If someone had told me years ago that my baby would be walking—and practically running—by 9 months, I would have found it hard to believe. My only reference for early walking was my own childhood, where I didn’t take my first steps until I was 18 months old. I was a cautious child, relying on furniture and my parents for support, and there was nothing physically wrong; I just took my time.
My first son hit his developmental milestones right on schedule, aligning perfectly with parenting books. He was always the type to follow the rules. In contrast, my second son seemed ready to walk almost from the moment he was born. With an older brother to keep up with, he began army crawling within weeks. By 4 months, he was on all fours, and at 5 months, he was zooming around the house on his hands and knees. His adventurous spirit even led him to eat dirt from our welcome mat before I could catch him.
So when he began pulling himself up to the coffee table at 6 months, cruising along furniture at 7 months, and standing independently at 8 months, I was in complete disbelief. Here are some of the thoughts that raced through my mind as I realized my little baby was about to take off:
Denial is the First Response.
Initially, you refuse to accept that your tiny infant is ready to walk. You know deep down that this moment was inevitable, but it’s hard to reconcile that your once-squishy baby is about to become a little explorer.
Time to Babyproof!
Once your baby starts walking, you quickly realize your home is a potential hazard zone. Crawlers can’t reach as many dangerous spots as walkers, and soon, climbing becomes the next challenge. You might want to consider securing your home, as climbing babies can be unpredictable.
Staying Home Forever?
Early walkers often have spirited personalities and want to practice their skills at every opportunity. Running errands can become quite the ordeal. No, sweet child, you cannot walk barefoot through the grocery store, and I’m definitely not letting you roam freely at the doctor’s office!
Please, No More Opinions!
Your child’s early walking becomes the center of attention, and everyone seems to have something to say. “Wow, you’ve got your hands full!” or “You’ll never get a moment to yourself again!” Thanks for the reminder, folks.
What Shoes to Buy?
I thought I could stick with cute baby socks for a while, but my little one was determined to walk everywhere. We had to hit the stores for baby shoes immediately, which wasn’t so bad, as baby shoes are adorable!
Celebrating the Milestone.
As the dust settles, you can’t help but feel a sense of pride. Your baby seems like a little genius, perhaps even an alien with superpowers!
I Want My Baby Back!
Watching your baby walk early can be bittersweet. It’s a reminder that your little one is growing up too fast, and you wish they could remain small and innocent forever. Thankfully, early walkers still crave their mommies just like any other baby.
A Force of Nature.
Soon, you realize that your once-adorable infant is now a force to be reckoned with, towering over other babies. You try to warn other parents that your little one might unintentionally step on or climb over their kids, but there’s only so much you can do.
Just Another Normal Kid.
Before long, all the other babies in your community will catch up, and your child won’t be the odd one out anymore. Phew!
As time passes, you realize that the milestone of early walking isn’t as significant as you once thought. What stands out is the initial shock and awe of your baby zooming off earlier than expected. However, I do believe that early walkers do exhibit certain personality traits. My little explorer has always been spirited and curious, leading to some heart-stopping moments, but also showcasing a vibrant creativity and willingness to try new things.
Ultimately, it’s essential to remember that whether your child reaches milestones early or late, what truly matters is their overall development and well-being. For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this post about the at-home insemination kit. For expert advice, visit Mia Tran’s blog—a valuable resource. And for comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, IVF Babble is an excellent site.
Summary
Discovering your baby is an early walker can bring a whirlwind of emotions—from disbelief to pride. While it may feel overwhelming at first, this milestone is just one of many in your child’s development. Remember, every child grows at their own pace, and the journey is what truly matters.