How to Teach Your Baby to Walk

While some babies learn to walk as early as seven months, others-- including my own daughter-- don't brave their first steps until 16 months or later. As much as we parents delight in "teaching" our children to walk, we only play a very small role in the development of this critical skill. Many factors, including a baby's genetics, personality and learning pattern, will affect the way he learns to walk.

Nevertheless, parents and caregivers can provide babies with the support they need to develop the ability to walk unsupported.

Teach your baby to walk by following these simple steps:

1. Ditch the baby-walker. Despite what your mother-in-law might say, infant walkers do not encourage a baby to walk. In fact, babies who use walkers will begin walking several weeks or months after their peers. Additionally, these clumsy toys have caused hundreds of fatal and near-fatal accidents. If you must put your child in a play-center, opt for a stationary jumper, and limit his time in it to 30 minutes per day.

2. Lose the shoes. Your baby's feet should be bare as often as possible. While crib-shoes can be cute and may help to keep a baby's feet warm, they hinder a baby's ability to balance correctly. If you don't want to forgo foot-covers entirely, keep a pair of socks on hand. Socks can keep a baby's feet warm without contributing to motor delays.

3. Teach your baby to walk using a push-toy. Many toy stores offer plastic lawn-mowers, vacuum cleaners and shopping carts. Push-toys will not drastically speed a baby's attempts at walking, but they will exercise the muscles necessary for the task. These healthy toys encourage a baby to balance and step.

4. Play games to encourage your baby to stand up. Help him pull himself to a stand by using your hands or fingers as a tool. Place his favorite toy on a sofa or short table and encourage him to reach to grasp it. Understand that no amount of bribing will work if your child is physically incapable of carrying out the task.

5. Keep an eye out for signs of a developmental delay. If he can't stand unassisted by his first birthday, consult his health care provider. Your baby should be able to walk while holding onto furniture by 15 months of age and walk unassisted no later than 18 months. If your pediatrician determines that there is a problem, your child may benefit from physical therapy.