Babies seem to have no fear, especially when it comes to exploring their surroundings. If you've ever caught your little one trying to dive headfirst off the couch or bed, you're not alone! While this adventurous spirit is a normal part of development, it's important to teach them how to get down from furniture safely.

One of the biggest safety tips I teach my patients is starting this lesson early so that once your baby is truly mobile, they’ve got it down. The key is teaching them to go feet first. Here’s how you can help your baby master this important skill.

Babies are naturally curious and often want to explore everything around them, which can lead to falls from elevated surfaces. Learning to go feet first reduces the risk of head-first tumbles. Teaching your baby how to get down from furniture feet first is important for their safety, but there are also other benefits! This skill helps your baby develop body and spatial awareness and understand how their body moves in spaces around them. Additionally, learning to get down safely on their own, gives your baby more confidence and independence in exploring their environment.

The best time to start teaching this skill is as soon as your baby learns to sit up independently. Early practice allows them to get comfortable with the movement before they become more mobile and adventurous.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to helping your baby learn to go feet first when getting off furniture:

1. Start on a Low Surface: Begin with a low, soft surface like a couch or chair. Make sure the surrounding area is safe.

2. Introduce Verbal Cues: Use simple, consistent verbal cues like "flip over," "feet first," or "go down backwards" each time you practice. This helps your baby associate the words with the action, making it easier for them to understand what you want them to do.

3. Model the Movement: Babies are great imitators, so don’t hesitate to show them how it’s done! You can demonstrate by showing them how you get down from a surface.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice: Repetition is key. The more you practice, the more natural this movement will become for your baby. It can be an easy and fun activity to incorporate into playtime!

5. Gradually Reduce Support: As your baby becomes more comfortable with the movement, gradually reduce the amount of support you provide.

Check THIS out for examples! 

Remember, like all new skills, learning to go down feet first takes practice. Be patient and give your baby plenty of opportunities to try this movement in a safe environment. With time, they’ll get the hang of it and start navigating furniture and steps like a pro!

Teaching your baby to get down from furniture safely is an important part of their development and can prevent potential injuries as they explore their surroundings. By starting early and using consistent practice and encouragement, you can help them master this skill with confidence.

Have you taught your baby to "flip it and reverse it" yet? If not, now is a great time to start! If you have any questions or need further guidance on teaching this or other movement skills, feel free to reach out.