Getting my son to take those first steps....

May' - posted on 07/27/2009

hi britanny,i'm in d same boat as u...my daughter's 11 months and has been cruising since 9months.she stands on her own and can walk with support but letting go seems to be difficult...her brother now 3 and a half walked at 10 months and they say girls are faster walkers...granted kids are different..you don't just worry...he'll be walking in no time..so long as all the other milestones - cruising and standing have been reached,he'll take those steps in no time...pushing the cart and reaching for the baloon will help him gain confidence but the actual walk is going to be at his time....

Leigh - posted on 07/27/2009

Try using a ballon. All my boys walked at 9 months, & the last one wasn't very confident, but my FIL got a ballon & held it out in front of him when he was standing, just out of his reach, & before he knew it he took 6 steps. I agree with the previous posts he will do it on his own when he's good & ready.

Amy - posted on 07/25/2009

HI my son didn't start walking on his own until just after he turned 1, probably around 13 months. Don;t worry, he'll be running around soon enough.

Rebekah - posted on 07/24/2009

My son clung to our hands for what seemed like FOREVER... my back was aching despite massage and chiropractic care and I was getting a bit worried. But you know what? One night, he accidently let go and took a few steps. The look on his face was amazement and shock. And by the third time he took steps a few minutes later, it was 30+ of them all at once! He never teetered or tottered, just went straight to walking around the house laughing! So, give your little guy plenty of practice and he will do it in his own good time.



PS I second the push toy idea. My son liked to push grocery carts when he was practicing before walking independantly (and it saved my back,too).

Jemima - posted on 07/24/2009

Hi
the best advice is to just let him do his thing, he will walk when he is ready and then there will be no stopping him. Don't try to rush it, i know it's hard cos it's so exciting when they reach a milestone but as Renee said he is not even 12 months don't compare him to anyone elses child they all have their own inner clocks for when to get things started. Enjoy watching him get there on his own you do not need to buy anything to help him along. peace

Renee - posted on 07/24/2009

Patience. Our little guy was cruising since 10 months old and didn't take his first steps until he turned 14 months. We also wanted to "help" him get started. We swear he had the strength just not the confidence. Your little guy is still young to be walking. Please remember this - 12 months or younger is an exception. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Most babies walk later....

SAMANTHA - posted on 07/24/2009

Hi Brittany. My daughter used to do the same. She was 13mnths old before she could walk awhile without help.To help her start getting confidence and walking we got her a dolls pram and it did wonders. In no time she was walking. Maybe you could get a little push cart or something similar to help him. We did have a few falls and bumps but wasn't long and she was off. I hope this helps you in some way.