Learning to walk is a process. Your baby is ready for their first steps. Are you?

The process of learning to walk begins early on, when baby is learning how to use his or her arms and legs. After many attempts, falls and practice, babies take their first steps alone. This is a huge moment for baby and for parents!

Most babies start walking around 15 months; others start earlier, around 11 months. Although many parents wish for their babies to start walking very early, theres little evidence that early walkers have any sort of advantage over late walkers. In fact, we'd recommend for you to enjoy the time you have with your little stationary baby. Soon enough, you'll be chasing him or her all around the house!

What to expect as baby starts walking
Between 6 & 10 months, babies begin to pull themselves up into a standing position. Your baby will pull himself up by grabbing on to your pant leg or furniture.

The next phase babies enter into is called cruising. When baby grabs on to furniture and makes a sideways circle around your living room, he's in a critical phase of learning to walk.

In the final stage of learning to walk, babies attempt to move away from the safety of furniture and walk on their own. This is often very scary for baby, so make sure to offer support when baby is taking these steps.

To make the process a little bit easier for your baby:

* Watch for safety hazards: power cords, items of furniture that tip over, sharp objects, hanging tablecloths.
* Allow baby to practice barefoot or in socks.
* Encourage your baby with praises. If you're excited about these first steps, he or she will be too.
* Allow baby to practice on soft ground. Hey, if your little one is going to fall anyway, you might as well make the experience as comfortable as possible!

Before you know it, your baby will be walking all over the place!