When do babies start walking?

The moment your baby stands up on two legs and takes those first wobbly steps is a special milestone that every parent wants to remember forever. After waiting for months, seeing your little one smile as they take a few steps is simply the best.

It's a moment filled with pride and excitement, as your baby transitions to a toddler right before your eyes. Walking sets them on a course toward independence, preparing you to chase your little walker with their newfound freedom. These first steps not only signify your baby’s incredible bravery and determination but also reflect months of growth and development.

But when exactly do babies start walking, and how do they get to that point?

What age do babies walk?

How early can babies start walking? "Some babies walk as early as nine months, while most start around one year. Some may not take their first independent steps until 18 months," says paediatric physiotherapist Karen Mayes.

Research from the University of Texas suggests that temperament can influence when children begin walking independently, even if they are skilled at cruising. For example, children who are cautious in new situations might hold onto support longer until they feel confident, whereas more adventurous children might take a few tentative steps before falling.

By 15 months, most babies have taken a few steps on their own, and by 18 months, the majority can walk independently, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, it's important to remember that babies might reach a milestone and then temporarily regress.

"If you’re concerned about your baby’s development, it’s always a good idea to consult your GP. However, it’s also possible that your baby is simply progressing at their own pace. Each baby is unique—avoid comparisons and don’t rush their development. When they do start walking, allow them to explore and practise at their own speed. This helps them develop coordination, balance, and a sense of their body’s capabilities,” says Karen.

Signs baby will walk soon

Babies show several signs that they are getting ready to walk.

Pulling up

Babies start pulling themselves up to stand using furniture.

Cruising

Babies start walking while holding onto furniture for support.

Standing alone

Babies can stand without support for a few seconds.

Walking with assistance

Babies start taking steps while holding onto a parent’s hands.

How do babies learn to walk?

"There are lots of skills and walking milestones that babies need to master before they can get up on two legs," says Karen. "Both physical and cognitive skills play a role."

So, what are those skills? And is there anything we parents can do to help our babies along the road?

Stages of learning to walk

Step One: Head control

"The first ‘pre-walking’ skill that babies need to master is head control," says Karen. "We need to be able to hold our heads steady before we can move around at all – or even sit."

In the womb, babies’ heads are supported by watery amniotic fluid. But when they’re first born, their neck muscles aren’t strong enough to hold their heads up against the pull of gravity. That’s why it’s important to support their neck and head when you’re holding them. It's advised to regularly have tummy time each day to help strengthen those head and neck muscles.

"As a rule, babies will start to develop their neck muscles enough to raise their head – slightly - somewhere between three and six weeks old," says Karen. "But it can take up to six months for your baby to be able to hold their head up steadily, without any support."

Step two: Body awareness

"To walk, we all need to be aware of our own body’s position in space and the position of other objects," says Karen. "So babies need to develop spatial awareness. When they start to explore their body it’s a sign that they’re motivated to explore the environment around them. That curiosity will eventually be the thing that propels them up onto their feet to look around!"

Your baby will probably ‘discover’ their feet for the first time when he is between two and five months old. They'll start to develop hand-to-eye coordination between three and six months. And the more they reach and grab, the better their spatial awareness will become.

Step three: Rolling

Rolling is a seriously complex move. When your baby masters this move it means they've built up all their core muscles and their trunk is getting well-and-truly toned. It means they've got enough body awareness to rotate their bottom half (pelvis and legs) away from their upper body – which is what they need to do to move into the roll. And it means both sides of their brain are working together to coordinate the movement.

"Some babies roll at three months," says Karen, "but you’re most likely to see your baby doing this between four and eight months. And some babies won’t roll until they’re nine months old."

Step four: Sitting

"To sit up babies need good head control and strong abdominal and trunk muscles," says Karen. "Babies usually reach this stage between six – eight months." Building up these muscles is all about getting an opportunity to move around on the floor, or in a baby gym, anywhere where they’re not constrained in a pram or car seat.

Step five: The four-point pose

"The four-point pose is when your baby is up in the crawl position – on their hands and knees – but they aren't actually crawling," says Karen. "It’s really tempting to want your baby to take off at this stage, but don’t rush it.

Getting into this position and holding it is helping your baby strengthen the weight-bearing ability of their hips, shoulders and hands. That’s key for helping them walk later on. You often see babies rocking themselves back and forth when they’re in this position. This helps to deepen the curve of their hip socket and make that joint stronger."

Babies often manage to get into this position around six months old, but some of them adopt other ways of getting around. Some commando crawl – use their arms to creep forward – while others get into a bottom shuffle position. This tends to happen because they have more strength in their arms (commando) or legs (shuffle) than they do in their trunk.

"These ways of getting around are totally normal," says Karen. "But you may find they take slightly longer to get up on their feet than babies who crawl. Babies need a strong core and trunk to move onto walking. Plus, it’s easier for babies to pull themselves up onto their feet from a crawl position than from a commando or bottom shuffle position. But they’ll get there in their own good time."

Step six: Crawling

"To crawl, a baby has to learn how to transfer their weight from one side to the other," says Karen. "They also have to coordinate both sides of their body to move steadily. This usually happens when they're between six and 12 months old."

Some babies crawl backwards before they crawl forwards. This is fine – they’re leading with their legs and their arms are following. It won’t be long before they figure out how to go forwards.

Step seven: High kneel and cruising

"Going from crawling to cruising usually comes in two steps," says Karen. "First you’ll see your baby going up into a high kneel, so their arms are off the ground and they're balancing on their knees (usually using the sofa or a solid chair/ table) as a support. You can help them get steady in this position by putting toys on the sofa for them to play with. Then, when they're ready, they'll try pulling themselves up. If you can see they want to do this, try putting a toy slightly further away to see if that gets them up higher. The earliest this tends to happen is around eight months old. As their confidence and strength build, they'll start to cruise, hang onto the sofa (or you) and take small steps along."

Step eight - Walking!

Babies typically start walking independently between nine and 18 months old.

Each baby develops at their own pace, so variations in the timing of these milestones are normal.

How to encourage a baby to walk?

Create a soft walking environment

Provide your baby with soft surfaces to walk on, as they will likely fall frequently. A padded play mat or carpet can help cushion those falls.

Go shoe-free

"Let them spend as much time as possible walking without shoes on," advises Karen. Barefoot walking helps babies develop their foot muscles and balance naturally. If shoes are necessary, choose lightweight, flexible options that allow for natural foot movement.

Support at the Hips

"During the early days of walking, try not to hold their hands too much," Karen suggests. Instead, support your baby at the hips. This method encourages balance through their trunk and legs, fostering better coordination and strength.

Use a push trolley

Push toys are an excellent tool for encouraging independent mobility. They satisfy your baby’s desire to move while stimulating the neurological patterns associated with walking. Push trolleys help your baby build confidence and strength in a safe and supported way.

Encourage cruising

Allow your baby to practise cruising along furniture. This helps them gain confidence and stability while transitioning to walking.

Incorporate fun and motivation

Place toys, favourite objects, or even yourself a short distance away to motivate your baby to take steps towards them. Engaging in playful activities can make walking practise enjoyable and rewarding.

Create a safe space

Baby-proof your home to create a safe environment for your little one to explore. Remove sharp edges, secure furniture to the wall, and ensure there are no small objects within reach. A safe environment encourages babies to experiment with walking without unnecessary risks.

Practice standing and balancing

Encourage your baby to practise standing by themselves by placing toys or objects just out of reach. This will help them build the strength and balance needed for walking. Praise and celebrate their efforts to boost their confidence.

Model walking

Show your baby how to walk by walking around and getting excited when they take steps. Kids often learn by copying, so seeing you walk and cheer for them can really motivate them to practise more. Try making it fun by singing the "Walking, Walking, Hop Hop Hop" nursery rhyme. Your baby will love the playful interaction and might light up with excitement!

Consistency is key

Make walking practise a regular part of your daily routine to give your baby plenty of opportunities to practise in a supportive and encouraging environment. If the weather permits, consider practising in the park where the grass provides a softer surface for falls.

When to buy shoes

You should consider buying your baby's first pair of shoes once they start walking outside or on rough surfaces. Until then, barefoot is best for developing strength and coordination in their feet.

Choosing the right shoes

According to Alex Roberts, Senior Brand Manager at Kickers, "Your little one will be wearing their shoes for a few hours most days, so it’s essential that their shoes fit properly and are comfortable.”

He advises, “New children's shoes should be 12-15 millimetres longer than their feet. The best quality materials deliver the best performance, so shoes for your little ones should be made from premium leather, which moulds to the foot for a perfect fit. Shoes should also be breathable and anti-odour."

Making sure your baby takes their first steps in well-fitted, comfortable shoes can significantly impact their walking journey. Remember, every baby is unique and will reach this milestone at their own pace.

Must-have products for toddlers learning to walk

About the expert

Karen Mayes is a dedicated paediatric physiotherapist based in North Yorkshire and a mother of two. She helps children achieve their developmental milestones. Specialising in early childhood motor development, Karen is passionate about guiding infants and toddlers through crucial stages such as crawling, standing, and walking.

About the author

Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK.