragement.
Play standing-up games
If your baby enjoys standing with support, maybe place their favourite toy on a low and stable surface so that they can grab it while standing.
You can also sit on the floor opposite them and encourage them to reach towards you.
Keep things playful and relax. You don’t need to turn it into a practice session. Babies learn so much through everyday play.
Give their little feet room to move
When your baby is learning to stand and walk, barefoot time indoors can be helpful. It lets them practice balancing on the floor beneath their feet.
Choose comfortable, well-fitted shoes that fit properly and allow their feet to move naturally when out and about.
I don’t recommend baby walkers that babies sit inside, because they do not help the babies learn to walk and increase the risk of accidents.
Let them learn at their their own pace
Comparing babies with other little ones can always be tempting, especially when friends’ babies seem to be reaching their milestones quicker.
Don’t worry. Some babies start walking early, and others take a little longer. Both are perfectly normal.
If you have any concerns about your baby’s movement or development, speak to your GP, who will help set your mind at ease.
Enjoy those little milestones
Learning to stand and walk is a huge achievement, but it won’t happen overnight. There will be lots of wobbles, little falls onto their bottoms and many determined attempts along the way.
Be encouraging, make sure your baby is safe when exploring, and have fun watching them discover what their little bodies can do. If milestones aren’t reached and you have any concerns you made want to may want to book an appointment with a paediatric physiotherapist who will be able to give you more focused and individualised guidance and advice.
Before long, you’ll be wishing they would sit still for five minutes!
