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.

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

WHEN YOU TAKE THE FIRST STEPS

The average age for a baby's first steps is around 12 months , but some babies start crawling around 8 months. The important thing is to never go beyond 2 years of age, which means there are issues that should be addressed with the pediatrician first.

DO NOT FORCE THE CHILD

Don't force the baby, but instead guide him by holding him under the armpits or with both hands. Even better, with just one finger. If he falls, don't panic: a worried or alarmed attitude could create insecurity and discourage the child from trying again.

PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM SHARP EDGES

The organization of your home changes when a newborn starts walking. Protect sharp edges, cover electrical outlets , close 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 off in a flash. Also, remove any fragile or dangerous objects that are within your baby's reach.

NO WALKER

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

TALK TO THE CHILD

Remember that 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, engage 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 are parks and museums . These are spaces where children feel encouraged to improve and explore.

THE RIGHT SHOES

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

WHAT TO DO ABOUT FLAT FEET

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

VARUS KNEE

When a child begins to stand, a bow may form between the knees: this phenomenon is called "genu varum" and can affect larger children. Discuss this with your pediatrician , who will assess whether it's appropriate to consult an orthopedic surgeon. The same applies and the same method for "genu valgum," the opposite of "genu varum," 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 as many breaks as necessary: ​​if he rests, he'll be more effective and will learn better. And he won't be listless or nervous from overexertion.

READ MORE: Domestic Accidents: How to Keep Children Safe at Home

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