4 simple ways to encourage your baby to walk

Your baby taking their first steps is a game-changing milestone and the sweetest start to a lifetime on the go. 

Your baby's first steps are a big milestone. And while they might be wobbly at first, it won’t be long before they’re walking confidently … and even running!

There are plenty of ways to encourage your baby to go on the move and explore what’s around them. (Top tip: this is the time to child-proof your home).

We’ve got some ideas, below, to help your baby go from crawling to cruising to walking, all while having fun. 

It’s this fun element that lies at the heart of Fisher Price’s ‘Smilestones’ – baby milestones with a big smile. The experts in their Play Lab have worked with thousands of tots and know the best way to learn is through play. Not only does your baby need to use their brains and muscles, it’s one of the main ways they learn about the world. That’s why Fisher-Price has brilliant toys for every Smilestone, including your baby’s first steps.

The Fisher-Price® 2-Sided Steady Speed™ Walker, suitable from 6 months, helps your baby from pulling up all the way through to walking. It’s Netmums Recommended too, with 2 sides of fun activities and 3 Smart Stages learning levels. It’s even got clever ‘Steady Speed’ wheels which stops it zooming off.

Find out more about your baby's first steps Smilestone, and keep reading for all you need to know about encouraging your baby to walk.

The Fisher-Price® 2-Sided Steady Speed™ Walker is suitable for babies from 6 months

When should my baby take their first steps?

Some babies take their first steps at 10 months while others get going later. It’s important to remember that every baby is different and your baby might get there slightly earlier or later.

The NHS says babies typically start crawling between 7-10 months and are walking independently by 18 months. If they’re not moving at all at 12 months, talk to your health visitor for advice.

What are the stages of learning to walk?

Here’s a timeline for babies walking, although your baby might skip a stage or 2.

Pushing up on hands and knees – 6-10 months

Crawling/ bum shuffling – 7-10 months

Pulling up – 7-12 months

Cruising – 8-12 months

Walking – 10-18 months

The Fisher-Price® Learn with Me Zebra Walker has an easy-grasp handle for your baby to hold on to

How to encourage your baby to walk

Wondering how to get your baby to take their first steps? Try these easy-to-do ideas. Remember: keep an eye on your baby and if they’re tired or grouchy, try again another day.

1. Use toys

Babies LOVE toys, so why not use them to get your little one moving. Sit with their favourite toy a few steps away from them. Then encourage them to get to you. 

If they’re not quite ready for that, a baby walker is a brilliant option for some added support. The Fisher-Price® Learn with Me Zebra Walker has an easy-grasp handle for your baby to hold on to. They can pull themselves up and take little steps holding on to the walker. When they’ve had enough, they can sit down and play with the activities including a flip book, spinning rollerball and light-up buttons.

2. Skip the shoes (for now)

Teeny tiny baby shoes are super cute, and you probably can’t wait for your tot to wear them.

But keeping your baby barefoot can actually help them learn to walk. That’s because it strengthens the muscles in their feet and ankles and improves their balance.

Just make sure where they’re walking is clean with nothing sharp on the ground.

The Fisher-Price® Triceratops Learning Activity toy is filled with balls that pop as your baby pulls it along

3. Hold their hands

Give your baby a helping hand, literally, by holding their hands. Try this when your baby is standing up or cruising along furniture. You can slowly move backwards as you hold their hands and (hopefully!) they’ll take a few small steps to keep up with you.

Be ready to catch them, and try again another day if they can only manage a single step.

4. Keep them moving

Your baby has taken their magical first steps, and you want to help them become more confident walkers.

Try and incorporate movement into daily play. Set up a treasure hunt around the room and encourage them to get to each item.

And use pull-along toys so they can show off their new walking skill. The Fisher-Price® Triceratops Learning Activity toy is filled with balls that pop as your baby pulls it along. Suitable for toddlers aged 1-3 years old, it also features 3 Smart Stages levels teaching ABCs, 123s, colours and shapes.

Smilestones by Fisher-Price

Add a smile to your baby’s milestone moments with Fisher-Price Smilestones. Shop the range here.

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