acozyfuture.com – The first year of your baby’s life is filled with exciting moments, from their first smile to their first word. Among these milestones, one of the most thrilling is when your little one takes their first steps.
Each baby develops at their own pace, but understanding typical milestones can ease your worries and help you prepare. This blog breaks down when babies start walking, the milestones, and practical tips to encourage their journey.
Let’s step into this exciting phase of your baby’s development!
When Do Babies Start Walking?
Babies typically begin walking on their own between 9 and 15 months, with the average age being around 15 months.
Some children may take their first steps earlier, while others might take longer—and both are entirely normal. Every baby develops at their own pace, and factors like personality, health, and physical readiness all play a role.
Walking isn’t just a physical achievement; it’s also an important cognitive and social milestone. Dr. Laura Jana, a pediatrician and author of Heading Home with Your Newborn, explains, “Getting around on their own allows your child to interact and explore the world in a whole new way. It opens all sorts of new possibilities”.
These early steps represent a new level of curiosity and independence, paving the way for more advanced milestones.
How Do Babies Develop Walking Skills?
Babies develop walking skills gradually through a series of physical milestones. It often begins with strengthening their core muscles as they learn to sit up around 6 months of age.
From there, they progress to pulling themselves up to stand, usually by 10 months, as their legs build the strength needed to support their body weight. Once they start cruising (walking while holding onto furniture), they begin practicing balance and coordination, key components for independent walking.
As babies approach walking independently, they experiment with taking steps by lifting one foot while balancing on the other. Their early attempts may look wobbly, with wide stances and outstretched arms for stability.
Over time, they refine their muscle control, transitioning from stiff movements to smoother steps. Through practice and encouragement, their confidence grows, eventually leading to steady, confident walking.
Key Developmental Milestones: Your Baby’s Journey to Walking
Walking doesn’t happen overnight; it results from months of development and practice. Below is a general timeline of how babies progress toward their first steps:
6 Months: Sitting Up
Your baby masters the ability to sit without support, an early sign of trunk and core strength.
8–10 Months: Pulling to Stand
Using furniture or a caregiver’s hands, babies begin pulling themselves into a standing position, strengthening their legs and improving balance.
10–12 Months: Cruising
During this stage, babies often start “cruising”—walking sideways while holding onto furniture. This practice improves balance and coordination as they experiment with shifting their weight from one leg to the other.
9–15 Months: Walking
When babies finally take their first steps, their movements are often unsteady, with a wide stance, outstretched arms for balance, and a waddling gait. These “Frankenstein-like” steps are an essential learning phase as they adjust to their newfound mobility.
It’s common for new walkers to alternate between crawling and walking. Crawling might feel faster and more reliable to them at first, especially when they’re excited or eager to reach something.
How to Encourage Your Baby to Walk
Although walking is a natural progression, some babies may need extra motivation to practice their skills. Here are some ways to encourage walking:
Promote Cruising
Provide your baby with safe, stable furniture they can hold onto while practicing cruising. This helps them build balance and leg strength.
Introduce Push Toys
Push toys can encourage your baby to practice moving while providing the support they need. Avoid rolling sit-in walkers, which can be unsafe and are discouraged by pediatricians.
Use Toys for Motivation
Place toys slightly out of reach to encourage your baby to stand or take steps toward them. This playful challenge can make walking more appealing.
Offer Physical Support
Hold your baby’s hands or support their trunk as they practice walking. Gradually reduce your support over time to boost their confidence in walking independently.
Celebrate Small Wins
Babies thrive on positive reinforcement. Praise every effort, no matter how small, with smiles, claps, and verbal encouragement. Feeling supported can motivate them to keep trying.
When Should Your Baby Start Wearing Shoes?
Babies don’t need shoes right away when they begin learning to walk. Allowing them to go barefoot helps develop their balance, coordination, and strength by letting their feet directly interact with the ground.
Bare feet also enable them to feel the texture and firmness of surfaces, which aids in building stability and confidence as they take their first steps. While indoors, it’s best to let your baby practice walking without shoes or in non-slip socks to provide both grip and freedom of movement.
Once your baby starts walking outside or in environments that require protection, it’s time to introduce shoes. Look for flexible, lightweight footwear with skid-resistant soles that provide a secure grip without restricting foot movement. A good rule of thumb is that the soles should be bendable and the shoes should feel comfortable for your baby.
When to Worry When Your Baby Isn’t Walking
It’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. However, if your baby hasn’t started walking by 18 months, it’s a good idea to consult a pediatrician.
Delayed walking could indicate underlying issues, such as:
Balance Problems
Recurrent ear infections can disrupt a baby’s equilibrium, making it harder to walk.
Muscle Weakness
Some babies need additional time or therapy to build the strength required for walking.
Developmental Concerns
In rare cases, delayed walking may be linked to broader developmental delays that require professional evaluation.
If you’re concerned, a pediatrician can assess your baby’s progress and offer advice tailored to their needs.
Conclusion
So, when do babies start walking?
Walking is a significant milestone that represents much more than movement—it’s a leap toward independence and exploration. While it’s natural to compare your baby’s timeline to others, remember that each child is unique.
Celebrate their progress, provide gentle encouragement, and seek guidance if needed. Whether your baby is an early walker or takes their time, the moment they take their first steps will be unforgettable!
Related Articles:
When Do Babies Start Crawling? Here’s What to Expect
When Do Babies Say Their First Word? Find Out Here!
When Do Babies Start Smiling? Here's the Answer
When Do Babies Start Laughing? A Parent’s Guide