Learning To Walk With a Push Toy
Even if you don't have a push toy at home, your baby will find something to push around.
This is one of the last phases before independent walking. And there's one particular skill that usually indicates that a child is ready to take off on their own. It's when they are able to get unstuck. They crash into a wall, pull the push toy backward, redirect the push toy, and keep going.
If they are able to get unstuck like this, it means that they have the strength and balance needed to walk. But it takes practice!
Try this:
When they are stuck, give them time to problem solve on their own first.
Try not to jump right in to redirect them. Give your baby an opportunity to notice what has happened, and experiment with how they might fix it.
At first, they'll probably do nothing. Or they might get down to the floor and crawl away.
Next time it happens, pause again and let them notice. Then show them these two movements:
Pulling the toy away from the wall.
Turning the toy to redirect.
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.