How to teach children their first steps

Don't force children; guide them with your finger, and don't be alarmed if they fall. Pay attention to electrical outlets in the house, objects at their height, and eliminate rugs. Avoid walker options, as they cause poor gait.

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How to teach children to walk: expert advice 4
From ten to eighteen months: this is the age in which the children they begin to walkAnd this is the moment when we can do something to help them, without anxiety and without fear.

HOW TO HELP CHILDREN WALK

After the crawling period, the baby needs about 9-10 months to stand alone and be independent, at least in the first steps. To help them walk we need to do some things, and exclude others. For example: the cost of the walker is an unnecessary waste, and can actually slow down the harmonious growth and natural for the child. Instead, here are 10 tips suggested by pediatricians to keep in mind.

ALSO READ: The importance of talking to children from an early age develops their communication skills

WHEN YOU TAKE THE FIRST STEPS

The average of the first steps it's around 12 months, but there are also babies who start crawling around 8 months. The important thing is to never go beyond 2 years, in which case it means there are problems that should be addressed with the pediatrician first.

DO NOT FORCE THE CHILD

Don't force the baby, but rather guide him by holding him under the armpits or with both hands. Even better, with just one finger. If he falls, don't be alarmed: a worried or alarmed attitude is a sign of something. could cause insecurity and persuade the little one not to try again.

PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM SHARP EDGES

The organization of the house changes when a newborn starts walking. Protect the edges, cover the electrical outletsClose all detergent boxes and remove any rugs that could cause them to trip. Pay attention to the edges of tablecloths; if they're at their height, they can be tossed over in a flash. Also, remove any fragile or dangerous objects that are within your child's reach.

NO WALKER

Eliminate the walker because it creates poor gait, doesn't train the muscles, and delays learning. Playpens are also a no-no, as they can lead to the child remaining seated; a play mat is better. Instead, a rollator with wheels, with a handle the child can hold on to, is a good idea. favorite They are shaped like a truck, a car or a dog.

TALK TO THE CHILD

Remember that the first steps are also an experience of exploration. And the denser the network of stimuli the child receives, the better the results will be. So, involve children with colors, flavors, and music. And talk to them: they listen.

CHOOSE PARKS AND MUSEUMS

Speaking of external stimuli, ideal places to start walking they are the parks and museums. That is, spaces where children feel encouraged to improve and explore.

THE RIGHT SHOES

Le shoes The right shoes should be high, with a modest insole, and flexible from toe to heel. For their first steps, it's best for children to walk barefoot or wear non-slip socks.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT FLAT FEET

Don't be alarmed if the child shows a tendency, in the early years, to have flat feetThis is normal. Talk to your pediatrician if the condition persists after age 4.

VARUS KNEE

It can happen that when the child begins to stand, an arch forms between the knees: this phenomenon is called “bow knee” and can affect more robust children. Talk to your pediatrician about it and he will evaluate whether it is necessary to consult an orthopedic specialist. The same applies and the same method in the case of "knock knees," the opposite of "varus knees," which can appear between the ages of 3 and 4.

DON'T OVERPUT YOUR EFFORTS

Never overdo the effort you require. Let your child take all the necessary breaks: if he rests, he will be more effective and will be able to learn better. And he won't be listless or nervous about theexcessive fatigue.

TO KNOW MORE: Home Accidents: How to Keep Children Safe at Home

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