When do children start walking?

Welcome back to NewBorn Tips, today we will talk about when babies start walking, the various stages of the first steps, the average times and the signs to look for, as well as useful tips to help babies move safely.

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Children’s First Steps: Great Joy for Parents

A child’s first steps are a moment full of emotion for every parent. Seeing your child stand up and move forward with uncertain but determined steps, arouses a sense of deep joy, wonder and pride.

It is also the confirmation that the child is growing, exploring the world independently and reaching a new important stage in his development.

At the same time, parents feel a pinch of nostalgia, realizing how quickly time is passing. This moment marks the beginning of new adventures and discoveries, creating unforgettable memories to cherish forever.

As has been said, a child’s first step is one of the most exciting moments for parents, but each infant follows his own rhythm in motor development.

In all honesty, there is no specific age at which all children start walking: some do it earlier, others later, and both cases are absolutely normal.

At what months do children start walking?

Typically, babies begin to walk between 9 and 18 months. Most babies take their first steps around 12 months, but each child develops at their own pace:

9-12 months: Many infants begin to stand on furniture and take a few steps with support.

12-15 months: This is when most babies take their first steps on their own.

16-18 months: Some babies take longer to start walking, but it is still considered normal for them to do so within this age range.

If a baby is not walking on their own by 18 months, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician to rule out any delays in motor development.

Stages of Child Motor Development

Before walking, a baby goes through several key stages, including:

Head control (0-3 months): In the first few months, a newborn learns to control the movements of his or her head.
Rolling (4-6 months): Begins to roll from supine to stomach, a key step in strengthening muscles.
Sitting alone (6-8 months): The baby learns to sit without support, developing balance and strength.
Crawling (6-10 months): Not all babies crawl, but this phase helps develop coordination.
Standing with support (8-12 months): Babies stand up by leaning on furniture and begin to take their first steps by holding on.
First independent steps (12-15 months): Babies begin to walk on their own, although with uncertain steps and frequent falls.

Factors that influence when babies start walking

Several factors can influence when a newborn will start walking, and we will discuss these in the following lines:

Genetics: Babies of parents who walked early tend to follow the same pattern.

Temperament: Some babies are more cautious and start walking later, while others are more adventurous.

Environment: A stimulating environment, with safe space to move and suitable toys, can promote motor development.

Personal experience: Babies who spend more time on the floor have more opportunities to develop strength and coordination.

How to Tell if a Child Has Difficulty Walking?

Considering that it is important not to compare your newborn to other peers, since each child has different times, however, it is advisable to observe some signs during motor development and consult the pediatrician in case of doubts.

Below are listed the main aspects to evaluate regarding when children start walking.

Delayed motor milestones

Fails to stand by 12 months
Fails to walk alone by 18 months
Has difficulty maintaining balance or walks unsteadily after age 2

Abnormalities in posture or gait

Persistently walks on tiptoe
Drags one leg or walks asymmetrically
Has a stiff or too flexible posture

Pain or discomfort

Has pain in legs or feet
Seems tired very quickly after a few steps

Coordination problems

Has difficulty running or jumping compared to peers
Falls frequently for no apparent reason

Signs of muscle weakness

Has difficulty getting up from the ground
Shows abnormally bent legs or feet

Baby Not Walking at 18 Months. What to Do?

If a newborn is not walking on his or her own by 18 months, it is important to intervene promptly to understand if there are problems with motor development. Here’s what to do:

Consult the Pediatrician

Book an appointment: The pediatrician will examine the child to check for any delays in motor, muscular or neurological development.

Report motor progress: Report all motor milestones achieved, such as crawling, standing up or walking with support.

Evaluate Possible Causes

Some common causes of delayed walking in children include:

Muscle or skeletal problems (e.g., clubfoot, hip dysplasia)
Psychomotor delay (may result from genetic or neurological conditions)
Muscle weakness or hypotonia
Environmental factors (e.g., too little stimulation or too little time on the floor)

Examinations and Specialist Visits

If your pediatrician deems it necessary, he or she may recommend visits with specialists:

Pediatric neurologist: To rule out neurological problems
Pediatric orthopedist: To evaluate the musculoskeletal system
Physiotherapist: To set up targeted exercises that stimulate walking

How to Encourage Children to Walk?

Here are some practical tips to encourage a newborn to walk naturally and safely:

Encourage free movement

Leave your baby often on the floor on carpets or safe surfaces
Avoid holding him or her too much or in a stroller for long periods

Helpful games:

Encourage crawling, which strengthens the legs and arms
Place interesting objects a short distance away to encourage movement

Provide safe supports

Use low furniture, tables or stable walkers (not a walker) that your baby can hold on to while standing
You can also hold your baby by the hand while he or she takes his or her first steps
Exercise: Have your baby push a cart or a toy with wheels to practice balance.

Encourage standing

Place your baby in a standing position near support surfaces
Let him or her explore on his or her own, making sure the environment is safe
Tip: When your baby stands up, applaud and encourage him or her with smiles and words.

Stay close, but don’t force

Don’t force him to walk if he doesn’t feel ready
Accompany the child, but allow him to move independently

Stimulate with play

Play fetch and leave, that is, stand a short distance away and call him to come to you
Use balls or interactive toys to encourage him to move

Avoid the walker

The walker can slow down natural motor development and increase the risk of accidents.

Choose appropriate footwear

At home, leave the newborn barefoot or with non-slip socks to improve balance
When he goes out, choose light and flexible shoes

In short, the beginning of walking is a fundamental stage in the development of the newborn, but there is no specific age at which all children must walk.

Since each child follows his own path, the most important thing about when children start walking is to offer support, encouragement and a safe environment to allow them to gain confidence in their movements. If you have any doubts about your little one’s motor development, do not hesitate to consult your pediatrician for a professional opinion.

Newborn Tips, The Editorial Team