Then Comes Walking!

 

 One minute, your baby is sitting in the middle of the room, chewing on their sock like it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. The next, they’re wobbly but determined, making a beeline for the dog's water bowl, leaving you wondering how you suddenly became the unwilling contestant in a game of “keep-the-baby-from-walking-into-danger.”

Welcome to the rollercoaster world of baby’s first steps! If you're wondering when that day will come (and how to survive it), don’t worry—we’ve got all the hilarious and real details, plus a few survival tips to help you brace yourself for the inevitable chaos that follows.

So, When Do Babies Start Walking?

Most babies will take their first steps somewhere between 9 and 15 months. Of course, this timeline is more of a guideline than a hard-and-fast rule—some overachievers might start walking earlier, and others may prefer to keep crawling around like little speedsters until they’re good and ready.

You may also notice that some babies walk confidently with no hesitation at all, while others might do something that looks more like a stumbling, drunken toddler dance (don’t worry, it’s just part of the charm). Your baby’s timeline is unique, so as long as they’re hitting those other milestones like sitting up and standing, they’re on track.

If your baby is still cruising around on all fours past their first birthday, it’s not an emergency! Babies all develop differently, and some will skip walking altogether and jump straight into standing, cruising, or even running! The key is that when they’re ready, they’ll walk, and you’ll be shocked at how fast they start moving!

Signs Your Baby is Gearing Up to Walk

Before your little one takes those monumental first steps, they’ll start showing some signs that they’re ready to leave the crawling phase behind. Here’s what to look out for:

Your baby may start pulling up on furniture, giving you a glimpse of their new, upright world. You’ll likely see them standing for a few seconds, with wobbly legs and an expression that says, "I’m going to try this, but I’m not sure if I’m in control yet." Then, they may start cruising—moving around while holding onto the couch, coffee table, or you (whether you like it or not).

You’ll also notice a little dance of excitement, maybe even some bouncing or swaying, as they try to figure out their balance. And let’s be real, once your baby figures out how to stand, they’ll probably try to walk toward something shiny or loud—anything that’ll make you drop everything and rush to catch them. It’s like their own personal mission impossible.

How to Encourage Walking (Without Losing Your Mind)

So, you want to help your baby walk? Of course, you do! But here’s the thing: baby steps—pun intended—are the way to go. Walking is a natural progression, but there are a few things you can do to help encourage the process:

Let Them Go Barefoot Indoors:
You may have some adorable baby shoes ready to go, but keep them off for now. Babies need to feel the floor with their toes to help them develop balance and coordination. Besides, let’s face it—baby shoes are adorable but also impossible to keep track of, so it’s just easier to let them go barefoot.

Create a Safe (But Exciting) Space:
Baby-proofing your home is key to preventing disaster when your little one gets mobile. Get rid of sharp corners, clear away loose objects, and keep anything breakable far out of reach. And while you’re at it, create a fun, open area with plenty of space for your baby to practice standing, cruising, and eventually taking their first steps. Pro-tip: Get rid of your coffee table. It’ll save your shins.

Give Them Something to Hold On To:
Encourage your baby to practice walking by giving them something sturdy to hold onto. You might try holding your baby’s hands or offering them a push-toy or a sturdy walker. The key is to let them take the lead—don’t push them too fast, but give them a gentle nudge if they need it. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they catch on.

Celebrate Like They Just Won an Olympic Gold Medal:
Baby’s first steps? That’s a momentous occasion that deserves an over-the-top reaction. When they finally do it, clap, cheer, and act like they just discovered fire. Babies feed off your excitement, so make them feel like they’re the star of the show. The more excited you are, the more they’ll want to keep trying to walk.

What Happens After They Start Walking?

You did it! Your baby is officially walking. Congratulations, but guess what? You’re now living in a world of chaos and unpredictability. Your baby will no longer be a stationary, easily-contained bundle of joy. Now, they are a walking whirlwind of exploration.

Expect your house to feel like a race track—nothing will be safe. That phone charger? Gone. The dog’s food bowl? On the floor, definitely. The shiny object they spot across the room? They’re heading straight for it, and nothing will stand in their way. You’ll suddenly realize you need baby-proofing on steroids—and that includes a little something called patience.

In addition to the inevitable chaos, you can look forward to seeing your baby’s wobbly zombie walk and hearing the sounds of thudding falls followed by loud cries. But don’t worry, it’s all part of the process. You’ll be the first one to celebrate their tiny victories, even if those victories happen after a few tumbles.

If Your Baby Isn’t Walking Yet…

Take a deep breath and relax! Babies don’t all walk at the same time, and just because your neighbor’s baby started running marathons at 10 months, doesn’t mean yours is behind. Some babies are just not ready to start walking and prefer to keep things slow. Your baby might crawl, cruise, or even use the furniture as their personal training wheels.

If you’re concerned or feel like your baby is significantly behind in gross motor development, it’s always a good idea to check in with your pediatrician. But the reality is: babies are stubborn little creatures—they will walk when they’re ready.

Enjoy the Ride (And Invest in Comfortable Shoes!)

Walking is a game-changer for both you and your baby. Once your baby starts walking, life will feel like one big adventure, filled with both beautiful moments of independence and utter chaos. You’ll be chasing your baby around, baby-proofing every corner, and probably wondering where all your energy went.

But, most importantly, enjoy these moments! Your little one is growing fast—soon, they’ll be running, and you’ll look back fondly on the days when they only had the courage to take a few steps at a time.

So, embrace the wobbly walk, the bumps, and the falls, and remember: once they start walking, you’ll never sit down again. But at least you’ll get some serious cardio while chasing them.

When to Expect Your Baby to Start Crawling

 

One day, your little one is happily lying on their tummy, and the next, they’re suddenly on the move, scooting and crawling toward their next big adventure! Crawling is an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of your baby’s exploration and independence.

If you’re wondering when this moment will happen and how to encourage it, you’re not alone. Every baby develops at their own pace, but there are some general patterns and signs to look out for as they gain the strength and coordination to crawl.

WHEN DO BABIES TYPICALLY START CRAWLING?

Most babies start crawling somewhere between six and ten months, but there’s a wide range of normal. Some may surprise you by crawling earlier, while others may take a little longer to figure it out. It all depends on factors like muscle strength, personality, and how much time they’ve spent practicing movement.

Before crawling, babies go through important stages of physical development. They start by strengthening their neck and back muscles, pushing up on their arms during tummy time, and rocking back and forth on their hands and knees. Some babies begin scooting on their bellies or rolling as a way to move before transitioning into a full crawl. Others might skip crawling entirely and go straight to pulling up and walking. Every baby finds their own way to get around, and no single method is better than another.

DIFFERENT CRAWLING STYLES

Not all babies crawl the same way, and that’s perfectly normal! Some babies use the classic hands-and-knees crawl, while others develop unique ways to get around. Some might prefer to scoot on their bellies, using their arms to pull forward in an "army crawl." Others shuffle around on their bottoms, pushing with their hands or legs. Some babies experiment with crawling on hands and feet, keeping their knees off the ground in what’s known as a "bear crawl." There are even babies who simply roll from place to place instead of crawling.

No matter how your baby chooses to move, the important thing is that they’re developing coordination and strength in preparation for bigger milestones ahead.

HOW TO ENCOURAGE CRAWLING

Even though crawling is a natural process, there are ways to support your baby as they work toward this exciting milestone.

TUMMY TIME IS KEY

Giving your baby plenty of opportunities to play on their tummy helps strengthen their neck, shoulders, and core, making it easier for them to push up and eventually move forward.

CREATE AN INVITING PLAY SPACE

Placing toys just out of reach can spark curiosity and motivate your baby to stretch, reach, and eventually crawl toward them.

GET ON THE FLOOR WITH THEM

Babies love to mimic! Crawling alongside them and making eye contact, talking, or playing peek-a-boo can make movement feel like a fun and interactive experience.

LIMIT TIME IN BABY GEAR

While swings, bouncers, and activity centers are great for entertainment, too much time in them can limit opportunities for practicing movement. Encouraging more floor time allows babies to explore their bodies and build the confidence needed to move independently.

WHAT IF MY BABY ISN’T CRAWLING YET?

It’s natural to wonder if everything is on track, but babies develop at different rates, and some take a little longer to become mobile. Some skip crawling altogether and go straight to pulling up, cruising along furniture, or taking their first steps. Others may be content to stay in one spot longer before deciding to move.

If your baby isn’t showing signs of movement by their first birthday—whether it’s scooting, rolling, or attempting to pull up—it’s always a good idea to check in with your pediatrician. Every baby develops in their own way, but having a conversation with a doctor can provide reassurance and guidance on ways to support their growth.

THE REAL ADVENTURE IS JUST BEGINNING!

Crawling is just the start of an exciting phase of discovery. Once your baby figures out how to move, they’ll be eager to explore every corner of their world. Before you know it, they’ll be pulling up, cruising along furniture, and taking those first unforgettable steps.

No matter when or how your baby starts moving, they are on their own perfect timeline. Each milestone is a celebration of growth, learning, and curiosity. As a parent, your love, encouragement, and support make all the difference.

Enjoy these precious moments—because once they start moving, there’s no slowing them down! 

THE JOYS OF TUMMY TIME

Welcoming a new baby into your life brings endless joy and a whirlwind of new experiences. One crucial aspect of your baby’s development is tummy time. This simple yet effective activity plays a significant role in helping your little one build strength, develop motor skills, and reach important milestones. Let’s dive into the world of tummy time and discover how you can make it a fun and beneficial part of your baby’s routine.

What is Tummy Time?

Tummy time involves placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. This position encourages them to lift their head, push up with their arms, and engage their core muscles. It might seem like a small task, but tummy time is a powerful activity that supports your baby’s overall development.

Why is Tummy Time Important?

1. Strengthens Muscles: Tummy time helps strengthen your baby’s neck, shoulders, arms, and back muscles. These muscles are essential for future milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and eventually walking.

2. Prevents Flat Head Syndrome: Spending time on their tummy reduces the risk of positional plagiocephaly, a condition where the back of the baby’s head becomes flat due to prolonged time spent lying on their back.

3. Enhances Motor Skills: Tummy time encourages your baby to practice reaching, grasping, and eventually pushing up, which are critical components of their motor skill development.

4. Promotes Sensory Development: Being on their tummy allows your baby to experience different textures and surfaces, stimulating their senses and encouraging exploration.

5. Boosts Visual and Cognitive Development: Tummy time gives your baby a new perspective of their surroundings, helping them develop their visual tracking skills and cognitive abilities.

When to Start Tummy Time

You can begin tummy time as soon as your baby is born. Start with short sessions, just a few minutes at a time, and gradually increase the duration as your baby gets stronger and more comfortable. Aim for a total of at least 20-30 minutes of tummy time each day by the time your baby is 3 months old.

Tips for Successful Tummy Time

1. Create a Safe and Comfortable Space: Choose a soft, flat surface for tummy time. A play mat or blanket on the floor works well. Ensure the area is free of any small objects or hazards.

2. Be Present and Engaging: Stay close to your baby and interact with them during tummy time. Talk, sing, and make eye contact to keep them engaged and reassured.

3. Use Toys and Props: Place colorful toys, mirrors, or soft books within your baby’s reach to encourage them to look around, reach, and play. You can also use a rolled-up towel or a tummy time pillow to provide additional support.

4. Make It Part of Your Routine: Incorporate tummy time into your daily routine, such as after diaper changes or naps. Consistency will help your baby get used to the activity and look forward to it.

5. Follow Your Baby’s Lead: Pay attention to your baby’s cues. If they become fussy or tired, take a break and try again later. Gradually increase the time as your baby builds strength and endurance.

Making Tummy Time Fun

Tummy time doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are some creative ways to make it enjoyable for both you and your baby:

1. Tummy Time on Your Chest: Lie back and place your baby on your chest. This position allows your baby to see your face and hear your voice, making tummy time more comforting and enjoyable.

2. Incorporate Music and Songs: Play soft music or sing your baby’s favorite songs during tummy time to create a soothing and engaging environment.

3. Join in the Fun: Get down on the floor with your baby and do tummy time together. Your presence and interaction will make the experience more enjoyable and rewarding.

4. Story Time: Read a book to your baby while they’re on their tummy. The sound of your voice and the colorful pictures will keep them entertained.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

It’s normal for some babies to initially resist tummy time or find it challenging. Here are some tips to overcome common hurdles:

1. Start Slowly: Begin with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as your baby becomes more comfortable.

2. Use Distractions: Introduce new toys or interesting objects to keep your baby engaged and distracted from any discomfort.

3. Change Positions: If your baby becomes fussy, try changing their position or providing extra support with a rolled-up towel.

4. Be Patient: Every baby is different, and it may take time for your little one to adjust to tummy time. Be patient and keep trying different approaches.

Bonding Time

Tummy time is a vital part of your baby’s development, offering numerous physical, sensory, and cognitive benefits. By incorporating tummy time into your daily routine and making it a fun, engaging activity, you’ll be setting the stage for your baby’s future growth and milestones. Remember, every minute spent on their tummy is an investment in their health and well-being. So, roll out the play mat, gather some toys, and enjoy this special bonding time with your baby. Happy tummy time!