The Surprising Reality of Having an Early Walking Baby

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If someone had told me years ago that my baby would start walking — and nearly sprinting — at just 9 months, I would have laughed out loud. My sole reference for baby milestones was my parents’ story about me: I didn’t walk until I was 18 months old. I crawled for ages and clung to furniture and my family for support, displaying my cautious nature from a young age.

My first son followed the expected timeline for developmental milestones, adhering to the books like a little perfectionist. However, my second son seemed determined to defy all norms. He was practically walking out of the womb, or at least that’s how it felt. With an older brother to emulate, he began army crawling at just a few weeks old. By 4 months, he was rocking on all fours, and by 5 months, he was speed-crawling all over the house. His first “meal” involved dirt from the welcome mat, which he reached before I could intervene.

Still, I was utterly astonished when he started pulling himself up on the coffee table at 6 months, cruising around the furniture at 7 months, and finally standing on his own at 8 months. It felt surreal, like I was living in a dream.

Here’s what went through my mind when it finally hit me that my tiny baby was on the verge of walking independently:

1. No way!
   The first response to having an early walker is pure disbelief. In hindsight, it was an inevitable milestone, but at that moment, the thought of my little bundle of joy taking off without me was hard to fathom.
2. Our home is a danger zone!
   Once my baby started walking, it became glaringly clear that I needed to up my babyproofing game. Crawlers can’t access the same risky areas as walkers can. And just wait until they start climbing. Talk about a heart attack waiting to happen.
3. I’m never leaving the house again.
   Early walkers typically possess strong personalities and want to practice their skills at every chance. Running errands can become quite the challenge. Sorry, little one, but you can’t walk barefoot in the grocery store, and I certainly can’t let you run wild at the doctor’s office.
4. Can we stop discussing this?
   Your child’s early walking will inevitably come up in conversation, with everyone sharing their opinions. “Oh, you’ve got your hands full!” or “You’ll never be able to take your eyes off him again.” Yes, I get it, thank you very much.
5. What type of shoes do I need?
   I thought I could stick to socks and booties for longer, but my little one wanted to walk everywhere. That meant I had to go baby shoe shopping immediately — not that I minded; baby shoes are adorable!
6. My baby is extraordinary!
   At the end of the day, there’s a feeling of pride. Your child must be a genius or perhaps an alien with superpowers.
7. Where did my baby go?
   Watching your baby walk early can be bittersweet. You can’t help but long for those precious, small moments before they grow up too fast. But you learn that even early walkers still need their mommies.
8. He’s a little monster among babies.
   You can’t help but notice how your walking baby has turned into a giant compared to his peers. You might try to warn other moms that their little ones might get stepped on or climbed on, but there’s only so much you can do.
9. He’s just a normal kid who walked early.
   Before long, all the babies will catch up, and your child will no longer stand out as the early walker. What a relief!

A few years down the line, you’ll realize that the milestone of walking isn’t as monumental as you once believed. What stands out more is the shock and awe of witnessing your tiny baby take off much sooner than expected.

It’s worth noting that reaching milestones like walking reflects not only physical readiness but also personality traits. My early walker displayed a spunky personality, which has remained as he’s grown. At 4 years old, he’s often a bit more daring than other kids, and I have to keep a watchful eye on him when we’re out. His adventurous spirit can be both thrilling and terrifying, showing that he’s inquisitive and willing to explore, all great qualities — when they don’t make your heart race.

Ultimately, when it comes to milestones, what truly matters is that your child is healthy, happy, and developing in their own unique way. The timing of these milestones will matter less than the memories you create during the journey. For all of us parents of early walkers, the blend of shock and pride will forever linger in our minds as we watch our little ones zoom around much earlier than we ever anticipated.

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Summary:

Having an early walking baby is a mix of disbelief, joy, and a bit of panic. As they take off, parents must adapt to their newfound mobility, babyproof the home, and navigate the challenges of outings. Despite the initial shock, the experience is ultimately one of pride, as parents witness their child’s unique personality shine through.