Key Tips for Helping Your Baby Learn to Walk

Some parents worry when they see their baby wobbling while trying to walk, afraid they might bump into something and get hurt. Others think they should help by holding their baby’s hands to practice walking. But after spending so much time bent over helping, haven’t you noticed how sore your back gets? Not to mention, this kind of help might actually do more harm than good for your baby.

Why Holding Your Baby’s Hands While They Learn to Walk Might Be Harmful?

1. It Can Lead to Bad Walking HabitsAdults are much taller than babies, so when you hold their hands to walk, you naturally pull them upward. This upward pull makes babies walk on their tiptoes. Over time, even when they start walking on their own, they might continue to walk on their toes. This not only looks awkward but can also affect the development of their arches.

2. It Can Damage Their BonesA baby’s shoulder and elbow joints are delicate. If you don’t handle them gently while helping them walk, you could accidentally cause joint or bone injuries. Especially when a baby is about to fall, our instinct is to quickly pull them up, but this sudden motion can lead to dislocated arms or even fractures.

3. It Hinders Their Balance DevelopmentHolding your baby’s hands might prevent them from falling, but it also robs them of the chance to learn how to balance on their own. For example, when they’re holding onto the sofa, they’re figuring out how to walk more steadily. Over time, babies who don’t practice balancing might fall more easily when they walk or run. To help your baby develop a good sense of balance, it’s important to let go and give them the space to learn through experience.

4. It Can Hurt Their ConfidenceTaking that first step is a big mental hurdle for a baby. If we’re always holding their hands, they might become too dependent on us and not build the confidence to think, “I can do this on my own.”

Of course, there’s no need to be too extreme. It’s okay to hold your baby’s hands occasionally as they’re learning to walk, but don’t make it a habit with the idea that it’s the only way they’ll learn. So, how should you guide your baby to walk?

Key Tips for Helping Your Baby Learn to Walk

Learning to walk is a natural process that doesn’t require much formal practice.

• Around 9 months: Babies usually start walking by holding onto sofas or tables.
• 10–12 months: They’ll build up the courage to take their first wobbly steps on their own.
• After 12 months: They might take a few independent steps but will often stumble or trip.
• After 18 months: Most babies will walk more steadily.

As you can see, the process from assisted walking to confidently walking on their own doesn’t happen overnight. Our role is to support this natural progression by providing a safe environment where they can practice, such as:

• Cushioned Falls: Cover areas where your baby frequently walks with carpets or play mats to soften any falls.
• Avoid Sharp Edges: Use bumpers on furniture like tables, cabinets, and beds to prevent injuries from sharp corners.
• Encourage Barefoot Walking: When the floor is clean and the weather is warm, let your baby walk barefoot. The nerve endings in their feet help them better feel the ground, which aids in balance.

During this walking phase, falls are part of the learning process. Even if it breaks your heart to see them fall, try not to react too dramatically in front of them. If they sense your anxiety, it might make them afraid to try again, dampening their curiosity. Instead, calmly explain what’s safe to do, like showing them how to stand up and walk while holding the sofa.

Your baby has their whole life to walk—there’s no need to rush these few months. Let them learn at their own pace, without pushing or unnecessary help. Share this advice to save other parents from aching backs!

Today’s QuestionWhat are your tips for helping your baby learn to walk? Share your thoughts in the comments!