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Learning to Walk

Learn all about the important first steps.

Key points at a glance

  • Important milestone: Walking helps your baby become more independent and boosts their self-confidence.
  • Typical onset: Usually between 9 and 15 months, though every child develops at their own pace.
  • Promoting balance and coordination: The learning process improves balance and opens up new opportunities to explore the surroundings.

The Importance of the First Steps

Learning to walk is a crucial milestone that goes far beyond mere movement. It is an important step in your child’s physical and mental development and shapes many fundamental skills needed for future activities.

Stärkung des Gleichgewichts

Mit jedem Schritt verbessert sich der Gleichgewichtssinn deines Kindes, was ihm hilft, sicherer und stabiler zu stehen und zu gehen.

Förderung der Koordination

Laufen erfordert eine komplexe Zusammenarbeit zwischen Muskeln und Gelenken, was die allgemeine motorische Koordination deines Babys stärkt.

Mehr Selbstvertrauen

Der Erfolg beim Laufenlernen gibt dem Kind ein Gefühl von Stolz und Selbstsicherheit, das es motiviert, neue Herausforderungen anzugehen und seine Umwelt selbstständig zu erkunden.

When do babies take their first steps?

Babies usually start taking their first steps between 10 and 18 months. However, this timeframe can vary greatly from child to child, as motor development is individual. Some children stand up early and take their first steps at 8 or 9 months, while others take their time and don’t start walking until later. This is completely normal and depends on various factors—such as the child’s physical strength, temperament, and environmental stimuli. ​ Parents shouldn't worry if their baby starts walking later than others. What's more important is that the child makes steady progress and shows an interest in moving around and learning new skills. With patience and loving support, every child will master the art of walking at their own pace.

How to Help Your Child Learn to Walk

Your child’s first steps are a big moment, and you can help them learn to walk with confidence and safety. With a few targeted steps, you can encourage your child’s walking development and help them stay motivated and gain confidence in their abilities. ​ - Encourage freedom of movement: Let your baby spend as much time as possible on the floor so they can practice movements like rolling over, standing up, and rocking. Provide sturdy furniture or objects they can pull themselves up on to practice standing. ​ - Ensure safety: As babies become more mobile, they need a child-safe home. Keep dangerous objects out of reach and securely anchor shelves or other furniture to the wall to prevent accidents. This way, your child can practice taking their first steps without worry. ​ - Show motivation and patience: Praise your child for every attempt, even if they take a tumble. Falling down is part of the learning process and helps build resilience. Encourage your baby when they succeed, but be patient if they take their time or need breaks. ​ - Don’t help too much: It’s okay to hold your child’s hand now and then, as long as you do so gently and don’t push them in a certain direction. Make sure your child’s movements remain independent so that their joints and muscles can be exercised and develop naturally.

The right support
Prewalkers by Affenzahn

With the right shoes, you can provide your child with the best possible support as they learn to walk. Little ones take their first steps without shoes, and we don’t want to interfere with the sensory experience taking place in the soles of their feet! That’s why Affenzahn children’s shoes don’t have any arch support that could interfere with their gait. In our first-step shoes, children’s feet can roll over the ball of the foot and wiggle their toes just like when walking barefoot. To ensure the ground remains perceptible, the first-step shoes have a natural shape and an ultra-thin sole. This makes walking feel like being barefoot, yet provides optimal protection.

Want to learn more?

The early years are full of unique milestones. To provide you and your family with the best possible support as you take these first steps, we’ve put together a collection of valuable resources.

Discover the milestones of the early years
Frequently Asked Questions about Learning to Walk
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