Parenting Advice: How Did You Encourage Your Little One to Try Walking Again After a Bad Tumble?

Bellamy's Organic SG - One-to-Try-Walking-Again-After-a-Bad-Tumble

At Bellamy’s Organic Singapore, we’ve been celebrating the first steps taken by both you and your little one. Your little one’s actual first steps can be a huge feat and you can expect some trial and error. When your tiny tot is learning to walk they’re sure to take a few bumps and falls.

We asked all mums to share how they encourage their little one to walk after a bad tumble. Here are some of our favourites:

A healthy dose of determination

“Nothing, not making a big fuss when they fell down. Usually their curiosity is bigger than their fear. Then again my boys walked at 10 and 11 months and they usually don’t care much about falling at that age.” – Laura Bartoli

“I didn’t need to (do anything). Our daughter was so determined to follow her big brother, she just got up and went. Took a few wobbly steps at morning tea time, and by dinner time she was on the go and hasn’t stopped!” – Rebecca Heatherill

Make it fun

“He loves shakers/maracas so we stood him up, holding onto him, and then shook the shakers and gradually step back so he would follow. The shakers encouraged him to walk and also distracted him from the fact that he was actually doing it!” – Bonnie Csöngei

“Gotta crawl before you can walk. My youngest wasn’t going anywhere until we let her taste ice cream from a bowl that was then moved away so she had to crawl.” – Jo Rowling

Guidance is key

“I hold her hand and walk with her. And also I got her walker she gain her confidence and not scared anymore. Now she’s like a pocket rocket wanting to go everywhere.” – Mia Samantha Shane Wright

“Chloe is a very strong determined baby so I just needed to be firm and encourage her with nice words and smiles. We have a big staircase so she goes up and down on her own meanwhile we are just following and giving her tips where to grab or what to do.” – Natalya Ferreira

Love cures all

“Mummy’s kisses fix everything, my little one thinks.” – Chloe-Emma Hart

Tips for encouraging your child to walk

Walking is a major developmental milestone and your child will typically takes their first steps between nine and 17 months of age.

While you may be anxiously waiting to capture their steps with your camera in hand, it is important to be patient and encourage them physically and verbally as they transition from crawling to standing, and cruising to walking.

Here are some ways you can help your tiny tot on their journey:

Let them go barefoot – Your little one will find it easier to walk when they can grip the surface easily with their bare feet and toes. Socks and shoes can make it easy for them to slip and fall. They can also cause irritation, making it uncomfortable or painful for your child to walk.
Make a path – Encourage them with a path lined with their favourite plush toys or things they can reach for.
Try a game – Make it fun for them and pretend you’re playfully chasing them; this works whether you’re helping them crawl or walk!
Help strengthen their muscles – Your baby needs strong leg and back muscles so help them play and exercise with lots of tummy time.
A soft place to land – As your little one begins to cruise and walk, they’ll be much more likely to bounce back after a tumble if they have a soft place to fall. Make sure the floor has lots of cushioning, mats and rugs.

Finally, when your baby falls down, remain calm. They’ll take their cue from you so if you panic, they’ll most likely begin to also, setting off the tears and loud wails. Smile, pick them up in your arms and and say something positive like “You’re okay.” Before you know it they’ll be back on their feet!