Learning to walk is one of the most exciting milestones in your baby’s development. While every child progresses at their own pace, there are simple, evidence-informed exercises that can help build the strength, balance, and confidence needed for those first steps.
If your baby is between 9–15 months, these three movements are the most effective (and easiest) ways to support walking development at home.
1. Sit-to-Stand Practice
Sit-to-stand is one of the most important functional movements for walking. It strengthens the quadriceps, glutes, and core, which are essential for standing and stepping.
Avoid pulling your baby up by their hands — let them do the work to build strength.
2. Cruising Along Furniture
Cruising teaches side stepping and weight shifting, which are critical stepping stones before independent walking.
Practice in both directions to improve coordination and symmetry.
3. Supported Standing
Standing helps develop balance, joint stability, and confidence.
Avoid holding under the arms — this reduces proper weight-bearing through the legs.
How Often Should You Practice?
These exercises don’t need to feel like “training.”
Aim for 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times per day, integrated into play.
Consistency is far more important than intensity.
How We Can Help
At Pain Free Health, our team of chiropractors, physiotherapists, and kinesiologists assess pediatric movement and development.
We focus on:
If you have concerns about your baby’s development or simply want peace of mind, our team is here to help.
