Takes one or two steps between objects that they are using for support

Your baby will have been experimenting with using objects, like items of furniture, to stand up and prop themselves against. The strength in their legs and trunk has further developed and they are now able to coordinate standing and moving at the same time. 

Cruising 

The movements your baby has been making are called ‘cruising’. You may notice that they have travelled along furniture in sideways position, using their arms to keep a secure position. By now, your baby's hips have gained control and strength to be able to facilitate weight shift, allowing one leg to be lifted and swung forward whilst the other remains on the floor. [1] 

Cruising is particularly fascinating as it allows babies to move around without the assistance of an adult. It is an independent movement that assists babies to learn how to walk. [2] The cruising position is quite similar to the movements seen in crawling in that your baby will rely largely on their arms and legs to aid mobility. The arms are needed for support and all four limbs are necessary for the movement to happen. 

First steps 

This is an exciting time for your baby since their coordination, muscle development, balance, and strength have all come together to enable them to begin to step independently. It is believed that if a baby takes a few steps every day, they will improve their ability to be able to walk much more quickly. [2] Your baby will still rely on furniture or another strong object to help pull themselves into a vertical position whilst they take steps either sideways or forwards. [2] 

The first few times your baby takes a step on their own, will provide them with a greater understanding of how much space they need between their steps and how long they can hold one foot elevated off the floor. These first steps will almost certainly be unsteady and uneven, but as they repeat these early motions, their skills will improve. [3] 

Another important skill for your baby to master at this age is how to use their arms to help them balance. They are used to cruising along furniture with their arms supporting their weight. Your baby will undoubtedly fall a few times as they learn the physical abilities required to take their first steps. 

The psychology of first steps 

There are various reasons why cruising and taking their first steps may help your baby comprehend risk taking and where it is safe to walk. [2] Babies will begin to learn about the daily dangers of walking on smooth surfaces and avoiding obstacles. This will take some time, and at this point, the challenge of coordination and balance takes precedence, but babies will begin to try to work out why they fall and what might have caused it. 

What next? 

The steps your baby is taking will become more controlled and they will be less dependent on physical objects to support them in cruising along. Their balance and coordination will continue to improve and their movements will become more rapid. 

References:  

[1]  Formiga C.K.M.R. & Linhares M.B.M. (2015) Motor Skills: Development in Infancy and Early Childhood. Elsevier Ltd. International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences, Second Edition, 2015, 971–977. Available online at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304191163_Motor_Skills_Development_in_Infancy_and_Early_Childhood 

[2]  Adolph,K.E. & Berger, S.E (2012). Developmental Continuity? Crawling, Cruising, and Walking. Available online at:  Developmental Continuity? Crawling, Cruising, and Walking (nih.gov) 

[3]  Adolph,K.E. & Franchak, J.M. (2016). The Development of Motor Behaviour. Available online at: The development of motor behavior (nih.gov)