Create Obstacles For Cruising
Before your baby learns to walk, they will spend months cruising along furniture. Cruising is when babies are holding onto something stable, like the couch, and taking side steps. They should be able to easily cruise to the left and the right.
Cruising helps babies build the confidence and stability that they need to walk on their own.
If you want to help your baby get the most out of this cruising stage…
Try this:
Create small obstacles for your baby to cruise over or around.
If your baby is cruising along the couch, try placing these obstacles in their path:
A scrunched up blanket. Walking over the soft and uneven surface challenges your baby’s balance and foot, ankle, and leg strength.
A metal baking pan. Your baby will need to rely on their depth perception to step over the edge and into the pan.
A short box or step stool. Stepping up onto a small height prepares your baby for climbing, and requires strength to step up. It requires depth perception, and the ability to shift their weight onto one leg while taking a step up.
P.S. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for skilled physical therapy intervention. While I am a physical therapist, I am not your child's physical therapist. If you have questions or concerns about your child's health and/or development, please contact your pediatrician.