Arrow backLanguage
12 + months
Article

PLAYING: How to encourage baby’s first steps—in 10 steps

Add this post to favorites

How to encourage baby’s first steps—in 10 steps

It can be exciting to watch your baby’s first steps—or at least, attempted steps. Here are a few ways you can help them when they’re learning to walk so they can make that giant leap for toddler-kind!

2 mins to read Oct 7, 2020
  • Tempt them with an interesting toy placed on a sturdy/heavy chair or on the sofa.
  • Encourage them to pull themselves up to reach it.
  • Standing up is often followed by a sudden bottom-plonk back down, so stay close by. (Luckily, diapers provide quite a bit of padding!)
  • If your baby’s standing confidently holding onto furniture, try holding their hands to see if they’d like to try walking a couple steps.
  • Alternatively, you could encourage them to “cruise” along – taking side steps while holding on to fixed, stable furniture.
  • A baby walker can help them start to practice walking away from the furniture.
  • Smile and give lots of praise and cuddles for all their attempts, successful or not.
  • When you think they might be ready you can kneel a couple of feet away from them and call them to you, holding out your arms and smiling with encouragement.
  • Once they’re walking fairly confidently make sure you re-check your home to make it safe from obstacles as well as things that were not in reach before. Have a look at our baby proofing action plan to ensure you’ve covered all bases.

Join

MVP Logo

Your parenting instincts, our support

  • Super-sized Savings

    SIGN UP & GET A CHANCE TO WIN

    Sign up for Nestlé Baby & me and automatically be entered for a chance to win a $100* gift card! 

    For full details, please visit the Terms & Conditions.

  • PERSONALIZED EMAILS & SUPPORT

    Receive customized email updates with useful info, special offers, and product suggestions to help guide you through each parenting phase and celebrate your milestones along the way.

  • Helpful Resources

    HELPFUL TOOLS & RESOURCES

    Need a hand with something? We’ve got you covered! Access our helpful and interactive parenting tools and resources like calendars, calculators, checklists, and healthy recipes in one convenient hub.

  • EXPERT GUIDANCE

    We offer science-based advice and specialized nutritional guidance for every stage of the parenting journey—from preconception to toddlerhood.

*When registration is during pregnancy. If your baby’s already been born, expect to see your kit within a month

Search icon

Still haven't found what you are looking for?

Try our new smart question engine.