Cruising Around the Room
Here's What To Do
If I can balance well while standing and holding onto furniture, encourage me to "cruise" around the room.
Position me at a piece of low furniture that has a spot for me to hold on at my chest height. (Examples: coffee table, couch seat, chair seat). My tummy should face the furniture so I can use both hands to balance and step sideways.
Place a favorite toy slightly out of reach to encourage me to "cruise," which is using furniture to help me balance when I learn to walk.
Celebrate if I am able to "cruise" over to the toy. Try placing the toy on the other side so I can practice going the other way.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Have a quick dance party with me. Stand me on my feet, hold my hands, and bounce around.
Engage:
- "Lucas! Can you walk over to Daddy? Come get me!"
- "Hold onto the table and see if you can come get Piggy!"
Encourage:
- Smile and offer encouragement if I'm seeming unsure about trying to "cruise."
- Increase the difficulty as I get better at "cruising." Place objects farther away from me, or let me try moving from one chair to another, spaced a few inches apart.
Reflect:
- Is my balance improving when I stand and "cruise?" I may be getting ready to walk soon!
Not quite ready?
Encourage me to use low, sturdy furniture to pull up from sitting to standing by placing toys on the edge of furniture surfaces.
Ready for more?
Help me practice walking while you hold both of my hands, or by using a push toy.
As your child masters this skill...
They will take some first steps holding onto furniture to help them balance.