Updated: Aug. 7, 2020
Originally Published: November 17, 2016
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If someone had told me years ago that my little one would start walking — and then almost immediately sprinting — at just 9 months old, I would have laughed out loud. The only reference I had for baby milestones was the tale my parents always shared about me: I didn’t walk until I was 18 months old. I crawled for what felt like forever and, even once I could walk, I clung to furniture, walls, and my parents’ hands like they were life rafts. There was nothing physically wrong with me (I walk just fine now!), but I’ve always been a cautious soul, and that was clear even back then.
My first child, Max, hit his milestones right on schedule, just like the parenting books suggested. He’s a bit of a perfectionist, after all, so it makes sense that he’d want to do everything by the book. But my second son, Leo, seemed to burst out of the womb ready to walk. I swear he started army crawling within weeks! By 4 months, he was on all fours, rocking back and forth, and by 5 months, he was zooming around the house like a speed demon. His first meal? A mouthful of dirt from the welcome mat after he got there before I could stop him.
Still, I was completely taken aback when he began pulling himself up onto the coffee table at 6 months, cruising around the furniture like a little rogue at 7 months, and standing on his own by 8 months. I honestly thought it was a fluke.
Here are the thoughts that raced through my mind when I realized my tiny baby was about to take off on his own:
No way!
The first phase of having an early walker is sheer denial. In hindsight, you realize it was inevitable, but in the moment, you can’t fathom that your squishy little bundle of joy is about to go solo.
Oh no, our home is a death trap!
Once it happens, reality sets in: it’s time for more babyproofing, stat! Crawlers can’t reach nearly as many dangerous spots as walkers can, and then there’s the terrifying leap to climbing. Secure your space, folks. Climbing babies are like tiny tornadoes.
I might never leave the house again.
Early walkers tend to have fiery spirits, eager to practice their new skills at every opportunity. Running errands can become a wild adventure. No, sweet Leo, we can’t walk barefoot through the grocery store, and I definitely can’t let you roam free at the doctor’s office just to invade a toddler’s personal space. Oy!
Could we skip the commentary?
Your child’s early walking becomes the talk of the town, and everyone has something to say about it. Thanks, but I don’t need reminders like, “Oh, you’ve got your hands full!” or “You’ll never take your eyes off him again.” Trust me, I’m aware.
What shoes do we need?
I hoped to stick with baby socks and booties for a while longer, but Leo had other plans. He wanted to walk everywhere, so we had to hit the baby shoe store ASAP (and honestly, baby shoes are just too adorable!).
My baby is a superhero!
Once you get through the initial shock, a little pride bubbles up. Your baby must be a genius — or perhaps an extraterrestrial!
Where has my baby gone? I want him back!
The early walking phase can tug at your heartstrings. It feels like your little one is growing up too fast, and you wish they could stay small and innocent forever. Thankfully, you soon realize that even early walkers still need their mommies just like any other baby.
He’s a hazard to other babies!
You quickly notice that your chunky-legged walker is practically a monster compared to other infants — like a life-sized Chucky doll. You try to warn other parents that their little ones might get stepped on, but there’s only so much you can do.
Just an average kid who happened to walk early.
Before long, all the other babies catch up to your little speedster, and it becomes the new normal. Phew!
As the years pass, you realize that the milestone wasn’t as significant as you initially thought. It was more about the shock and awe than anything else. However, I believe early walkers do have a certain personality. My little Leo was always spunky, and that adventurous spirit is alive and well at 4 years old. I find myself constantly on high alert because he loves to explore, which can be both thrilling and terrifying.
Ultimately, when it comes to milestones, it’s essential to remember that whether your child reaches them early or late, it won’t matter as much in the long run. But for us parents of early walkers, the memories of that initial shock and surprise will always linger.
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Summary
The journey of having an early walking baby is filled with surprises, challenges, and moments of disbelief. From the initial shock and the need for babyproofing to navigating the world of early walkers, parents experience a whirlwind of emotions. While it may seem daunting at first, the experience ultimately leads to pride and growth, both for the child and the parents.