Witnessing a baby take their first steps is a momentous occasion that signifies a transition from infancy to toddlerhood. It is a symbol of their growing independence as they become capable of moving around on their own.
Every child follows their unique timeline when it comes to learning how to walk. While some babies may start walking as early as six months, others might not begin until they are over a year old.
The process of learning to walk is a gradual one that begins within the first few weeks of a baby’s life. Early signs of this development include scooting, pulling themselves up, and crawling.
As babies get closer to walking, you may notice them trying to stand and take a few tentative steps while holding onto furniture or someone’s hand. They may also start cruising, which is when they move along while holding onto furniture for support.
It’s important to create a safe environment for your baby to practice their new walking skills. Make sure there are no sharp edges or slippery floors that could cause accidents. Encourage and support your baby as they take their first steps towards independence!
When Do Babies Start Walking?
On average, most babies begin walking around the age of 14 months, although this milestone can be achieved anywhere between 10 and 18 months.
From the early stages of life, babies work on enhancing their coordination, balance, and muscle strength in preparation for walking independently.
Key milestones in a baby’s journey to walking include pushing up from lying down, rolling over, sitting up, scooting, and finally taking those exciting first steps.
Stages of Walking Development
Babies progress through the stages of walking at their own pace, typically between six and 18 months. To walk confidently, they need well-developed muscles, good balance, coordination, and a sense of assurance.
Tummy Time
Encouraging tummy time helps babies strengthen their muscles and master the motor skills necessary for crawling and eventually walking.
Rolling Over
Rolling over aids babies in building strength in their neck, back, and arm muscles, preparing them for the tasks of standing and walking.
Crawling
While crawling is a common precursor to walking, some babies might skip this stage. Crawling helps babies explore their surroundings and enhances their coordination.
Sitting Up
Sitting up independently requires babies to have strong muscles and the ability to control their movements, a milestone typically reached around eight months of age.
Standing
As babies start standing with support, they develop their core and leg muscles, laying the foundation for walking without assistance.
Using Furniture for Balance
Babies utilize furniture for balance and support as they navigate their surroundings, a technique commonly known as “cruising.”
Confidence in Walking Alone
Babies transition to independent walking between the ages of six and 18 months, gaining confidence in their newfound abilities.
Importance of Physical Activity
It is essential to encourage babies to engage in physical activity from a young age to promote healthy muscle development and coordination. Activities such as tummy time, rolling over, crawling, and supported standing all play a crucial role in helping babies reach their walking milestones.
Helping Your Baby Walk
Parents can aid their babies in the walking process by using toys and games as motivation. Acknowledge that each child progresses at their own pace, emphasizing the importance of patience.
Encouraging Standing Up
Motivate your baby to pull themselves up on secure furniture by placing their favorite toys on top as an incentive.
Supporting Upright Movement
Assisting your baby in standing upright or providing support as they practice standing can help boost their confidence.
Encouraging Walking Distance
Encouraging your baby to walk longer distances with you can inspire them to take more steps and build endurance.
Helping Them Stand Up
Supporting your baby in standing back up after a stumble can encourage them to persevere and keep trying to walk.
To help babies enhance their balance, encourage activities like kicking a ball while standing on one leg or playing games that involve stepping stones.
Avoid prolonged use of baby carriers and seats
Limited use of bouncers, seats, and walkers to no more than 20 minutes can prevent delays in a baby’s ability to sit up unassisted.
Skip the shoes to begin with
It’s beneficial for babies to walk barefoot to improve their balance and stride.
Don’t rely on walkers or strollers
Avoid relying too heavily on walkers and strollers by encouraging babies to stand independently, cultivating comfort with autonomous movement.
Motivation is vital
Use toys, treats, and games to motivate babies in their developmental activities.
What if my baby isn’t progressing with walking?
If babies have not started walking by the age of 18 months, seeking guidance from a health professional such as a health visitor, GP, or family nurse is advisable.
It is important to remember that each child develops at their own pace, and late walking does not necessarily indicate a problem. However, if you have concerns about your baby’s development, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.
In some cases, a delay in walking could be due to conditions such as hip dysplasia, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy. Early intervention and support can help address these issues and promote your baby’s mobility and development.
Physical therapy may also be recommended to help strengthen your baby’s muscles and improve their balance and coordination. Additionally, providing opportunities for your baby to practice standing and walking with support can help encourage their progress.
Overall, patience and support are key in helping your baby reach their walking milestone. Remember to celebrate each small achievement and seek professional guidance if you have any concerns about your baby’s development.
How to babyproof the house for when baby starts walking
Prepare your home for your baby’s walking phase by childproofing doors, sharp corners, stairs, and securing furniture and electrical outlets.
Here are some additional tips to babyproof your house:
- Keep small objects and choking hazards out of reach.
- Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent falls.
- Use corner guards on furniture to prevent injuries from sharp edges.
- Secure heavy furniture to the wall to prevent tipping.
- Cover electrical outlets with outlet covers or safety plugs.
- Keep all household cleaning products and chemicals out of reach.
- Never leave your baby unattended on high surfaces such as changing tables or beds.
By taking these simple steps, you can create a safe environment for your baby to explore and learn to walk without worrying about potential hazards in your home.
Taking care of your baby’s skin as they learn to walk
Keep your baby’s skin hydrated with gentle baby cleansers and lotions to prevent dryness caused by friction during walking. Utilize baby washcloths for quick clean-ups.
It is important to keep your baby’s skin moisturized, especially as they start to walk and become more active. Choose gentle and nourishing baby products to protect their delicate skin.
Assist your baby in taking their first steps with these helpful suggestions.
Babies typically start walking between 9 and 15 months of age. Encourage your baby to practice walking by holding their hands or providing support with a push toy. Remember to create a safe environment for them to explore and develop their motor skills.
When do babies start walking?
Guide your baby through the stages from sitting up to walking and seek advice if they have not started walking by 15 months.
The eight stages of learning to walk
The ‘sitting up all on my own’ stage
Encourage babies to sit independently to strengthen the muscles needed for standing.
The ‘crawling on my hands and knees’ stage
Assist babies in learning to crawl and coordinate moving their arms and legs simultaneously in preparation for walking.
The ‘pulling myself up’ stage
Support babies in pulling themselves up to practice balance and standing position.
The ‘walking with help’ stage
Guide babies in taking their first steps independently by helping them build confidence.
The ‘check me out I’m cruising’ stage
Create a safe environment for babies to explore and cruise using walls and furniture.
The ‘look I’m standing’ stage
Encourage babies to balance and stand for brief periods to prepare for walking.
The ‘Oh look! They’ve taken their first steps’ stage
Celebrate babies’ initial steps with enthusiasm and support to boost their confidence.
The ‘walking, stumbling and bumbling’ stage
Provide support to babies as they navigate through stumbles and develop their walking skills.
What if my baby isn’t walking by 15 months?
It’s normal for babies to reach milestones at different rates, so patience is key. If walking milestones are delayed, encourage daily practice to support their development.
Remember, every baby is unique! Don’t stress about achieving milestones at specific ages. Continue to support and motivate your baby, offer ample opportunities for practice, and celebrate their progress. Should concerns arise after 18 months, seek advice from your pediatrician. Enjoy this exciting phase as your little one grows up quickly!
Walking signifies a significant milestone for your child and you, symbolizing increased mobility, independence, and a fresh perspective for your baby. For you, it means embracing the adventure of keeping up with an active toddler ❤️
Key Points:
When do babies start walking?
Babies typically start walking independently between 12 to 15 months, with a range of 9 to 18 months being considered within the normal spectrum. Before walking, they may cruise around furniture or along walls from 9 to 13 months.
What are the signs my baby will walk soon?
You’ll observe your baby preparing to walk as they engage in pre-walking activities like pulling up, cruising, squatting with support, and standing independently. These actions help them develop strength and enhance their balance.
Here’s a breakdown of each stage in the walking process:
Pulling up to stand (7 to 10 months)
The initial steps involve pulling up to standing, typically occurring between 7 to 10 months of age. Babies rely on furniture for support and start learning to balance their weight on their legs.
Cruising (9 to 13 months)
After mastering pulling up, babies may begin cruising (moving sideways along furniture) between 9 and 13 months, aiding in balance and preparation for walking.
Support your cruiser by rearranging furniture to facilitate safe practice. Ensure that sharp corners have padding and be vigilant in preventing falls.
Standing unassisted (10 to 16 months)
Continuing with cruising, babies will strive to stand unsupported and eventually take their first steps between 10 and 16 months. Expect an increase in the duration of independent standing, signaling that walking is imminent.
How can I encourage my baby to walk?
Encourage your baby’s walking development by promoting various movement activities. Follow these recommendations from occupational therapists:
- Allow barefoot play for sensory feedback and foot development.
- Rearrange furniture for cruising practice.
- Motivate with toys to encourage stepping.
- Encourage squatting to strengthen core and leg muscles.
Explore dedicated play kits to further enhance your child’s motor skills.
Supporting your child’s social-emotional skills as they learn to walk
Walking marks a major milestone for toddlers, often eliciting a range of emotions. Offer additional support, comfort, and encouragement as they navigate this newfound independence.
What are the pros and cons of baby walking toys?
Baby walking toys can be categorized as baby walkers or push toys, assisting your child in their walking journey.
Baby walkers
Avoid traditional baby walkers that can be unsafe and might hinder proper walking development. Opt for activities like pulling up and cruising to bolster walking skills.
Push toys
Consider push toys or push walkers to aid in walking progress. Look for stable options with adjustable wheels and engaging activity panels to support your baby’s upright posture and leg strength.
What about pull toys?
Once your toddler begins walking independently, typically between 15 and 18 months, consider introducing The Buddy Stroller or a pull toy like The Pull Pup. These toys help enhance coordination, fine motor strength, and problem-solving abilities. Pull toys engage multiple muscle groups, including hand muscles for grasping the string, arm muscles for pulling, and leg and torso muscles for balance. Your child’s eyes also need to work in tandem with their body, aiding in the practice of combining fine and gross motor skills.
The Buddy Stroller
Encourages pretend play, independence, and motor skill development.