In my years working with and studying the behavior patterns of all types children, I've found that some babies are fast learners while others simply aren't. Also, some develop faster physically and have early muscle growth advantages over others who simply develop at their own natural pace.
Diet, nutrition and exercise are vital as well. There are many things involved in getting to that point of being able to watch an infant walk a few steps. Here's a few things I've learned over the years that should help you take the proper course in making sure your baby is able to take bold strides.
Encouragement
Applauding, smiling, happy facial expressions, encouraging words, rewards of various kinds are all means of showing the young child that it's important and necessary for us all to learn to walk.
Proper Nutrition
In order to take on those steps, the baby's balance, muscular growth, and confidence all depend of good proper nutrition. Breast milk, various baby formulas (Similac), foods and liquids rich in lutien, DHA, vitamin E, calcium, iron, zinc, etc. are all necessary to establish the chemical make up of a healthy child as they move into the next stage of their development.
Proper Exercise
Strong little bodies require a lot regular movement as they are in rapidly-growing "formative" stages. Things such as baby bouncers and walkers, exercises (like teaching them to simple roll over), aquatic "floaters" they can paddle in the pool with, all help to keep little leg muscles moving and bones developing.
When an infant is left sitting in bouncers, cribs and strollers a majority of the time, they don't develop their body, mind or spirit properly. In fact, this lack of development has been proven to lead to later feelings of disassociation that come from the rejection or teasing (bullying) from kids their same age who have become healthier, smarter, or more self-confident earlier in life.
Proper Balance
Finally, developing your child's sense of balance takes time. I always establish at my daycare safe places where the kids can practice holding themselves upright to develop their own sense of balance and to "find their legs". Since different heights are required, I always make sure that it's "injury proof", solidly built, and easy to grab and hold onto.
Practice
First of all, you start by sitting down with them facing you, and hold them by their mid-forearm. Gently lift them to their feet while encouraging them with smiles, expressions, and applause. As you continue they will get better at standing on their own. Now find a balance bar or "hold on handle" that is at the proper height for the child intended. This should be as close to standing "eye-level" as possible as that is the right height for their legs to be at when fully extended. Now, while sitting behind them, slightly lift them and place their hands on the bar or handles with your hands on their hips. Now help them to rise to their standing position. At some point when you both feel right, begin letting go for a second at a time. Make sure to encourage them all along the way!
Before you know it, your baby will be ready to take it's historic and highly developmental march across the room. Have plenty of cameras and tissues ready as it will be a moment you and they will never forget.
If you'd like to read up more on how your baby will take it's first steps, I suggest getting one of these books or this great calendar as you can:
"Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Year: From Doctors Who Are Parents, Too!" by Mayo Clinic Baby Experts
http://a.co/dN3VSeK
"What to expect the first year" by Heidi Murkoff
http://a.co/g4QWXHe
"The Baby Exercise Calendar; Baby's First Year of Movement" by Diane Massad and Kidskills International
http://a.co/hYyt9QO
If you have questions, concerns, or have some great advice that you would like to share on this blog, you can write me directly at: askadaycarepro@gmail.com
Love your kids, love your life!
Jennifer Schwartz
"Ask A Daycare Pro"
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