Parents swear this trick helped their babies walk—but here’s what actually makes it work

Parents will try almost anything to see those long-awaited first steps. Lining up toys. Cheering from across the room. Offering snacks. But lately? Some swear the secret is as simple as a lime in each hand.

In a duet video with @wendysanchoa that’s gained more than 8,000 views, pediatric physical therapist Dr. Olivia Reyes (@thebabypt) responds to another parent’s lime-walking hack—where whole limes are placed in each of the baby’s hands to encourage them to walk forward.

@thebabypt An oldie but a goodie. Does holding two limes or two objects help your baby walk?! It is a great tool to practice learning standing and walking concepts! Would you try this? #thebabypt #MomsofTikTok ♬ original sound – Dr. Olivia Reyes PT, DPT

But as Dr. Reyes gently explains, the limes aren’t really the magic.

“This lime trick… has really nothing to do with the limes and more so everything to do with his ability to stand,” she says. “In order to walk, we have to be able to stand by ourselves independently… for at least 10 seconds.”

The clip, shared with the hashtags #lemonmyth and #MomsofTikTok, shows a baby happily balancing in place before moving toward the limes. “Limes give him a counterbalance and help him stay focused on the target,” Dr. Reyes adds, noting that his mom being very close by helps him be a lot more successful. 

Related: When do babies start walking? Experts say there’s a wide range of normal

Why babies stand before they walk—and why that matters

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most babies begin to walk between 9 and 15 months, but every child develops on their own timeline. Before that first step comes a less glamorous but essential milestone: independent standing.

This kind of stability allows babies to shift their weight, which is the basis for stepping forward.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists “pulls up to stand” as a key milestone by 12 months. They also recommend parents talk to their child’s doctor if their baby isn’t standing with support by that age.

Limes, laughs, and questions in the comments

The original video by @wendysanchoa, which has 2.4 million views, shows her baby confidently walking while holding a lime in each hand—and it didn’t take long for parents to flood the comments with encouragement, jokes, and ideas of their own.

“I can’t, my son would eat them because he loves limes 😭😪,” wrote @Arely Ocampo.  “Give him 2 avocados, he’ll be RUNNING 😂😂😂,” added @mg. @Miamie50 chimed in: “That is really clever! I’m gonna have another baby just to try this out.” And @White Widow Super Cheese captured the moment perfectly: “He could not believe the power that was in his hands.”

The duet from pediatric physical therapist Dr. Olivia Reyes (@thebabypt) helped explain what was really at play—and why the ability to stand is what unlocks the magic behind the moment.

Related: 11 best baby walking shoes for those exciting first steps

How to support walking in a developmentally healthy way

While social media offers a steady stream of clever tricks, pediatric experts say there’s no replacement for time, space, and support. “Walking readiness” is about muscle, coordination, and confidence.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents can support their baby’s movement and pre-walking skills by:

• Giving babies safe, open spaces to crawl, pull to stand, and cruise
  
• Encouraging them to reach for toys or objects placed slightly out of reach
  
• Supporting practice with pulling up, squatting, and shifting weight
  
• Helping them cruise along furniture with supervision
  
• Letting them go barefoot indoors so they can feel the floor and build balance

What not to worry about? Whether they’re holding a lime, a toy, or just figuring it out step by step—walking happens when they’re ready.

Sources:

1. When do babies start walking? February 2022. HealthyChildren.org. When do babies start walking?.
2. Important Milestones: Your Baby By Twelve Months. January 3, 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important Milestones: Your Baby By Twelve Months.
3. Supporting Physical Development in Babies. February 2022. HealthyChildren.org. Supporting Physical Development in Babies.