Parenting Insights
By Jamie Thompson
Updated: Aug. 7, 2020
Originally Published: November 17, 2016
If you had told me years ago that my baby would take his first steps—followed by a sprint—at just 9 months old, I would have chuckled in disbelief. My only reference point for baby milestones was my own childhood tale, where I didn’t walk until I was 18 months old. I crawled for what felt like forever, and even when I could walk, I clung to furniture, walls, or my parents’ hands. There was nothing physically wrong; I was just naturally cautious, a trait that was evident from the beginning.
My first son hit his developmental milestones right on schedule, perfectly adhering to the timelines laid out in parenting books. It made sense given his perfectionist nature. However, my second son seemed to burst forth from the womb ready to walk. With an older brother to emulate, I swear he was army crawling just weeks after birth! By 4 months, he was on all fours, rocking back and forth, and by 5 months, he was speed-crawling everywhere. His first “meal” was dirt from our welcome mat, and I barely caught him in time!
So when he started pulling himself up on the coffee table at 6 months, cruising around the furniture at 7 months, and standing solo by 8 months, I was left utterly stunned. My thoughts during this whirlwind of early mobility were a mix of disbelief and panic:
No way!
The first phase of encountering an early walking baby is sheer denial. In hindsight, it makes sense, but in the moment, the idea that my little bundle of joy was about to zoom away was hard to grasp.
Oh no, our home is a hazard zone.
Once the walking begins, you quickly realize that babyproofing needs to be ramped up. Crawlers can’t access nearly as many dangerous spots as walkers. And then comes the next challenge: climbing. Get ready to lock everything down. Climbing babies are a different breed!
I might never leave the house again.
Early walkers tend to have spirited personalities, wanting to practice their new skills at every chance. Errands become a real challenge. Sorry, little one, but grocery store floors aren’t for barefoot adventures, and I can’t let you run loose at the doctor’s office, especially not towards that toddler with a runny nose!
Can we stop discussing this?
Your child’s early walking will become a constant topic of conversation, sparking opinions from everyone. Comments like “You’ll never have a moment of peace again!” don’t exactly help, thanks for the reminder.
What shoes do I buy?
I thought I could get away with baby socks for longer, but my little one wanted to walk everywhere. So, off to the shoe store we went—at least baby shoes are adorable!
My baby is extraordinary!
Eventually, pride sets in. Clearly, my child must be a prodigy or perhaps an alien with superpowers!
Where did my baby go?
The early walking phase can be bittersweet. It feels like your baby is growing up too fast, and you want to hold onto that tiny, innocent version of them for as long as possible. Fortunately, even early walkers still crave their moms just like any other baby.
My baby could be a threat to others!
You quickly notice how your little walking dynamo looks like a giant next to other babies. It’s a bit like a live-action version of a horror movie. You might try to warn other parents, but what can you really do?
He’s just a regular kid who walked early.
Before long, all the little ones will catch up, and your child won’t be the odd one out anymore. Phew!
Looking back, the milestone might not hold as much significance as I thought at the time. However, there’s something to be said about the personality traits of early walkers. Mine had a lively spirit as a baby, which continues to shine through today. He’s a little more adventurous than most kids, and while it can be nerve-wracking, it also means he’s creative and eager to explore.
Ultimately, whether your child reaches milestones early or late isn’t as crucial as it may seem. But for those of us with early walkers, we’ll always remember the shock, awe, and tiny heart attacks that come with watching our little ones take off sooner than expected.
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Summary
Navigating the world of early walking babies can be both thrilling and overwhelming. From the initial shock to the challenges of babyproofing and keeping up with their adventurous spirits, it’s a unique experience that comes with mixed emotions. While milestones may seem significant at first, what truly matters is the personality and curiosity that develop along the way.