Tips to help your baby take his or her first steps

Your baby's first steps: how to help him on this journey!

Learning to walk marks a new stage in a baby's development . Walking offers autonomy and allows the baby to explore the world around them more freely, which represents a leap in motor and cognitive stimulation. The first steps are always the hardest , as walking requires strength and coordination that is still being developed. It is a skill that will evolve over time and with practice. There is no rush, so don't force the baby to walk or stand before they show they are ready. Don't worry, they learn quickly and will soon be running around.

We know that this can be a very challenging time for parents and caregivers who have to be extra careful to avoid accidents . Unfortunately, however, it is not always possible to be around enough to prevent children from falling. Falls are part of any child's learning process , but that does not mean that parents should simply allow it to happen.

Instead, it is important to take steps that provide the best learning conditions and reduce the risk of falling:

1. Always be close by, support when needed and guide through dangers and challenges when necessary.

2. Let your baby walk barefoot whenever possible . This helps with grip and improves balance and coordination; it helps with posture, strengthens the muscles in the feet and reduces falls.

3. Offer different sensory experiences , let your baby walk barefoot on sand, dirt, grass and puddles and wherever else is safe and available.

4. Make sure the environment where the child is playing is safe . Check for sharp objects, furniture corners or heavy objects that could injure them if they fall on them.

5. On cold days, opt for non-slip socks , there are many good options on the market.

6. When shoes are essential, choose models with toe protection , thin soles, non-slip, made of flexible material and breathable fabric.

Make the most of this phase and be present as much as you can, because before we know it, the baby we were carrying in our arms is already running around the house.