Hello!

“Do any mums have any advice on how I can encourage my 16 month old to walk? He walks around the furniture, climbs on everything, we hold his hands & walk with him but it doesn’t last long as he drops to the ground and refuses to move..” How do you encourage your child to walk?

Posted by anon, 14/04/13

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  • Maybe try a walking toy pusher. Also, remember to relax children do things when they are ready and ignore anyone who says different. If you’re concerned, speak to your GP about it


  • I’m rather tempted to say “you don’t”, because it’s so much easier before they become mobile! But look, it sounds like he’s doing all the right things, and at the right sort of age range, so I wouldn’t stress too much. He’ll do it when he’s ready.


  • Persistence… He probably just needs reassurance that you won’t let go! When he does take steps on his own HUGE praise and a big song and dance over it.


  • I encouraged mine by doing exactly what you’re doing, but it’s not working for you. He’ll be fine, he’ll walk when he’s ready, no pressure


  • I bought my son a play table and a walker which encouraged him to pull himself up and manoeuvre around then starting encouraging him to walk from the play toy to me short distances


  • I used a walker, it was perfect!!


  • We used to hold a towel under our kids arms to help them stand up and then walked along behind them.


  • I think what your doing is great ie walking with him by holding his hands and letting him walk around the furniture, have you thought about getting a walker toy bit like a baby shopping trolley ???
    I’ think a lot of children will just walk when they are good and ready and nothing you do will make it happen any quicker.


  • My little one earned her first bump on the head today trying to walk, :( early walkers are not fun!


  • I personally think it a balance thing, until they find their equilibrium they won’t be confident enough, he just needs time


  • My son had no confidence to walk alone either so I use to offer a piece of chocolate get him where he couldn’t hold onto anything and then stand in front of him and I would walk backwards and he would walk to get the chocolate ….


  • My daughter didn’t walk until she was 15 months and one day she just started and there was no stopping her.


  • Did any advice help in the end?


  • I’m sure he’ll come around in his own time when he feels comfortable enough.


  • Did your child end up walking?


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