A baby progresses step-by-step each month. Each step is a milestone for the baby. When a baby stands and takes her first step, it is an accomplishment for her. Here are some major milestones at a glance.Learning to walk is a gradual process for babies. Before a baby starts walking she has to accomplish certain milestones. Attaining these milestones one-by-one is very important for a baby before learning to walk confidently. Let us take a look at these important milestones.
Sitting
A baby decides when she is ready to sit up. If you prop her up in a sitting position before she is ready, she will probably slump down or slide to one side. You should also not attempt to prop her up at an age when her head and neck still need to be supported. By the time the baby is three to four months old, she should be ready to sit up.
Crawling
Crawling is not a necessary part of a child's development schedule. Some babies progress directly from standing to moving around the room supporting themselves against various objects. Some babies start
crawling by six months, but 7 ½ to 9 months is more typical.
Standing
By the time she is six months old, your baby will probably be able to bear some weight on her legs when held upright. She may even be able to stand holding on to someone or something. She may even be able to pull herself up to a standing position from sitting.
Walking
By the tenth month your baby should be able to walk well. By the time she is nine months old, your baby may be eager to walk holding on to the hand of an adult. There is no substance to the fear that early walking or early standing will cause bow-leggedness.
Tips for Parents to Help Babies Achieve Important Milestones
Here are some tips which parents can follow to help their babies achieve important milestones.
Strengthen Baby’s Leg Muscles
Hold your baby in standing position on your lap. When you hold your baby in a standing position on your lap, your baby will start jumping and bouncing herself. This activity will help to strengthen the leg muscles of your baby which is very important when she attempts to attain various milestones while
learning to walk.
Avoid Baby Walkers
It is necessary to encourage babies to learn walking naturally. Introducing baby walkers to them may lead them to miss the important
milestones that they are supposed to attain while learning to walk.
Get Push and Pull Toys
Push and pull
toys can play an important role in helping babies attain various milestones while learning to walk and eventually learn walking. There are many push toys which babies can hold upon and walk while pushing it. Make sure that the toys meet safety standards.
Provide Safe Environment
Make sure that you baby proof your home when your baby starts moving around. Ensure that there are no harmful objects around her and the furniture is safe. Make sure that the drawers and doors of your furniture are locked so that she can safely hold on to them while walking. Always make sure that your floor is clean and there is no water or any other liquid spilt on the floor to avoid the risk of slipping.
Avoid Indoor Shoes
Avoid making your baby wear
shoes when she is indoors. Letting her walk barefoot will be more beneficial for helping her develop balance and grip, develop arches in her feet, strengthen muscle tone in her ankles and feet etc.
Never force your baby to attain the milestones. All babies are unique and they attain the milestones at their own pace. So, allow your baby to attain the milestones by taking her own time. Provide safe environment to her to grow safely along with lot of appreciations and love.
