How to teach your child to walk: basic exercises, useful tips and safety tips. Does a child need a leash to walk? Buy a walking aid for your child

The first step is one of the most exciting moments in a child's development. Moms and dads always look forward to when their baby masters the skill of independent movement on legs. And at some point, parents begin to think about how to teach a child to walk so that he can do it without support.

At what age do children start walking

According to the conventional norm, based on statistical data, babies begin to walk between the ages of 9 and 16 months. But each child is individual, so going beyond the specified framework is not a mandatory sign of any developmental pathology. There are children who at 7 months stand on their feet, and after a while they are already walking. Others, on the contrary, do not yet master the skill of independent walking at the age of one and a half. It depends on various factors:

• Heredity. Doctors usually ask at what age mom and dad mastered a particular skill. If one of the parents started walking late in childhood, most likely, the baby will also not be in a hurry to take the first step.
• Body type. All skills are usually more difficult for strong children, so they also begin to walk later than their thin and light peers.
• Gender of the child. Girls are often ahead of boys in development, this also applies to the skill of independent walking.
• The degree of development of body muscles and sense of balance. This factor largely depends on the parents, who, with the help of exercises, can help the baby strengthen the muscles and learn to keep balance.
• Temperament. Calm and contemplative children may crawl longer and go later than active toddlers seeking to satisfy their curiosity.
• Psychological atmosphere in the house. Constant quarrels in the family can lead to stress in the baby. He will not try to walk on his own until he feels completely safe.

Lead and delay

Do not rush the child to stand up and take the first step. If this happens too early, not due to the individual characteristics of the baby, but because of the excessive activity and desire of the parents, the consequences can be negative. The muscles of the baby are not yet sufficiently strengthened and are not ready to withstand the weight of his body. This is especially true for overweight children. The result of such parental haste can be valgus deformity of the legs and feet.

Another situation develops when the child is already 16-17 months old, and he still has not started walking. Causes can vary from a baby's weakened immune system to more serious disorders, such as the effects of a birth injury. In this case, you can not do without the advice of specialists. If no deviations in the development of the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system have been identified by doctors, the delay may correspond to the individual rhythm of the child's development.

How to tell if your baby is ready to walk

Before teaching a child to walk independently, parents should observe him to determine if he is ready for this.

The baby is physically and psychologically ready to start walking if he is able to:

• get up on your feet, holding on to a fixed support, sit down from this position;
• get up from your knees on your own;
• stay upright for a long time;
• stand without support;
• make attempts to move by holding on to furniture or walls;
• release the support to take 1-2 steps.

Recipe for the occasion::

Preliminary preparation

The correct gait in a child must be developed even before he begins to walk. Special exercises will help the development of the baby's muscles and accelerate the development of the skill of independent walking:

• Lay the child on his back and take him by the ankles with both hands. Bending the baby's legs at the knees, put them flat on the floor. Take 2-3 "steps", rearranging the legs forward, then back. Repeat 4-5 times. When performing this exercise, which develops the correct setting of the feet, it is important to ensure that the child does not tighten his toes.
• Put the baby on the fitball with his stomach, holding it under his arms. Slightly roll back and forth, touching the crumbs' feet to the wall and stimulating him to straighten his legs when pushing away. Repeat 5-7 times.
• Lay the child on his back. Holding a wooden stick at the height of the baby's straightened legs, ask him to reach the stick with his feet. The goal is to raise the legs at a right angle, without bending the knees.
• Put the baby on the floor so that his feet are completely pressed to the floor. Take the child by the hands and ask to sit down, spreading his knees to the sides, then stand up. When standing up, raise the arms of the crumbs up so that he stands on his toes.
• Put the child on the floor, pressing his back to him. With one hand, hold the knees, preventing them from bending, with the other hand, hold the stomach. Ask the baby to bend down to pick up the toy lying in front of him, then straighten up. Repeat 3-4 times.

Walking Exercises

The following complex is designed to be performed with children who stand confidently on their legs:

• Put the child on the floor with his back to you, holding his stomach with one hand. With the other hand, take the baby by the shin, lifting the leg of the crumb bent at the knee. Hold in a raised position for 5-7 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times with the right and left legs.
• Starting position - as in exercise No. 1. Holding the bent leg of the child with your hand, make a movement that imitates stepping over an obstacle (slightly straightening the leg forward and down). Repeat 3-5 times, alternating legs.
• IP - as in exercise No. 1. Put a large book or a strong box 6-7 cm high in front of the child. Taking the baby’s leg by the ankle and bending at the knee, put it on the “step”, firmly pressing the foot to the surface. While supporting the child, help him lean on this leg, straightening it and rising on the box. Put the other leg next to you. Go down again and repeat 3-5 times with each leg. When it starts to turn out well, it will be possible to put 2-3 steps of different heights.
• Turn the child with his back to you, holding under the armpits and placing his feet on his own. Walk a little around the room so that the baby can understand the principle and consolidate this movement for himself.
• Put a small light ball in front of the baby. Taking the slightly bent leg of the child with your hand, hit the ball with it. Repeat 4-5 times with each leg. After that, you can invite the baby to try to hit the ball with his foot on his own.

When a child has mastered walking, it is important to ensure that his gait is correct: the baby should put his feet in parallel and not too wide apart.

Stimulating interest in walking

Until the baby understands that independent movement is an interesting activity, thanks to which you can learn and see a lot of new things, he will not have an incentive to learn to walk. Parents will have to be smart to encourage their child to break away from the support.

• Offer a toy to a child standing near a support. The kid will take it with one hand. After that, offer him another, no less attractive toy. To take it, the child will have to let go of the other hand, standing without support.
• Place several chairs at a short distance from each other, putting interesting objects on them. The child will be able to move from one of them to another. Over time, the chairs move further and further apart.
• Joint games with parents are the most interesting thing that can be offered to a child. The kid will like to storm sofas together with mom and dad and overcome small obstacles from various home furnishings (pillows, rollers, etc.).
• The example of other children who can walk and even run well will help to encourage the child to move independently. Let the baby watch how fun those who are no longer led by the hand are having fun on the playground.

Helpers

Walkers

These devices are designed more for the convenience of parents than for the development of children. Walkers give mom the opportunity to free her hands, watching the child, in order to have time to do something around the house. They soften blows on surrounding objects, provide the crumbs with some independence and mobility. The kid cannot fall or stumble on a sharp corner. But you can not leave the child in a walker for a long time, this can harm the child's body.

• The process of teaching a child to walk will not be accelerated, since other muscle groups are involved in moving in a walker. The kid pushes off the support with the toe part of the legs, and does not step over, as it should be when walking. This can further provoke the wrong version of walking - on toes.
• A child who is placed in a walker too early can miss out on the important developmental milestone of crawling. As a result, his muscles and joints will not be properly prepared for upright posture. In walkers, the vertical load on a weak spinal column increases, which in the future can lead to a violation of posture and more serious consequences.
• With such a movement, the back muscles are not involved and strengthened, which can lead to problems with the spine.

For healthy children, it is permissible to be in a walker for no more than 30-40 minutes a day. Devices are categorically contraindicated for babies with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, suffering from rickets, having reduced or increased muscle tone, as well as children who still do not know how to sit confidently.

Walkers-wheelchair

Unlike walkers in which the baby sits, wheelchairs are designed for children who stand confidently on their feet. The child pushes such walkers in front of him, moving freely. Kids like bright and interesting devices, because various educational toys are usually located on their front. With such assistants, even the most cautious children will be able to master the skill of walking without fear of falling.

Reins for children

Designed to support an unbalanced baby who is learning to walk. The device allows moms and dads to protect the crumbs from falls. At the same time, parents do not need to bend down and strain their backs.

The danger lies in the fact that with the help of such a leash it is impossible to teach a child to keep balance. He will get used to the fact that there is no need to be careful when falling. But the baby must learn to fall in order to avoid serious injury.

Choosing the first shoe

The right choice of first shoes is very important for the health of the baby's musculoskeletal system. It reliably protects the legs of the crumbs from mechanical damage, and also helps to shape the child's feet. High-quality and properly selected shoes will help to give the baby stability and make his first steps more confident.

To determine the size, you need to put the baby on a sheet of thick paper or cardboard and circle each foot with a pencil. With a cut out stencil, you can go to the store. If one foot is slightly larger, choose the size according to it.

It is better to opt for children's shoes that meet the following criteria:

• made from natural materials;
• light in weight;
• has a high back for rigid and reliable fixation of the heel;
• with a closed round toe;
• the sole is non-slip and not overly soft, has a relief surface and a heel of about 0.5 cm;
• securely fixes the leg in the ankle.

Many parents immediately buy orthopedic shoes for their baby. This type of footwear is therapeutic and is purchased only for medical reasons. The recommendation to wear orthopedic shoes is given by a specialist, taking into account the diagnoses confirmed by x-rays.

Do not buy shoes one size larger. In shoes that don't fit well and dangle on the feet, the baby will begin to tuck his socks inward, constantly keeping his knees in a half-bent state.

To teach your baby to walk, you must first prepare him for this. It is necessary to stimulate the child to new achievements, while focusing on his mood. If the baby refuses to do something, you can’t insist and force it, this can completely discourage him from moving around on his own and postpone the development of the walking skill for an indefinite time.

Doctors believe that a child with normal health indicators should take the first steps at the age of 9 to 18 months; the most frisky peanuts begin to move on their own long before the year, the more thorough kids can go closer to one and a half.

In principle, one can already guess from the difference in terms: the first steps are a purely individual matter, and you should not even try to bring the achievements of a particular baby under a single standard. Of course, practice shows that there are children who develop "according to the book" and consistently go through all the stages described in the thematic literature. The “correct” child first learns to crawl, then, having passed all conceivable standards for running on all fours, begins to get up in the crib, then masters the movement around the perimeter of the arena - and finally takes the first timid step into the open space. However, for one such baby there is at least one who does not know the pediatric canons and, calmly skipping the "plastun" stage, practically without preparation, changes a sedentary lifestyle to an upright posture.

These simple statistics contain the answer to the question that worries most new mothers: when should he go? And this answer is: when he is mature and strong enough to stand on his feet; nature knows the right date better than a whole council of doctors.

Get on the charger!

Of course, the above does not mean that you need to let the development of the baby take its course, that he does not need help - they say, sooner or later he will go. And you need to follow and help. The first steps can be delayed both if the child's leg muscles are too weak, and in case of hypertonicity - that is, when the muscles are in very strong tension (in hypertonicity, the child does not put his foot on his full foot, all the time rising on tiptoe). Accurate diagnosis of the state of the musculoskeletal system of the baby should be carried out by specialists (orthopedist, surgeon, neurologist). As a rule, if hypertonicity is diagnosed, doctors prescribe herbal or sea salt baths and massage. If the baby needs to strengthen muscles, develop coordination of movements and instill self-confidence, special gymnastics can be very useful.

Exercise 1

Age: from 9-10 months, when the child has already begun to step over, holding the hands of adults.

Inventory: a toy stroller or stroller of the baby himself.

The child stands holding the handles of the stroller, the adult supports the baby. When the stroller begins to slowly move from its place, the baby reaches for it, bends over and finally takes the first step.

Exercise 2

Age: from 9 months.

Inventory: table or any hard surface.

An adult puts the child on his haunches, with his back to himself. Firmly holding the hips, the adult swings the baby back and forth, forcing him to stand on even legs. It is necessary to help the child lean forward as far as possible, while supporting him in the chest area. If the little one is in no hurry to get up, it means that the legs are still weak and the exercise can be left, and after a while you can return to it. The purpose of the exercise is to consolidate the ability to stand independently.

Exercise 3

Age: 6-9 months.

Inventory: fitball of medium size, inflated by 2/3.

An adult puts the child on the ball with his back to himself and, holding his hips tightly, tilts him in different directions. The goal is to develop coordination of movements, teach balance and maintain balance.

Exercise 4

Age: when the child already knows how to get up from his knees with the help of a support.

Inventory: baby's favorite toy and armchair.

The toy moves along the floor in the direction of the chair, “calling” the baby on all fours to crawl after it, rises above the chair (so that the child tries to lean on it with its arms) and is placed on the edge of the chair. If the exercise is successful, the baby should stand up without assistance, leaning on armchair.

Exercise 5

Age: 9 months and older.

Inventory: two poles about 120 cm high or a hoop.

The child takes the poles, the adult puts his hands on top of his hands. The adult begins to slowly step over with the child, rearranging the poles in the manner of ski poles. If a hoop is used, the child is inside, and the adult, moving the hoop in different directions, pushes the baby to different movements - walking in a circle, forward or backward.

Exercise 6

Age: when the baby moves around the room, holding an adult by the hand.

Inventory: long cord or rope.

The cord is pulled between the furniture at the height of the child's knees. Holding the child by the hand, the adult leads the child to the lace. The point is for the child to step over the obstacle.

How to make the path easier?

In an effort to make the first steps of babies easier, parents and pediatricians are not far behind, and the modern industry is expanding the range of educational products for children year by year. Some of them are recognized as useful, regarding others, the opinions of experts may diverge in diametrically opposite directions. Below are three of the most popular and most talked about walking aids.

Walkers. A small round table with a cloth seat, arranged on the principle of a kangaroo backpack, equipped with wheels at the base. Sitting in a walker, the child reaches the floor with his legs and, pushing off, can move freely around the apartment. The height of the seat, as a rule, is adjustable: the baby can reach the floor with one toe, or he can stand on a full foot.

It is walkers that cause the most fierce debate in the "near-infant" environment: there are both staunch supporters and ardent opponents of this device. In fact, if you do not buy cheap and, therefore, potentially traumatic models and follow basic safety precautions, walkers can hardly do any harm. The safety precautions are very simple:

• walkers are not suitable for a child who is not yet able to sit independently;
• a child in a walker cannot be left unattended (as, in fact, without them);
• too long in a walker will create unnecessary stress on the back.

In fairness, it should be noted that there is not only little harm from walkers, but also some good: the very idea that walkers can help a baby with the first steps raises big doubts. A child sitting in a walker, in fact, does not walk, but rolls, pushing off the floor with his feet. At the same time, he is deprived of the need to maintain balance and coordinate his own movements, he is insured against falls. On the other hand, at the stage when the little one has already begun to actively move around the house on all fours, but has not yet learned to walk, the described device can be a real salvation for the mother, giving her a break in the endless "race for the leader."

Wheelchair. A device shaped like a four-wheeled cart with a handle: the baby takes the first steps, holding on to the handle and pushing the wheelchair in front of him. It is more comfortable than a regular baby stroller, which most one-year-old babies also like to carry, as it matches the height of the baby. At a certain stage, there are many benefits from such an item, since it allows the child to move around without the help of adults, without losing balance and self-confidence.

Reins-leash. A harness design that resembles a dog harness both visually and in the way it is used. "Reins" are used at the stage of the very first steps, when the baby is already ready to move without outside help, but at the same time it still does not coordinate movements well enough. In this situation, the "leash" plays the role of a safety lounge, preventing the beginner "rope walker" from falling and hitting hard. The main disadvantage of the device is that from the outside it looks unattractive. But if a grandmother suffering from rheumatism has to walk the baby, the "leash" can be a real salvation.

Barefoot boy

Another controversial point regarding the first steps of the baby is associated with his first shoes. Today, almost every orthopedist, seeing that the child is about to go, offers parents to purchase sandals with a supportive arch support. According to most modern doctors, such shoes serve effective prevention and also helps to more stable adhesion of the legs to the surface. At the same time, this approach in orthopedics is not the only one, and its claims to the status of the ultimate truth are somewhat premature.

Back in the middle of the twentieth century, the American orthopedist Simon Wikler published the book Take Off Your Shoes and Walk (Dr Simon J. Wikler. Take Off Your Shoes and Walk), in which he described the results of his many years of research. After examining hundreds of patients' feet from one to ninety years old, Wikler concluded that the healthiest feet are those who wear loose shoes with flexible soles and often go barefoot. It is the arch supports that weaken the muscles of the foot, since its bending, which should occur naturally, in the case of the arch support is achieved mechanically, the doctor believes. The conclusion of the orthopedist is as follows: the shoes should be free enough to allow the toes to move inside the boot, there should be no insoles in it, and at every suitable opportunity the child should walk barefoot (including at home, on a smooth floor).

Steps to safety

Taking care that the child is comfortable and convenient to walk, it is important not to forget about his elementary safety: as soon as the baby gets on his feet, he literally moves to a new level ... and begins to reach those shelves and objects, oh that I could only dream of before. So, in order for the first steps of the crumbs to be a reason for joy, and not for permanent stress, you need to prepare for these very steps.

So, take a critical look at the apartment and...

• move all fragile, valuable and heavy items that are less than 1.2 m from the floor;
• remove the tablecloths: they are very easily pulled off the table along with all the contents;
• hide all household chemicals in an inaccessible place: washing powders, stain removers and bleaches no longer have a place in an easily opened drawer under the bathroom;
• block electrical outlets with special plugs;
• get into the habit of putting all sharp, piercing, cutting objects in a place where the baby will not reach them - even if he tries very hard.

In addition to potentially dangerous items that can hurt, prick or burn a baby, at the "pioneer" stage, a myriad of corners and furniture handles are found in the apartment, located exactly at the level of the baby's eyes. Fortunately, the modern industry offers a range of devices that can literally smooth out sharp corners. Corners for tables, special cases for handles, plugs for drawers, door and window stops, stair blockers are available today in any more or less large children's store. And yet, do not flatter yourself: straws, which, according to popular wisdom, would not hurt to lay in the right place, modern manufacturers have not invented. The moment a child takes its first step, it takes a step towards its independence. And on this path there will certainly be sharp corners and insidious steps, tears, abrasions and bumps. The kid will fall a thousand more times - and rise a thousand and one, until he finally gets really firmly on his feet.

The first timid baby steps are always a joy for mom and dad. So that they are not overshadowed by numerous painful falls, manufacturers are creating more and more new accessories that protect against such failures. Their list also includes a special children's leash. What it is and how to use it correctly so as not to harm your baby, we will discuss in this article.

What is a children's leash and what types are there?

Children's reins- this is a fairly simple invention, the main function of which is to control the baby, who is just starting to learn to walk. This is a product made of soft but durable ribbons that gently wraps around the child, and mom or dad takes it by the free end.

This design is especially convenient for parents of twins or triplets, as well as for those mothers and fathers who have back problems and cannot lead children by the hand, as well as constantly lean towards them. Also, such kind of walkers are convenient for learning to walk in public places.

There are different types of baby leashes. Which one to choose for their crumbs, parents decide depending on personal preferences, the age of the child and financial capabilities.

Experts believe that the safest option is reins with a tight, rigid handle, which is attached to the body with special panties, and not under the armpits. It avoids excessive stress on the spine.

The leash, which is attached to the shoulders, chest and armpits of the crumbs, is also convenient. To prevent chafing, he usually has a soft fabric lining on his chest. The main advantage is that the straps of such reins can be adjusted, so they are suitable for wearing both winter and summer clothes.

And the simplest model consists of only strong lines and fasteners that can be easily adjusted as needed. But it is best used only for older children who are already able to stand on their legs, but are not yet too confident in their steps. After all, such reins are not able to support the child, they only slightly control his balance.

There is another original model, which consists of a backpack to which a leash is attached. This is a great option for independent kids who do not like to hold their parents' hands.

What age are they for?

It is difficult to accurately answer the question of at what age the accessory under discussion can be used. It depends on the individual characteristics of the development of the child. The model, which is attached like panties, is allowed to be used immediately, as soon as the child begins to try to take the first steps on his own. In it, the baby will hang like on a swing. But simpler models without strong fasteners are best left for older age.

Overview of popular rein-walkers

When choosing a special leash for your baby, first of all, you should pay attention to its comfort and safety. The device must be durable and reliable. It is better to refuse models with Velcro, as their crumbs can unfasten on their own.

Also, the product should not rub or crush children's skin.

Leash Canpol Babies

Comfortable children's reins with a bright spectacular design. Burgundy model with blue trim. In their manufacture, a strong strong fabric was used, which for a long time will not tear or rub.

With the help of this design, parents will be able to help the baby take their first steps on their own and not fall or get hurt.

Their main feature is that such reins can easily be transformed into a safety time for a stroller or high chair at dinner. Therefore, we can say that this is an accessory two in one.

Reins Chicco First Steps

Chicco produces a wide variety of comfortable accessories for children. There are also reins in their assortment. Many of them have a non-standard design, so both parents and children will like them. For example, on the chest of some models there is a portrait of a panda bear.

The design has very comfortable fasteners. It allows mom to save her back from excessive stress during the period when the baby takes her first steps. With her, the child does not have to constantly hold in her arms. They are equally convenient to use both at home and on the street. The parameters of the products are easily adjustable, so they will fit a variety of clothes.

Best Baby

This rein is a special soft but strong belt made of light fabric with narrow shoulder straps. At the back they have an additional tape that mom or dad will hold on to.

Many buyers will surely be attracted by the cost of this product. It averages only 150 rubles. You can buy these reins at any children's goods store.

At the back of the product is a strong plastic mount that the child will not be able to unfasten. You can wear it with comfort for both winter and summer clothes.

mom reviews

Angelina: I sewed the reins for my daughter with my own hands, because at the time when they were needed, there was no extra money in the family. The product turned out to be no worse than the purchased one. Therefore, I advise all mothers who know how to sew at least a little to do it on their own. And if there is a sewing machine in the house, then there will be no problems at all.

Galina: For us, the Best Baby reins were completely useless. It's good that they are at least inexpensive, otherwise it would be a pity for the money. I bought them for 130 rubles. We had a pale blue model. Have only tried them a couple of times. The child was constantly pulling on the ropes from behind. Tried to turn around. I completely forgot about walking. Maybe it's our fidget, I don't know.
In the end, all the same, he learned to walk only by the hand with me or with dad. Therefore, I think that the product is useless.

Olga M.: Great accessory! I've always had trouble lifting weights. Therefore, I was very afraid that during the first steps of the child I would suffer greatly. As a result, I bought Chicco reins and forgot about the problems. All I had to do was support my daughter. No stress on my spine. I recommend to all fragile mothers!

Is it possible to do it yourself?

If you have time and desire, you can make such reins for a child with your own hands.

You will need to purchase:

• 4 semi-automatic plastic fasteners;
• 4 meters of special material - textile slings.

First of all, the parameters of the child are measured - the girth of the chest (the main thing is to leave a margin for the fastener), the distance from the middle to the chest to the middle of the back. The length of the handle is measured arbitrarily, depending on the height of the parents.

Top-top ... Hooray! The kid took a step.

A timid step, then another. And suddenly - fell! How good if on a soft fleecy carpet ...

What if it's on the road? That's certainly not to avoid tears, bruised hands and soiled clothes, it would seem.

Or is it possible to survive the first independent walks without annoying troubles?

What is a child leash?

Probably, in childhood, many played “horse”: the running child in front was picked up by a rope by the belt or armpits, and the “rider” held the ends of the rope. This children's fun served as an example for the creation of a children's leash.

A children's leash, or reins, or a harness is a device that will ensure the safety of the baby while learning to walk, and will allow mom to take the load off her back. It is rather inconvenient to lead a child by both handles, when a small discoverer demands to step more and more.

Why does a child need a walking leash?

When the baby is just starting to learn walking, his movements are uncertain, poorly coordinated. With the help of the reins, it is convenient for an adult to control the movement of the child, to prevent falls. The baby's hands are not busy, and this helps to balance, maintain balance, play.

Going with a baby, for example, for shopping, you can be sure that a novice runner will not get lost in the crowd, will not run far, and will be in the field of view of his mother.

Important to remember! You can not always drive a baby with insurance! In safe places, it is worth letting the child run on his own. After all, if he does not learn to fall, he will not know what caution is.

Leash for a child: pros and cons

Among parents there is no clear opinion about the benefits of leashes. Some acquire them in advance, even before birth, and then actively use them. Special connoisseurs of this invention can be called mothers with more than one toddler. They know firsthand how hard it is to walk with an active baby.

Opponents of the reins consider their use unacceptable. This, in their opinion, humiliates the child, putting them on the same level as walking animals on a leash. There is also an opinion that children's posture and psyche deteriorate.

The child leash, of course, has its advantages:

• fall and injury protection
• the leash is adjusted individually to the size of the child
• in a leash, the baby feels the balance, and he has to put his legs correctly: lean on the whole foot
• affordable price

The main drawback is the ethical and aesthetic perception of others. In our country, reins for walking are not very common, and for many who meet a baby on a leash on the street, this spectacle causes bewilderment and condemnation.

If worn for a long time during the day, the reins can rub against the delicate skin of the child.

Important! A walking leash is not a learning tool, but only a safety net when teaching a child to walk!

Types of leashes for teaching a child to walk

There are several types of children's leashes. Their difference from each other is in the design and method of attachment.

Leashes with a rigid handle holder and soft panties for fixation

Outwardly, this model resembles the well-known "jumpers": durable textile panties and long straps ending with a holder. This is one of the safest leashes. This model allows you to evenly distribute the load on the fragile spine of the crumbs.

The disadvantage may be the price, the highest for this model among all types of leashes for children.

If the diaper is not used during the walk, you can be ready to wash the leash after each use.

Leashes that are attached to the chest, armpits and shoulders of the child

A very convenient option. Avoids chafing with a sewn-in fabric insert at the chest.

The straps are adjustable, you can choose the optimal length. This makes it possible to put on the reins even on voluminous winter clothes.

Sometimes straps can rub underarms due to their high position, so it is better to wear them on tight clothes with sleeves.

Leashes from slings and fasteners

This model is the simplest. It consists of straps and fasteners, adjustable along the entire length.

You can use such a leash only when the baby is already confidently standing on its legs: the leash only controls the balance, but does not provide support.

The slings can cut into the baby's skin and rub.

The big plus is the low cost.

Leash-backpack

This option looks like a backpack behind the back of the child, and a leash is attached to the backpack.

Very suitable for hyperactive babies, does not restrict movement. However, in such a leash, the support of the shoulder girdle is minimal, and this leash is not suitable for a poorly walking baby.

Children's walking leash: what to look for?

Having chosen this or that model of reins, it is worth checking how it meets the requirements of safety and comfort.

1. Security. Some important rules! When buying, it is important to determine the strength of the straps and fasteners. You should not buy a Velcro model, otherwise the child will be able to remove the leash from himself. The child must not be allowed to play with the leash by himself or with other children. Make sure the straps are not twisted around the child's neck.
2. Comfort. The materials from which the leash for learning to walk is made must be strong, but not rigid, so that the skin of the crumbs is not rubbed or squeezed. The slings must be adjusted individually for the height and build of the baby.
3. Price. The simplest leash for walking costs from a hundred rubles. The more famous the brand and the more complicated model, the higher the price. For those who want to save money, but have a high-quality children's leash, you can make this little thing with your own hands.

Note! You can’t use a walking leash before 8 months, until the baby begins to move, at least holding on to both handles of an adult’s hand.

Do-it-yourself leash for a child

Some craftswomen sew a leash on their own. The advantage of a homemade leash is the ability to adjust the length of the handles and choose the right color.

To sew a leash, you will need about 4 meters of a textile sling or strong braid and 4 semi-automatic fasteners - fastex.

1. First you need to measure the circumference of the chest of the child. You need to measure in clothes according to the season when walking is planned. Don't forget to leave a small margin for fasteners.
2. Then the length of the future straps is measured: from the middle of the child's chest over the shoulder to the back. The straps need to be tacked to the breast part.
3. The handle of the leash is measured so long that it is convenient for an adult to lead the baby without bending over.
4. A leash handle is sewn to the breast detail.
5. Fasteners are attached to the ends of the braid.
6. A thin pillow can be sewn to the chest to make the baby more comfortable.
7. The leash is ready.

This simplest model of children's reins does not require special sewing skills. You can even do without a sewing machine. Having spent quite a bit of money and time, it will turn out to build a little thing no worse than those offered by the baby goods industry.

Leash for a child: reviews of parents

Olga Shipunova (Omsk). When our overly active daughter was given the reins at 11 months, I finally learned what calm walks are. We chose the Love&Carry model. I am satisfied. And my daughter also likes it, you can grab anything with your hands instead of giving them to me, and run around calmly.

Yulia Akimkina (Belovo). I have twins. When they got out of the carriage, I could not walk with them alone. Bought Lindam leashes. Very comfortable, do not rub! And I don't care if the grannies are whispering. The main thing is that now we walk safely, and we forgot about broken knees.

Anna Lavrova (Novosibirsk). Grandma gave me a Chicco harness. Very cute, with a teddy bear on her chest. They could not walk with her, it was inconvenient for the child to run on a leash. But we liked to buckle up in a stroller or high chair. This harness is universal.

Irina Shabalina (Murmansk). The BabyOno leash is an excellent, high-quality thing. But we ourselves are to blame for not using it enough. They began to walk in the summer, in the heat. I was scared that my sweaty little body would rub through my T-shirt. They wore it a little in the fall, but they needed little support - they themselves ran.

Polina Kostyuk (Moscow). Maybe I used the baby leash incorrectly, but I absolutely did not like it. We bought a Polish model Womar. My son rubbed his armpits after the first walk. They put it on a warm blouse later - it still rubs. I do not recommend this harness to anyone.

Sergey Ovchinnikov (Perm). A couple of times I walked with my grandson - "I was left without legs and back." Advised to buy a leash. In our store only from the company Malyshastik turned out to be. Quite cheap. My back does not get tired now, and my grandson does not run away. At first, the daughter and son-in-law laughed, but then they themselves began to take a leash for a walk with their tomboy.

The walking leash makes it much easier for mom to walk with her baby. Simple design Provides support for your little one and prevents them from falling. It is possible to transfer the child across the road without fear: he will not break out and fall onto the roadway. You can safely go to the store: the baby will not get lost in the crowd, and the mother will be able to carry purchases with her free hand. You can just walk on the site and know that the walk will do without bruises and scratches.

Disapproval of others? For those who are wary of this, it is worth considering what is more important: backward views on life and upbringing or the comfort of the child and their own peace of mind.

The journey of a lifetime begins with the first step...

Tips on how to teach a child to walk independently are not relevant for every parent. Most children develop in accordance with age-related physiological norms and there is no need for their arbitrary learning. After all, walking is a skill acquired by the child independently in the process of natural psychomotor development. The average infant begins to walk at 1 year of age, the interval for acquiring this skill is from 9 to 15 months. Usually well-fed children, characterized by a loose body structure, begin to walk later than their peers, although not always. Premature babies born prematurely walk, on average, closer to 18 months.

If by the due date the child does not acquire this skill on his own, in order to exclude a possible pathology of development, it is necessary, in agreement with the local pediatrician, to show the baby to specialized specialists - an orthopedist and a neurologist. Perhaps doctors will prescribe therapeutic massage and special gymnastics. In some cases, additional examinations by other specialists may be required.

If the doctors assured that everything is in order with your child, you just need to wait a bit, with their permission, you can start performing special exercises. Some of them are the same as in the article, since you must first teach the baby to stand without support and maintain balance. Here we present only those exercises that are directly related to learning to walk and are intended for children from 9-10 months of age. For their implementation, it is required that the baby already knows how to step over, holding the hands of adults.

How to teach a child to walk with exercise

1. Have your child stand and hold onto the handles of their stroller. You must stand behind him and insure him not to let him fall. When the stroller starts to move forward, the baby will follow it, taking steps in the direction of its movement. To prevent the baby from falling, make sure that the stroller does not move too fast, so that he has time to step over.

2. Take 2 smooth pole-type sticks a little higher than the height of the child, which will be comfortable for him to hold on to. To prevent the baby from falling, leaning on sticks, put yours on top of his handles. Slowly step over with him, rearranging the sticks, by analogy with ski poles. This is one of the most effective exercises designed to teach the child to walk independently.

3. Place the child inside the hoop, and by moving the hoop in different directions and insuring the baby from falling, push him to different movements: forward, backward, in a circle.

4. Stretch a rope between the furniture at the height of the child's knees. Bring the baby to her, and, holding the hand, step over the obstacle together. Then let only the child step over, and you just support his hand. This exercise contributes to the development of the skill to maintain balance and coordinate their movements.

5. No equipment is required for this exercise. Just take the child by the handles everywhere, following him.

A few months will pass, and maybe even earlier, and your direct support will no longer be needed, as the baby decides to take independent steps. But still, follow along and control the baby, because for a little person there are so many dangers around!

Devices for teaching children to walk

The first word that mentally arises at the level of association to the question "How to teach a child to walk?" - it's a walker. Walkers are a special device with which the baby, who has not yet learned to walk on his own, can freely move around the apartment, pushing off the floor with his feet.

Types of baby walkers

Modern industry produces a wide variety of baby walkers, which differ in their design features.

Classic (regular) baby walkers made of a frame on wheels with a seat for the baby.

Baby walkers-transformers- This is a device that has the functions of ordinary walkers and a special rocking chair. In addition, they can be adjusted in height: the baby can either reach the floor with one toe or stand on a full foot.

Baby walker are a design equipped with wheels and many details for the development of fine motor skills of children's hands. These walkers are best suited for those children who have already learned to walk. They allow you to develop the physical activity of the child, as well as consolidate the acquired walking skills.

Currently, there is no consensus among doctors about the use of walkers. It is believed that their unreasonably prolonged use can provoke a curvature of the spine and deformity of the baby's legs.

To teach a child to walk independently, the purchase of a walker is not at all necessary. Nevertheless, at a certain stage in the development of the baby, this device can greatly facilitate the life of the mother, who vigilantly and vigilantly follows every movement of the little fidget.

Conditions for the correct use of walkers

So, In order for the use of walkers to bring only benefit, the following conditions must be met:

• choose to buy high-quality walkers manufactured by reliable manufacturers;
• Do not place an infant in a walker who cannot sit on their own;
• the time spent by the child in this device should be dosed so as not to create an excessive load on the back and hip joints. Start putting the baby in the walker for 3 minutes at first, gradually increasing the time spent in them up to 40 minutes;
• in order to avoid traumatic situations, do not leave the baby in a walker unattended;
• the use of a walker should be combined with the infant's crawling and other activities. The latter is necessary for the development in the baby of a sense of caution, which underlies the instinct of self-preservation.

Another device for learning to walk is reins-leash. This is a safety belt construction, reminiscent of a dog harness. The reins-leash are designed for children who are already able to move without assistance, but still do not have good coordination of movements. Thanks to this device, an adult helps the baby maintain balance and prevents him from falling.

At the stage of learning to walk, great attention must be paid to the safety of the baby. At this age, he is very vulnerable. It happens that, having fallen, the baby is injured, frightened, and for some time gives up trying to get up and walk, preferring a safer way of movement - crawling. To teach a child to walk on his own, do not put pressure on him and in no case force him to do it. Be patient and wait for the baby to dare to move upright again. This will happen very soon. Success!

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And at the end of the article, a little humor from the heading "Great thoughts of Great women":

- I learned to walk when I was a year old, and have not taken lessons since.

/Marilyn Monroe/

Smile! 🙂