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10 Ways to Teach Your Child to Walk Faster and Safely Full Guide of 2024

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how do you teach your child to walkInvestigating the truth of the theory that teaching your child to walk faster and safely can be done by:

Encouraging barefoot exploration

Transitions

Elevating toys to different surface levels

And more.

Key Takeaways

  • Let your child explore barefoot.
  • Encourage transitions between different positions.
  • Place toys just out of reach.
  • Give your child a toy to hold with both hands.

Encourage Barefoot Exploration

Encourage Barefoot Exploration
Encourage barefoot exploration to boost sensory-motor development.

Integrate smaller muscles in feet with different sensations necessary for proper long term arch development and minute balance corrections.

Encourage Transitions

Encourage Transitions
Transitions are important for learning to walk.

Encourage your child to practice crawling, standing, kneeling, and sitting.

This will help them develop the balance and coordination they need to walk.

You can also encourage your child to cruise by holding onto furniture and walking back and forth.

As your child gets more comfortable with these movements, they’ll eventually be able to walk independently.

Elevate Toys to Different Surface Levels

Elevate Toys to Different Surface Levels
As you continue to guide your child in their walking journey, consider incorporating toys that are elevated to different surface levels.

These toys provide a fun and engaging way for your baby to practice their gross motor skills while also improving their balance and coordination.

Look for toys that are easy to grasp and age-appropriate, ensuring they’re safe and durable for playtime exploration.

By elevating the toys on different surfaces such as cushions or steps, you create new challenges for your little one’s developing motor skills. This encourages them to explore various ways of moving while providing a sense of mastery as they navigate these obstacles.

Encourage Climbing Stairs and Over Obstacles

Encourage Climbing Stairs and Over Obstacles
To help your child develop their walking skills, guide them in climbing up stairs and over obstacles.

Encouraging your child to navigate stairs is a great way to improve their balance and coordination. Start by teaching them how to use a step stool or hold onto the railing for support. Make sure they wear sturdy shoes that provide good traction and protection for their feet.

When practicing, always supervise closely and offer hand-over-hand assistance if needed.

In addition to climbing stairs, encourage your child to walk over different types of obstacles such as cushions or low hurdles. This will help them learn how to lift their feet higher off the ground and adapt their steps accordingly.

Remember that safety is paramount when teaching these skills – choose wide stairs with secure railings, remove any potential hazards from the area, and supervise your child closely at all times.

Place Furniture and Toys Just Out of Reach

Place Furniture and Toys Just Out of Reach
Just like you did with encouraging your little one to climb stairs and over obstacles, you can also place furniture and toys just out of their reach to encourage them to take steps without using arm support.

Here are 4 tips for placing furniture and toys just out of reach:

  1. Place a toy on the coffee table and encourage your child to walk over to get it.
  2. Put a chair in the middle of the room and have your child walk around it.
  3. Move a couch or other piece of furniture so that it blocks your child’s path to a toy.
  4. Place a toy on the stairs and encourage your child to walk up and down the stairs to get it.

Give Your Child a Toy They Have to Hold With Both Hands

Give Your Child a Toy They Have to Hold With Both Hands
In addition to placing furniture and toys just out of reach, give your child a toy they have to hold with both hands. This will keep their hands busy and discourage them from looking for arm support while walking.

By holding onto a toy, your child will recruit more core and leg muscles, promoting independence as they take their first steps.

Using light toys is recommended to ensure that the weight doesn’t hinder their ability to walk comfortably. Encourage your child’s progression by practicing walking exercises with them while they hold onto the toy.

Avoid using walkers as they can be dangerous and may result in an abnormal walking pattern. Instead, focus on providing opportunities for exploration in different environments such as playgrounds or parks where they can master new motor skills.

Walking Exercises

Hold a Toy With Your Child as They Walk, Then Let Go

Hold a Toy With Your Child as They Walk, Then Let Go
Holding a toy with your child as they walk gives similar support as if you were holding their hand directly.

When you’re ready, gradually let go of the toy so that your child is walking independently.

Be patient and encouraging, and your child will be walking on their own in no time!

Location, Location, Location!

Location, Location, Location!
As you explore different environments with your child, such as playgrounds, backyards, and parks, they’ll have the opportunity to practice new motor skills and experience a variety of sensory stimuli.

Different environments offer different challenges and opportunities for your child to learn.

  • Public places are great places for your child to practice walking in a variety of settings.
  • Outdoor spaces provide a safe and stimulating environment for your child to explore.
  • Parks are a great place for your child to burn off energy and socialize with other children.

Enjoy the Little Things

Enjoy the Little Things

As your child learns to walk, take some time to enjoy the little things. Watch their first steps with pride and joy, and cherish the milestones along the way. These are moments you’ll never forget.

Enjoy the little things

Milestone Age What to expect
First steps 9-15 months Your child will take their first steps while holding onto furniture or your hands.
Walking independently 12-18 months Your child will be able to walk independently for a few steps at a time.
Running 18-24 months Your child will be able to run with ease.
Climbing stairs 24-30 months Your child will be able to climb stairs with both feet on each step.
Jumping 30-36 months Your child will be able to jump up and down.

Get Help if Your Baby Isn’t Walking by 18 Months

Get Help if Your Baby Isn
If your baby isn’t walking by 18 months, it’s important to promptly seek help from a healthcare professional.

Your pediatrician can assess your baby’s development and determine if there’s cause for concern.

Early intervention can help your baby reach their milestones and get the support they need.

What Are the Benefits of a PPO Network?

What Are the Benefits of a PPO Network
Barefoot exploration, encouraging transitions, and elevating toys to different surface levels can help your child learn to walk faster and safer.

Barefoot exploration helps boost sensory-motor development, while encouraging transitions and elevating toys to different surface levels encourages your child to move around and play.

Encourage barefoot exploration.

You should encourage your child to walk barefoot because:

  • It boosts sensory-motor development.
  • Integrates smaller muscles in feet with different sensations.
  • Is necessary for proper long term arch development.
  • Is necessary for minute balance corrections.

Encourage transitions.

Encourage transitions by:

  • Laying on the floor
  • Sitting
  • Standing
  • Kneeling, etc.

These movements help your child learn to move around and play while strengthening their core and leg muscles. By transitioning between different positions, they can develop the necessary skills for crawling, standing up from a seated position or kneeling down to pick something up.

This variety of movements will enhance their coordination and balance as they progress towards walking independently.

**Elevated toys to different surface levels

By incorporating elevated toys to different surface levels, you can enhance your child’s walking skills.

Benefits of a PPO network:

  • Distance from floor encourages transition from crawling to walking.
  • Height of toy encourages reaching and grasping.
  • Variety of toys provides different textures and objects to climb.

What Are the Disadvantages of a PPO Network?

What Are the Disadvantages of a PPO Network
PPO networks typically cost more than other types of health insurance plans.

You may have to pay more out-of-pocket costs for services that aren’t covered by your PPO network.

You may also need to get preauthorization from your PPO network before you can see a doctor or other provider outside of the network.

Disadvantages of PPO networks:

  • Higher cost
  • Out-of-pocket costs
  • Preauthorization
  • Narrow networks
  • Less choice

How Do I Find a PPO Network?

How Do I Find a PPO Network
You can find a PPO network by:

  • Cost
  • Coverage
  • Doctors in the network
  • Out-of-pocket costs

How Do I Use a PPO Network?

How Do I Use a PPO Network
To use a PPO network, simply find a doctor or other provider in the network and make an appointment.

Here are some steps to help you navigate using a PPO network:

  • Check your coverage:
    • Review your plan documents or contact your insurance company to understand what services are covered by your PPO network.
  • Understand costs:
    • Find out about co-pays, deductibles, and any out-of-network fees that may apply.
  • Choose in-network providers:
    • Use the online directory provided by your insurance company to search for doctors or providers within the PPO network.
  • Make appointments with ease:
    • Once you’ve selected an in-network provider, call their office directly and schedule an appointment.
  • By following these steps, you can ensure that you utilize all of the benefits offered through your PPO network while minimizing any additional expenses associated with seeing out-of-network providers.

    What Happens if I See a Doctor or Other Provider Outside of the PPO Network?

    What Happens if I See a Doctor or Other Provider Outside of the PPO Network
    If you see a doctor or other provider outside of your PPO network, you may have to pay more out-of-pocket costs.

    • You may also need to get preauthorization from the PPO network before you can see the doctor or other provider.
    • Make sure the doctor or other provider is in-network before you make an appointment.

    How Do I Change PPO Networks?

    How Do I Change PPO Networks
    Changing PPO networks can be done by contacting the new network you wish to join.

    • Your current PPO network information
    • Your new PPO network information
    • Your name
    • Your address
    • Your phone number
    • Your Social Security number

    Once you have provided this information, the new network will be able to process your request and make the necessary changes to your account. Keep in mind that there may be some out-of-network costs associated with switching PPO networks, so it’s important to check with your new network before making a decision.

    What is the Difference Between a PPO Network and an HMO Network?

    What is the Difference Between a PPO Network and an HMO Network
    With a PPO network, you can see any doctor or other provider who’s in the network.

    With an HMO network, you can only see doctors and other providers who are in your HMO plan.

    PPO networks typically have higher co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums than HMO networks.

    PPO networks offer more flexibility in terms of where you can receive care.

    HMO networks typically have lower co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums than PPO networks.

    You may have to see a doctor or other provider who’s in your HMO plan.

    Which is Better, a PPO Network or an HMO Network?

    Which is Better, a PPO Network or an HMO Network
    A PPO network gives you more choice of doctors and hospitals than an HMO network, but it also costs more.

    With a PPO network, you’ll typically pay higher copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums than you’d with an HMO network. However, you’ll also have more freedom to choose your own doctors and hospitals.

    Ultimately, the best type of health insurance plan for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

    If you want to have more choice of doctors and hospitals, then a PPO network may be a good option for you. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable plan, then an HMO network may be a better choice.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How can I create a safe space for my baby to practice walking?

    To create a safe space for your baby to practice walking:

    • Clear the floors from clutter.
    • Move fragile items.
    • Put on outlet covers.
    • Corral excess cords.
    • Close off rooms or create a safe space.

    Baby walkers aren’t recommended by the AAP as they’re dangerous and may result in an abnormal walking pattern.

    What should I do if my baby isn’t walking by 18 months?

    If your baby isn’t walking by 18 months, contact your pediatrician and schedule an evaluation with Early Intervention.

    How can I help my baby strengthen their leg and core muscles for walking?

    Strengthen your baby’s leg and core muscles for walking by:

    • Encouraging barefoot exploration, transitions, climbing stairs and over obstacles.
    • Elevating toys to different surface levels and placing them just out of reach.

    Are there any potential risks or concerns I should be aware of when teaching my child to walk?

    Avoid using baby walkers, as they’re dangerous and may result in an abnormal walking pattern.

    Get help from your pediatrician or Early Intervention if your baby isn’t walking by 18 months.

    Conclusion

    Following these 10 tips can help you teach your child to walk faster and more safely.

    Keep in mind that every child is different, so don’t be discouraged if your child doesn’t start walking right away.

    1. Start early. The best time to start teaching your child to walk is when they are around 9 months old. This is when they are starting to develop the motor skills they need to walk.

    2. Make it fun. The best way to teach your child to walk is to make it fun. Play games with them that encourage them to move around, such as tag or hide-and-seek.

    3. Provide support. When your child is first learning to walk, they will need your support. Hold their hands or help them to stand up.

    4. Be patient. It takes time for children to learn to walk. Don’t get discouraged if your child doesn’t start walking right away. Just keep encouraging them, and they’ll eventually get there!

    5. Set realistic expectations. Don’t expect your child to be able to walk perfectly right away. They will fall down a lot. Just help them up and keep encouraging them.

    6. Create a safe environment. Make sure your child has a safe place to practice walking. Remove any obstacles that could trip them up, such as toys or furniture.

    7. Encourage your child to walk independently. Once your child is starting to get the hang of walking, encourage them to walk independently. Let them walk around the house or yard without your help.

    8. Reward your child’s progress. When your child takes a step or walks a few steps, reward them with praise or a small treat. This will encourage them to keep trying.

    9. Don’t force your child to walk. If your child is not interested in walking, don’t force them. Just keep encouraging them and they will eventually get there.

    10. Be a role model. The best way to teach your child to walk is to show them how it’s done. Walk around the house and yard yourself, and your child will be more likely to follow your lead.

    References
    • sport-topics.com
    Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

    Mutasim Sweileh

    Mutasim is an author and software engineer from the United States, I and a group of experts made this blog with the aim of answering all the unanswered questions to help as many people as possible.