Your baby's getting closer and closer to full-fledged walking. He or she may crawl up stairs and cruise, moving around upright while holding onto furniture. Some babies this age may even take a couple of steps. (A few actually do walk now – and some won't until 18 months or later. There's a wide range of ages at which children hit this milestone.)
Your baby's also learning how to bend his or her knees and how to sit after standing, which is harder to master than you might think! He or she might get "stuck" standing up in the crib. If this happens, gently show him or her how to get back down.
There are ways to help your baby with walking. Stand or kneel in front of your baby, and help him or her walk toward you by holding both hands. Eventually, just hold your hands out in encouragement. Some babies enjoy pushing a walker toy, which provides both support and mobility. Look for one with a wide, stable base.
Babyproofing your home
is a necessity now. One good place to start is to put latches on the doors of off-limits cabinets – babies inevitably make a beeline for such things. (You should also move all cleaning supplies or potential poison hazards to higher cabinets.) Also, your baby's crib mattress should be at the lowest mattress level so your little one can't climb or fall out.
Time for real shoes?
Once your baby starts standing and cruising, you may wonder if real shoes – the supportive kind with hard soles – are necessary. But until your baby is walking around outdoors regularly, most pediatricians and developmental experts don't think so.
Indoors (and outdoors on safe surfaces such as sand), it's still a good idea to let your new walker wear soft baby shoes or socks – or go barefoot, if the floors are warm enough to be comfortable. Toddling around with the feet bare or gently covered actually helps kids build strength and coordination in their legs and feet.