When does an infant start walking? A month-by-month guide to baby steps

A baby’s first steps are a milestone that parents eagerly wait to capture, share, and remember forever. There’s a reason so many baby books and phone galleries are filled with videos of those tiny, wobbly steps.

But behind that joyful moment lies a fascinating journey of balance, muscle strength, and confidence. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through when babies typically start walking, the signs they’re getting close and how you can encourage them safely, with the help of expert insights from Madison Szar, Pediatrician, MD, Bluebird Kids Health.

When does an infant start walking?

Most infants take their first steps between 8 and 18 months. Some may start as early as 8–10 months, while others take longer, spending more time crawling or cruising before they feel ready.

According to Dr. Szar, many will take their first steps by 12 months, with the vast majority doing so by 15 months.

Average walking age

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists walking independently by 15 months as a key milestone.

Scientists have discovered that, around the time babies turn one, their brain starts building stronger links between the areas that control movement and the areas that handle awareness and balance. These new connections help babies coordinate their steps, stay steady, and gradually move on their own.

A month-by-month guide to baby steps

Life with a baby is full of little adventures, and some of the most exciting ones happen when they start to move. Those first wiggles, rolls, and steps are signs of growing strength.

Let’s take a closer look at how a baby’s walking journey unfolds month by month.

6–8 months: Discovering feet

At this stage, babies begin to explore their feet. They might grab, kick, and even put them in their mouths. When held upright, many can bear a little weight on their legs. Although they are far from walking, these early movements lay the groundwork for balance and coordination.

As muscles strengthen and curiosity grows, babies soon start trying to pull themselves upright.

8–10 months: Pulling up and cruising

At this stage, many babies start pulling themselves up with the help of furniture. As Dr. Szar explains, “Babies will start by ‘cruising’ or walking sideways while holding onto a stable object. Providing low, sturdy furniture can encourage your baby to pull up, stand with support, and begin cruising.” 

This activity is crucial because it strengthens leg muscles and improves balance. Once cruising becomes second nature, babies often begin experimenting with letting go even if it is only for a moment.

10–12 months: Standing independently

At this stage, many babies begin to stand for short periods without holding onto anything. Even if it’s just a few seconds, this milestone signals that walking is close. Parents may notice their little one moving between supports or attempting to bridge small gaps, an exciting sign that first steps are near. 

Some also begin crawling at this time, and you can learn more about it in our guide on when babies start crawling .

With balance improving, it doesn’t take long before those wobbly first steps arrive.

12–15 months: First independent steps

The most awaited phase finally arrives. The majority of babies take their first independent steps in this window. At first, movements are unsteady, often with arms raised for balance. However, practice leads to rapid improvement. By the end of this stage, many toddlers are walking short distances on their own.

However, not every child walks right at this point and that’s perfectly normal.

Beyond 15 months: Independent walking

This is the stage when many toddlers begin walking on their own, often sending parents hurrying after them. It’s a truly beautiful phase to cherish.

The CDC notes that up to 18 months is still within the typical range. What matters most is steady progress whether it’s standing longer, cruising more confidently, or taking more supported steps.

Of course, walking age isn’t just about the calendar. Several factors can influence when and how babies take their first steps.

Why do some babies walk earlier or later than others?

Environment

A safe and open space allows babies to explore freely. 

Footwear

It is recommended to let babies go barefoot indoors. This strengthens foot muscles and improves balance. Shoes are primarily for outdoor protection, not for learning to walk.

Dr. Szar suggests that when outdoors or in stores and restaurants, lightweight, breathable shoes with flexible soles are recommended. Avoid shoes with overly stiff soles or shoes that narrow at the toes.

Play and muscle strength

Simple play activities encourage muscle development. Pushing sturdy toys, pulling up to reach objects, or climbing onto low furniture builds strength in the legs and core. 

While these build strength naturally, it’s also important to know which tools support walking and which can actually hold babies back.

Also, our post on the importance of tummy time explains how early play and positioning support stronger muscles for walking.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition supports milestone development. Adequate Vitamin D and calcium are especially important for bone health.

UNICEF highlights that around their first birthday, when most children are beginning to walk, their daily routine should include 4 – 5 small meals along with a couple of nutritious snacks. Dairy remains essential at this stage, so aim for about 1 – 2 cups of milk per day as part of a balanced diet.

Walking age in infants: Are there differences between boys and girls?

Although myths persist, studies show no significant difference in walking age between boys and girls. Variations are more likely due to individual temperament, genetics, or practice opportunities rather than gender.

Variations in walking age: What’s normal for babies?

Walking doesn’t look the same for every child. Dr. Szar explains, “Whether your child is a daredevil, a cautious soul, or somewhere in between, your baby will likely reach the same skill level within the normal developmental range. It’s okay to let personality guide pacing!” 

Here are a few common variations parents may notice:

• Skipping crawling: Some babies skip crawling altogether and move directly to walking. Pediatricians confirm this is normal, as long as other milestones are progressing.
• Toddler walking patterns: Early steps often look awkward – wide stance, arms raised, short steps. With time and practice, gait becomes smoother.
• Reassurance for parents: Walking anywhere between 9 – 18 months is considered typical. To see how walking fits into the bigger picture, read our guide on your baby’s developmental milestones in year one.

Delayed walking in babies: When to seek expert help

Dr. Szar highlights that most babies will master walking by 15 months. If your baby is not walking by 18 months, it would be considered atypical, and would serve as a good moment to reach out to your pediatrician to discuss.

According to the AAP, motor milestones are routinely reviewed during preventive health visits (e.g., at 9, 18, and 30 months) using developmental screening tools. Not walking by the 18-month check-up may be a red flag signaling the need for a detailed assessment. 

Conclusion

Each wobble, each determined stand, each tiny shuffle forward is worth celebrating. These moments are about confidence, curiosity, and your baby learning that the world is theirs to explore. And for you, it’s about holding out your arms, cheering them on, and tucking away memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

So whether your little explorer walks at 10 months or 17, know that they’ll get there in their own time and when they do, those first steps will feel like pure magic.

Sources:

1. Difference in walking age in infant boys and girls. American Academy of Pediatrics. “Developmental Gender Differences.” 
2. Infant Walking Milestones. CDC. “CDC’s Developmental Milestones”
3. Impact of the environment. World Health Organization. “Motor development milestones”
4. Deficiency can delay walking. BMC Pediatrics. “Nutritional rickets presenting with developmental regression: a rare presentation of rickets”
5. Impact of walkers on infant walking. AAP. “Baby Walkers: Important Safety Information” 
6. Nutrition for infants while walking. UNICEF. “Feeding your baby: 1–2 years”
7. Significant difference in walking age between boys and girls. AAP. “Sex-Specific Developmental Scales for Surveillance” 
8. About brain networks linked to walking. WashU Medicine. “Brain networks that help babies learn to walk ID’d”

You may also like:

• Milestone myths and truths: Tracking your preemie baby’s first year
• When do babies start crawling? Signs your little one is ready to move!
• Your baby’s developmental milestones in year one