Lots of UK homes have floors that look great but are tricky for brand-new walkers: kitchen tiles, laminate, polished wood. A few small changes can make those first steps steadier.
1. Think about what's on their feet
Bare feet grip well on most clean floors. Ordinary socks are the slippiest option on smooth surfaces. If it's cold or the floor is shiny, grip socks with a rubber sole are a good middle ground.
2. Put grippy underlay under rugs
A rug that slides is harder to walk on than the bare floor. Non-slip rug underlay is cheap and stops rugs moving and corners curling up.
3. Wipe spills straight away
Kitchens and bathrooms are where floors get wet. Keep a cloth handy and dry spills, bath splashes and drips from the dog's bowl as soon as you spot them.
4. Clear a walking route
Toddlers love to cruise along furniture. Give them a clear path from the sofa to the coffee table and back, with toys tidied out of the way.
5. Cover sharp corners
Wobbly walkers sit down suddenly. Corner guards on low tables and hearths make the inevitable bumps less of a worry.
6. Use safety gates on stairs
Fit gates at the top and bottom of the stairs, and keep doors to rooms with hard floors closed when you can't be watching.
7. Let them practise
Wobbles and sit-downs are part of learning to walk. Plenty of practice on different surfaces, with you close by, is how they build balance and confidence.
If you have any concerns about your child's walking, speak to your health visitor or GP.
Looking for a pair for the slippy bits of home? Meet the ten Stompies animals.