Happy New Year! Is this the year your baby will start walking? Are they itching to be on the move? Are they cruising non-stop?

This is such an exciting time for parents and kiddos because you know that those independent steps are right around the corner. But first your little one will need to experience the forward stepping motion (as opposed to the side stepping they've been practicing with cruising). It takes A LOT of core and hip strength to control the weight shifts that come with walking - being able to put your weight solely on one side while progressing the other foot forward. Learning to walk comes with lots of tumbles and trial and error, but there are some awesome products and creative ways that you can help baby reach that next step...no pun intended :) 

#1. A traditional push walker. These are NOT all created equal. As a pediatric PT I have literally seen them all and most of them leave a lot to be desired. The biggest thing I look for is can baby pull down on the handle with all their weight and it wont flip over? Also does it work well on slicker surfaces like tile or wood floors? Many push walkers will slide way too fast on those (and only a few actually have controls on the wheels to slow them down). One of my favorites is the Hape Push Walker. Also it is key to not introduce the push walker too early. Wait until your child is confidently cruising along furniture before using one.

#2. The box-style push walkers like The Little Balance Box. These are newer to the market and pretty genius if you ask me! The simplicity is great, they aren't an eye-sore when out in the living room, and they're very difficult to tip. Other even cheaper options include, a weighted down amazon box, laundry basket or rolling upright suitcase!

#3. Walking handles like the Willa Walker. These will save you from hours of stooping to hold baby's hand while they walk. They will offer less stability than a push walker - which is great because baby needs to be able to experience some instability and learn to right their balance. Other cheaper options include using a jump rope or hula hoop for baby to hold one end and you hold the other.

#4 Play Shopping Carts or Strollers. These are a fantastic first birthday gift and give baby a goal for walking - to pick up toys and put them in the cart! I love that this could also incorporate squatting to grab an item off the floor and standing back up to put it in...an awesome strengthening activity for your little! Be careful with these though because they may be more likely to tip. You might need to fill the basket with some heavier toys to prevent that happening.

#5. Cozy Coupes/Baby Cars. Looking for some outdoor options for learning to walk? Get baby to push around their cozy coupe instead of sitting in it! Put one of their stuffed animals or dolls in there and tell baby to give them a ride. 

#6. And lastly- there is no substitute for just holding your little one's hands and letting them take off. You can experiment to see if they are ready to hold just ONE hand instead of two. When holding both hands try to be right above them so you don't throw off their alignment and balance. Or even better, you can stand in front of them holding both hands and you walk backwards while they walk towards you. If your baby is reluctant, try some silly dino feet!

The one thing I always warn against is using old-school baby walkers where baby is placed inside. Not only are they a safety hazard if you have stairs in your home, they also prohibit baby from learning the proper body mechanics for walking. Babies in walkers are often up on their tip toes or with their pelvis tipped back and their backs rounded and this posture will actually DELAY walking instead of encouraging it. 

Once you think baby is close to making those first independent moves, practice having baby stand with their back to a couch or wall while you sit a few feet away to catch them as they stumble towards you. Soon baby will gain more control and those stumbles will turn to steps and you can start scooting further and further away!

Most importantly, don't stress out. Make this practice FUN. And if your little one isn't walking by around 16-18 months seek out an opinion from a physical therapist. 

xo

Brita (@ProgressThroughPlay)

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