Today Tile Triggered Content

When we learn to walk, we’re (often) barefoot or in socks. In many countries around the world going barefoot throughout much of childhood, and beyond, is expected. In many other countries, including in the UK, it seems that once children can walk in shoes they almost never come off – and certainly not outside. We want parents to feel confident to let their toddlers, children and themselves run free with bare feet just a little more often. Here’s why.

Going barefoot has lots of advantages – for the feet and the rest of your toddler’s body! 

Your baby may be moving around by this stage by bottom shuffling, crawling, or rolling. It is very typical for some babies to miss out the crawling phase altogether. If your baby has decided walking is their mission, there are plenty of ways you can build the skills your baby would have been practising.

Tummy time is a great way to develop strength in your baby’s core and back muscles, which will eventually support them to sit up, crawl and walk. 

Babies and core strength 

Your baby may be starting to climb and move around more confidently, almost bear-like. Their upper body gross motor skills are further developing and they are now gaining the ability to use their arms and legs in a more coordinated way.

Your baby is now growing in strength, and may be able to stand using a support for longer, or stand briefly on their own. At this stage, your baby is likely to get themselves into some sticky positions – they have learned how to boost their legs into a standing position, but not necessarily how to get back down again! 

The moment has arrived where your eyes have to be everywhere. Your baby is gaining in strength and may now be able to cruise more independently. They might crawl or bottom shuffle to where they want to stand, then push themselves up and cruise along a sofa. Your baby still needs lots more time to practise and develop their early walking skills. They're learning how to shift weight and balance, and will wish to do this independently, so they need all the support they can get.

At first, your baby may be comforted by being wrapped or swaddled, so you might only see movements of arms and legs during dressing or nappy changing. But before long they'll turn into a professional wriggler.