How to help your baby learn to walk

Breast milk is best for your baby

Breast milk is best for babies. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Health Promotion Board (HPB) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. At around six months of age (but not before 4 months), infants should receive nutritionally adequate and age-appropriate complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.

Abbott Singapore fully recognises breast milk’s primacy, value and superiority and supports exclusive breastfeeding as recommended by the WHO.

The content on this website is intended as general information for Singaporean residents only and should not be used as a substitute for medical care and advice from your healthcare practitioner. The HPB recommends that infants start on age-appropriate complementary foods at around 6 months, whilst continuing breastfeeding for up to 2 years or beyond to meet their evolving nutritional requirements. If no longer breastfeeding, toddlers can switch to full cream milk after 12 months. This should be complemented by a good variety of solid foods from the four main food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, meat and alternatives). For more information on the nutritional requirements of infants and young children, please visit www.healthhub.sg/earlynutrition.

Every little baby's first step is a miracle. It takes a combination of motor and sensory skills to begin to saunter on little feet.

Not to fret if your baby does not take to walking as quickly as you might think he should; babies walk when they are ready to do so! Some start as early as nine months, while others get to their feet only by 16 months. It takes hours and hours of practice before your little child can stride with confidence.

After your baby has taken the first steps, here's what you need to know to help him, as your little cherub is learning to walk.

Ensure your home is safe

Protect table edges and corners with cushioned protectors. Remove unstable furniture and table covers. Cover electrical sockets with protective covers, and use baby safe locks on low cupboards and safety gates at stairs.

Allow baby to walk around on bare feet at home

After you’ve baby-proofed your home for your child’s safety, do encourage your baby to walk barefoot. Your child will be able to grip the floor better with bare toes.

Do not provide a 'walker'

These are unsafe and may even delay your child's ability to learn to walk.

Allow baby time and space to move independently

Do not confine your baby to a cradle, sarong, or play pen for long periods of time. To encourage your child to walk, stand in front of your little one and encourage your baby to walk to you. Once your baby has taken the first step, hold your child’s hand and allow your little one to walk ahead.

Praise and patience helps

Baby will have a few minor spills as your baby learns to walk. Do not express loud dismay or shock. Pick your baby up and hug to reassure your little one. Be positive and encouraging and soon, your child will be walking with confidence.