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There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for babies to start walking. However, if your baby isn't walking by 18 months and has already met some key milestones such as sitting unassisted and standing unassisted, then you should talk to your doctor.
Some babies signal they're ready to walk by pulling themselves up on furniture, a move called "cruising." This practice builds up leg strength and balance.
Signs Your Baby Is Ready
Seeing your little one take those first steps is one of the most exciting and significant milestones in their Walking life. While it’s a bit nerve-wracking to watch them teeter and fall, it is all a part of their natural development process.
Babies may start walking at around 12 months, but it can happen earlier or later, too. If you notice that your child is not advancing towards this milestone at all, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician about it at their next well-child visit, which typically occurs at 12, 15, 18, and 24 months of age.
The best sign that your baby is ready to walk is when they start pulling themselves up into a standing position, or cruising along furniture with their hands held. They may even try to step on their own, but they might teeter and totter or drop and then pick themselves up again as they practice.
Sometimes, babies can get fussy and less tolerant when they are trying to master this milestone. This is normal and can indicate they are working very hard to meet this goal. You can help by encouraging their efforts, and creating challenges to build their balance and muscle power. Try moving a toy or baby-safe furniture a few inches away from them and then extending your hand so they can step toward it.
Pulling Up
Walking is considered one of the most fundamental, accessible physical activities that anyone can start doing for health. It doesn’t sound as impressive as holding a plank or doing mountain climbers, but it’s actually a great bodyweight exercise that uses large muscle groups.
Babies who can sit unassisted without support are usually ready to walk, although each child develops at its own pace. They may try to stand up by grabbing furniture or their caregiver’s hands, or they might just focus on sitting for longer periods of time. The ability to sit for longer periods helps babies build core strength, which is necessary for proper balance and posture once they start walking.
Around the age of 7 to 9 months, many babies begin practicing pre-walking skills such as pulling up to stand and cruising. They can hold their own weight by hopping on the balls of their feet and moving sideways, and they often figure out how to grab a piece of furniture for stability. They can also use their arms to help with balance.
These movements don’t necessarily mean that your baby is close to taking their first steps, but they are important milestones and a sign that they’re getting closer. You can encourage them to practice by playing games that involve standing and moving, like stacking blocks or playing with a rolling ball.
First Steps
The first steps are a big milestone that signify your baby's strength and coordination is growing strong enough to start walking. They are also the next step in a journey that will teach them to cruise and eventually stand on their own.
As a reminder, every child develops at their own pace. Current research gives a range of when typically developing babies reach these gross motor milestones, but your infant may not be ready until it's the right time for them.
Some infants start walking with support before age 7-8 months, while others take 18 months or more to learn how to walk independently (WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study Group, 2006a; Ertem et al 2018). The timing depends on your tot's external abilities and their internal motivation - is their personality daredevil and thrill seeking or cautious and contemplative? They are also affected by their genes, with babies with skinny legs and higher muscle-to-fat ratios able to fight gravity with ease and begin walking earlier.
Regardless of your tot's development, it's a good idea to give them a chance to practice their walking skills. Try giving them a chance to explore their environment without a stroller or play mat, and encourage them to walk around in the grass or on bare floors whenever possible. While tiny shoes are a cute addition to your baby's wardrobe, they should only be worn inside and on safe surfaces outside, because too much ankle support can slow down your little walker.
Walking on Their Own
Once they’ve mastered pulling themselves up and crawling, babies are ready to start walking. This new skill may seem scary for them at first but they’re typically determined to take steps without support and will practice daily. Their legs get a great workout as they cruise along furniture and sidestep their way around the room.
The best time for a baby to learn to walk is in a safe environment that’s free from trip hazards like loose area rugs and sharp corners on furniture. Encourage your little one to move around and play with older siblings, as this can inspire and motivate them to try out their new skills.
When your tot starts cruising or taking a few steps on their own, deliver lots of praise fitness and encouragement. Then set up a safe environment where they can practice, with a cushioned floor space and infant play carts or musical walking toys.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that every baby develops at a different pace, so don’t worry if your tot doesn’t hit this milestone by their first birthday or even 18 months later. A delay could simply be a matter of personality and temperament or it could signal a problem, so consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns. It’s also important to remember that if your baby’s development is on track and there are no concerns, don’t rush them into learning to walk!
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