Feet First Down

What you need

• a sofa or comfy chair to practise on
• the bottom few steps of the stairs

How to do it

1. Start on the sofa: turn them onto their tummy and let them slide down feet first to the floor.
2. Once that feels easy, try the same on the bottom step.
3. Kneel below them on the stairs and guide their feet down.
4. Add one step at a time.

Why it matters

Coming down backwards keeps their body close to the stairs, which is the safer way down before they can walk down holding a hand.

What they're learning

Going down safely

Feet first on their tummy is the steady way down.

Knowing where they are

Feeling for the next step with their feet.

Turning round

Getting into position at the top is part of the job.

What to look for

Watch for them turning round on their own when they reach the edge of the sofa.

A tip

Stay right beside them on every step and keep the stairs clear. Shut the stair gate again when you're done.

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