Q&A for How to Teach Your Baby to Walk

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  • Question
    Is it normal for a 17 month old baby to cruise around, not walk?
    Community Answer
    It may be that your baby is just getting used to walking. If you are really worried, you can ask your child's doctor.
  • Question
    My baby is 1 year old. When ever she tries to stand up by support, she only stands on her toes. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    That's normal. Help the baby to walk by holding her hands and "walking" around the room.
  • Question
    How to make my baby stand independently without any problems? My baby is 10 months old and he has a fear of standing up.
    Community Answer
    Don't force him to stand up he is only 10 months old. Give him your hands if he will take them, but if he is not happy then simply give him some time.
  • Question
    My baby is 14 months old. She won't walk without holding onto something (wall, furniture, etc.). What assistance can I give her to be confident to do it on her own?
    Community Answer
    The big advantage of walking over crawling is that you can carry things in your hands. When she is cruising around the furniture, hand her a toy. If possible, move the furniture so that she has to take a step or two without touching anything.
  • Question
    How can I get my child to be more stable on the walking toy?
    Jaylan_Helper
    Community Answer
    Stand your baby up, and let her walk with they walking toy. Every time she falls, pick her up and repeat. This will build her developing leg muscles, coordination, and balance.
  • Question
    My baby is 14 months old. He is now walking and running, but both feet are pointing outward. How do I correct this?
    Community Answer
    Toddlers often walk this way, as it is easier to balance. This should correct itself in time.
  • Question
    Will my baby's feet get rug burn?
    Community Answer
    No, your baby shouldn't get rug burn on his feet.
  • Question
    How can I help my baby feel more confident walking? She is 15 months and is reluctant to stand or walk on her own.
    Community Answer
    Try holding on to her hands. When she gets more used to walking, she will want to do it more.
  • Question
    How do I get my baby to like walking?
    Community Answer
    Hold your baby's hands and help them stand. As they get used to it, they will become more confident in walking and can try it on their own.
  • Question
    Should I take my baby who's not walking after a year to therapy?
    Community Answer
    No, this is completely normal! Most babies don’t start walking until they’re 18 months old, sometimes even older.
  • Question
    How do I encourage my baby to walk if they're afraid?
    Community Answer
    It could be easier if you show them what you want them to do with your own body first. Start at a crawling position next to them, and then get up slowly. They will watch you and understand that nothing bad will happen to them. Constantly talk to them as you do this.
  • Question
    How do I get my baby to walk if they're not crawling and they're a year old?
    Community Answer
    Some babies just don't want to crawl. if they can't stand either, it is a good idea to hold under their armpits and have them try to stand.
  • Question
    What should I do if my 11-month-old baby won't stop standing on their tiptoes?
    Community Answer
    Nothing, he/she is just finding their balance, that's perfectly normal at this age. It will fix itself. If he/she is still doing this at 3 years old, consult your pediatrician.
  • Question
    How do I get my child who's 6 years old and not walking to walk?
    Community Answer
    I’d recommend taking your child to the pediatrician and get it checked out, because this could be a sign of a developmental issue.
  • Question
    What do I do if my baby's legs look strange when they're six months old?
    Community Answer
    Ask your doctor if there is anything to concern yourself about. You will get piece of mind as well.
  • Question
    My baby is seven months old and she is standing up by herself. Is that normal?
    Ray
    Community Answer
    Between seven months and 12 months, your baby will probably start trying to pull herself up to stand while holding on to furniture. By seven months of age, her muscles will be strong enough to stand but she won't have the balancing quite right.
  • Question
    What do I do if my baby doesn't have the confidence to walk alone when learning?
    Ray
    Community Answer
    Hold her hand. You can also encourage independent stepping by walking with her while holding her hands for balance.
  • Question
    How do I encourage my baby to walk and stand without support?
    Ray
    Community Answer
    Put toys up once they are beginning to pull to stand. Put the baby on their feet to play at the couch by 6-7 months (while ensuring you are there to hold as needed). Give them lots of different surfaces to stand on to allow them to develop balance reactions.
  • Question
    What should I do if my baby is 11 months and not standing on their own?
    Ray
    Community Answer
    For most babies, standing without support won't happen until at least 8 months, and more likely closer to 10 or 11 months (but even up to 15 months is considered normal). To encourage your baby to stand: Put her in your lap with her feet on your legs and help her bounce up and down.
  • Question
    Me and my mom babysit and I am scared that he will fall and his mom will not like it. What do I do?
    KY_GirlatHeart
    Community Answer
    If you're concerned about his falling, let him walk on the carpet or somewhere with a cushioned surface. If he walks on something hard, hold his hand, but keep a close eye on him.
  • Question
    My baby was born without arms. How do I teach her to walk?
    KY_GirlatHeart
    Community Answer
    Support her body by holding her by her sides or waist. Keep a firm yet somewhat relaxed grip on her so she doesn't tip over/fall down, and be patient as you guide her. You might want to have someone whom she is acquainted with crouch in front of her and extend their arms to her so that she knows they will catch her.
  • Question
    My baby cannot walk on his own, but he can walk with supporting things. He is 14 months old. Is this okay?
    Community Answer
    Yes! That is totally normal gradually he will start to walk on his own. Once he is more comfortable, he will simply just start walking without any aids.
  • Question
    My baby is 17 months old and can't walk or cruise walk yet. Should I be worried?
    Community Answer
    Give her an extra few months yet, some babies are just slow to adapt. If she isn't walking by then, talk to your pediatrician.
  • Question
    Is it possible for an 8-month-old baby to walk?
    Community Answer
    Yes, babies begin to walk between 8 and 16 months of age. A baby with advanced development could certainly be walking at 8 months.
  • Question
    My 15 month old baby only cruises around the house holding on to everything and stands up by holding on to the wall, door, chair, piano, table, etc. and he also crawls. How do I teach him to walk?
    Community Answer
    You can bend down to his level, hold out your hands, and say, "Come here! You can do it!" If they try to walk towards you while grasping onto something, then continue to try this method.
  • Question
    How do I teach my baby who doesn't know how to balance to walk?
    Community Answer
    Start small. Help your baby balance, then slowly work your way up. Push toys are often good.
  • Question
    My 14-month baby only walks when he can grab furniture or walls. How can I help him be confident enough to let go and walk on his own?
    Community Answer
    Make a marking point for him to walk. Hold his hands to help him walk then let go once he gets half way. Increase the amount he walks every time and decrease the time you hold his hands every time.
  • Question
    My Baby is 16 months old, she is able to walk with support but not without it. Is that something I should worry about?
    Community Answer
    No she is only 16 months old. Most babies walk at 18 months, and it's only an average. See your doctor if you have specific concerns about developmental delays.
  • Question
    Is there harm in trying to force a baby to walk?
    Community Answer
    The baby may feel pressured to do it and not want to do so, which might delay development.
  • Question
    How can I help my one-year-old, who has an above the knee amputation, learn to walk on their prosthetic limb?
    Kammyisawesome
    Community Answer
    Gently hold them up and let them balance on their prosthetic limb. Try gentle pulling them forward to encourage them to take some steps on it. Don't get frustrated if it doesn't happen immediately, it takes every child a little while to get the hang of walking. You can also ask or advice from her doctor, or the specialist that helped you with the prosthesis.
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