Jamie took his first step a couple of weeks ago and didn't do much more than a step at a time after that. This weekend his suddenly started doing 5-7 steps at a time although given a choice he will crawl or walk round the furniture. It seems to be mainly a confidence thing because he stands alone so we know he can balance and he'll walk really quickly just holding onto one hand. I've just had a chat with my friend and she says I should be pushing him and making him walk all the time and implied I'm a bad mum if I don't (however, that is the way she is - her kids always have to be learning and aren't allowed to play). However, I feel that he'll do it when his ready. I'm happy to hold onto one hand and let him walk occasionally but I'm not going to make him. Is she right though? Should I be pushing him more

No don't push him, just leave him to it and before you know it he'll be walking all the time. Ellie took her first steps but it was while before she proper walking because she get around by crawling mush quicker.

Tell you're friend to bugger off and mind her own business, he's your baby and you know what's best xxx

Well shaid Baby Milly! Totally agree, dont push him, he will do it when he is ready, amd pushing him to do it if he isnt ready could have the opposite effect to that desired, making him want to try to walk less. Go with your instincts, you are a fab mummy and you know your own child best.

Mandy xx

I totally agree with Pen and Mandy. He will do it in his own sweet time. He needs to build his own confidence and learn to keep his balance etc and that's best for him to at his own pace otherwise he will go 'errr sod this'

I didn't think it was actually possible to force a baby to walk anyway?! They can either walk or they can't......

Glad you all feel like me. His like a performing seal anyway so this morning at nursery he said hello when he got there (which was new this morning), then walked in and then looked round for everyone to clap him!

Definately dont push him, he'll do it when he's ready hun x

I agree with the others, don't push. Encourage him and praise when he does walk but don't force him. Immi took her first steps at 9months but wasn't properly walking (choosing to walk over crawling) till 10 1/2months. One day she just decided walking was better. I didn't push her.

I would push he will do it in his own time his doing really well anyway hun there is no need to push him. It took noah about 2 weeks to walk well from first steps. So cute

Char