First Steps
Here's What To Do
1
If I'm taking steps while holding onto your hands, encourage me to take steps without support!
2
Play a "get the toy" game.
- Place two chairs (or other low furniture) 2-3 steps apart.
- When I'm holding onto one chair, place a favorite toy on the other chair so I need to take a few steps to reach it.
- As I become more confident, move the chairs a bit farther apart.
3
If I can take a few steps between chairs, play a "walk and hug" game.
- Kneel on the floor, facing another adult.
- Hold me steady, then give me a "send off" and encourage me to take steps toward the other adult.
- Give me a big hug and cheer when I fall into the other adult's arms.
- Keep going for as long as I'm interested!
4
Celebrate this big milestone!
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Give me a huge hug before we practice walking!
E
Engage:
- "Luna, can you get the toy?"
- "Let's try walking to Papa! Ready, steady, go!"
E
Encourage:
- Give me lots of chances to walk around barefoot or in socks. This helps me develop strength and balance when I walk.
- Once I get the hang of walking, encourage me to practice my new skill with pull toys (a wheeled toy with a string) or push toys (a baby carriage or wagon).
R
Reflect:
- How does it feel to have a baby that's walking? Do I seem to be proud of my new skill?
Not quite ready?
Help me practice walking while holding onto one or both of your hands.
Ready for more?
Give me "walking challenges," like asking me to hold a stuffed animal while I'm walking, or encouraging me to push or pull a toy while I'm walking.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to take a few steps independently, and eventually will walk for longer and longer distances.