On Your Feet - Walking Games

Materials You Need: Toys, larger cardboard boxes, a ball, or even clean socks rolled up into a ball.

What You Can Do Together: If the child is already getting up on his own in a standing position, put the toys on a sofa or a sturdy table (that won't fall over) so that the baby can get up next to them and thus practice standing while playing with his toys. Also, find a large box in which the baby can crawl in and also come out. You might put a favorite toy in the box for extra interest. Stay close and talk to your baby about what he is doing: "You're in! And now you're out!" You can also pretend the box is a "wagon" and push and pull it around the room. This is especially fun for the baby in the winter months when going outside is limited.

Playing ball with the baby is another way to encourage walking. Roll the ball to the baby. Help the baby to roll the ball back to you. Depending on her age, the baby may even be able to throw the ball, so a small beach ball or some other softball is excellent for this game.

You can use these activities whenever you have free time for games. Your child will signal when he is interested and motivated to walk; it is up to you to follow and support him.

What Your Child is Learning: This activity encourages your child to walk and practice walking if you roll a ball in front of the child.