First Steps
Parent observes and counts independent steps, using a gentle lure or familiar person to encourage walking. Covers first independent walking milestones at 12-18mo. Three phases: free walking observation, step-counting with lure, and walking toward or away from parent.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Clear a flat floor space. No furniture obstacles within the walking path. Barefoot is fine — socks on slippery floors can cause falls. Parent should be a few steps away as a target.
How it works
- 1~30s
Hold your child's attention from a few steps away — smile, call their name — then take your hands away and let them walk toward you. Count the steps aloud. How many before they falls or grabs something? Is the gait wide-legged and wobbly, or is it getting steadier? Tell me.
Watch for: Child takes independent steps without support
- 2~60s
Do 3 more tries. Each time, step back a little farther — start 1 metre, then 1.5m, then 2m. Count steps carefully. What's the maximum steps in a single crossing? And does your child get more or less steady across attempts? Tell me all three counts.
Watch for: Child walks with increasing distance and consistency
- 3~30s
Final check: set a toy across the room and encourage your child to walk toward IT — not toward you. Walking away from safety (parent) is harder than walking toward it. Does your child go for it, or come back to you? Tell me what happens.
Watch for: Child walks toward a target away from parent