Going Up And Down Stairs Safely

Stairs can be a source of stress to parents of children who have started walking and running around. As your child becomes more curious and adventurous, they will need to proper strength and coordination to safely climb up and come back down stairs. On average, by the time he’s 4 years old, he should be able to walk up and down stairs, one foot at a time, with no support.

Learning to use stairs requires the close supervision of an adult. Make sure you’re close by whenever he heads out towards stairs. Here are a few tips that can help him master stair climbing and ease your nerves.

• Make sure the stairs are clutter-free and have a handrail on each side.
• Install safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs.
• Place a step stool against elevated surfaces and have the child take that one step up, then turn around and take the step down, with your help.
• Use a trampoline. The trampoline can help strengthen the right muscles and joints and improves balance.

Your preschooler should be learning to go up and down stairs using alternating steps. A great way to help him do that is to place stickers on the stairs to help guide where each foot should go.

Reference: http://www.childandfamilydevelopment.com/blog/2013/05/03/is-your-child-struggling-to-walk-up-or-down-stairs