Practical Guide on your Baby's First Few Steps

Witnessing baby's first steps is one milestone all parents look forward to. On the average, a child begins walking between 12 to 14 months, but some walk as early as 9 months and as late as 21 months! Experts say that when it comes to walking, parents can do little more than provide an encouraging environment for walking.

What you can do:

1. Encourage him to walk. It would be frustrating to always hear, "No, not there, it's not safe," or "Oops, you might break that."
2. Set a safe environment. Remove obstacles, such as chairs or toys. Have the area cushioned or padded, if possible.
3. Be very careful with using walkers, especially if your home has stairs. If possible, avoid walkers altogether. The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued warnings against their use.