Climbing on the Way to Walking

Babies usually go through many steps before they actually walk. Once they learn to turn over and back, they learn to scoot and pull themselves across the floor and up, get on their knees and rock, crawl, cruise around the furniture, climb, and eventually walk.  In one of my college courses, I learned that a man named Damon (Delacodo?) was credited with research indicating that these steps were vital in the development of pathways in the brain that influenced the development in many areas.  I have been unable to locate his name in my current research, but according to Anne H. Zachry, a pediatric occupational therapist, in "Why is crawling developmentally important?", there is growing evidence that crawling plays a role in the development of the infant's strength, balance, spinal alignment, visual-spatial skills, and socio-emotional development. Truthfully, all these steps are important in the journey to maturation of body and skills.

Armed with this knowledge from college, I did my best to encourage these interim steps toward walking.  I did use a Johnny Jump-up, bouncy infant seat, and wind-up swing for the times when I could not let them "roam free," but the Jump-up helped in strengthening and muscle development, and all kept them safe from harm while I cooked dinner, folded clothes, or performed other chores which could be done with them in sight.

But once free to move around, they really enjoyed themselves. They would pull themselves up and cruise around in their crib.



I found what they really enjoyed doing was to climb. They would pull themselves up on furniture,

climb the sofa,

front door,

chairs,

shelves and bookcases,

even the dog - who managed to do her share of climbing as well - and of course on Dad!

We did our best to keep everyone safe as they explored and enjoyed their environment on their way to walking. This may be why the climbing desire stayed with them as they grew older. You may find the youngest rock climbing or as a belayer at the rock wall at REI in Seattle.  All are still physically active and healthy.

And to think, it all began with the basic steps in learning how to walk!