How Babies Naturally Learn to Walk

Children on the Move

How children learn to walk without being led by the hands

Learning to walk independently is a significant milestone in a child's development. Parents who support their children in learning to walk without held hands not only promote motor skills but also their little ones' overall health and independence.

The process of learning to walk without hand-holding allows children to develop their balance skills naturally. By exploring their environment independently and planning their steps on their own, they improve their coordination. Over time this can lead to more agile movement abilities, as the body learns to stay stable on uneven terrain or in new situations.

Studies suggest that children who learn to walk independently show stronger muscle development. Without parental support they build natural muscle strength, especially in the legs and trunk. This in turn can lead to improved posture and a lower risk of postural problems.

Does my child need a walker?

Walkers are only suitable for children who can already walk. In free development, children can do this between 13 and 21 months. Children do not learn to walk by chasing a rolling object, because they are at the mercy of the moving walker and do not have the ability to control the speed. The natural learning process is thus disrupted.

Stand up and off you go! Or maybe not?

Learning to walk is an exciting step in toddlers' development, and parents play a crucial role. Here are some practical tips on how you can support your toddler to take their first steps safely and confidently:

• Create a safe environment: Remove sharp edges and obstacles to create a safe environment.
• Choose sturdy shoes: Invest in comfortable, well-fitting shoes that provide a stable base, or let the child go barefoot as often as possible.
• Be patient: Be patient and encourage your child without putting pressure on them.
• Offer hands only as support: Let your child hold your hands if it makes them feel more secure, but walking should not be learned by holding hands.
• Encourage free play: Games that allow the child to move freely support the development of motor skills.
• Praise and positive reinforcement: Celebrate every progress and show enthusiasm to boost the child's confidence.
• Let them interact with other children: Playing with other children can enrich the learning process.
• Pay attention to feedback: Pay attention to your child's needs and signals.
• Include balance training: Games that promote balance are helpful.
• Regular doctor visits: Routine doctor visits ensure that possible orthopedic concerns are recognized early.

How your baby can learn to walk naturally

Make your home a place of movement!