How to teach a child to walk
Is your child already standing firmly on their legs and trying to take their first steps on their own, but the movements are still awkward? Then help him overcome difficulties and send him on a "big voyage" to explore the world. Today we'll talk about how to help your baby learn to walk.
How to teach a child to walk on their own
Pediatricians say that a child makes his first independent steps at 9-18 months. This indicator is considered normal. But especially playful kids can go earlier, but this is rare.
The first attempt to go on their own is an individual matter for each kid and you should not reduce everything to standards. The anatomy of a little man is such that if the organism not yet ready to hike without a mom, then do not force stand on your feet.
This is fraught with serious consequences in the future:
- curvature of the legs;
- flat feet;
- scoliosis;
- valgus, etc.
Therefore, it is worth helping the baby when he himself is trying to get up or take an independent first step.
Master special gymnastics, which will help to strengthen the muscles of the legs and develop the correct coordination of movement.
Exercise 1. Age: from 9 to 10 months, when the toddler has already begun to make forward movements, leaning on her mother's hands.
Equipment: baby carriage.
The meaning of the exercise is that the baby, holding on to the stroller, follows it as it moves. There is a fulcrum, but it is imperative to insure the toddler. Otherwise, the stroller may drive away and the child will fall.
Exercise 2. Age: from 9 months.
Equipment: table.
Sit the child on the table with his back to you. Hold his hips and start rocking back and forth. If the baby stretches his legs straight and this is the fulcrum, then the leg muscles are ready for the first steps. If you cannot complete the exercise, postpone it for a while.
Exercise 3. Age: 6 to 9 months.
Equipment: a small ball, 2/3 inflated.
Place the child on the ball and turn his back to you. Start swinging a little in different directions. The purpose of the exercise is to teach you how to keep balance.
Exercise 4. Age: from 9 months.
Equipment: sticks, 100-120 cm long.
Let the child take the sticks, put yours on his hands. Make movements like ski walking. Such movements develop correct forward movements.
Exercise 5. Age: the child walks with his mother's finger.
Equipment: thick rope or cord.
Pull the cord between the two chairs, just below your baby's knees. Show that you can overcome an obstacle simply by stepping over the lace.
To help the baby and mother can serve:
- walker;
- wheelchairs;
- leash-reins.
But before buying it is better to consult your doctor. Otherwise, such devices can be harmful.
If possible, let your baby walk barefoot on the grass. This foot massage is considered one of the best and, in addition, hardening occurs.
How to quickly teach a child to walk
For the first independent steps, the child needs to be stimulated, i.e. stir up interest to explore the world without anyone's help.
Take your baby by one hand more often. But make sure that he walks smoothly, without leaning forward or sideways.
Favorite toys of the toddler will be a good help. Lay them out on the couch, beds, armchairs, but in such a way that he can reach them.
Be sure to do gymnastics every day. The results will not be long in coming.
After 2-3 steps with mom, gently remove your hand. Let him try to go on his own. Even if the baby falls, do not scream loudly or make sudden movements. A surge of emotions can discourage the desire for independent walking.
And remember: if your baby does not want to stand up, and he is over 18 months old, then consult an orthopedist and neurologist. The reasons for unwillingness may be muscle hypotonia.
