when are babies supposed to be walking

Is Your Baby About to Walk? Look for These 5 Indicators

Watching your baby grow from their first smile to their first steps is an incredible journey. But when it comes to walking, it’s natural to wonder if your little one is ready to take that exciting leap. Babies reach this milestone in their own time, but there are some clear signs to watch for that indicate baby walking readiness.

Let’s break down the infant mobility milestones leading to those first wobbly but wonderful steps—and how you can support your baby along the way.

Early walking signs

1. Pulling Up to Stand

One of the earliest signs that your baby is getting closer to walking is when they start pulling themselves up to a standing position. You might notice them using furniture, your legs, or even their crib to lift themselves.

  • What it means: Your baby is building strength in their legs and gaining confidence in being upright.
  • How to help: Place sturdy furniture or baby-safe bars they can use for practice, and cheer them on to encourage their efforts.

2. Standing Without Support

Standing independently, even for a few seconds, is a big step toward walking. This shows that your baby is developing balance and building the muscle coordination needed for their first steps.

  • What it means: They’re learning how to maintain stability and feel comfortable standing without holding on.
  • How to help: Offer a safe, open space for practice. You can even use toys to encourage them to stand on their own.
Baby development stages

3. Cruising Along Furniture

Cruising is when babies shuffle sideways while holding onto furniture. It’s their way of practicing weight shifting and balance while still feeling secure.

  • What it means: Cruising is a critical stage in early walking signs, as it helps babies transition from crawling to walking.
  • How to help: Arrange furniture with sturdy edges within their reach, and let them explore. Encourage cruising by placing toys just out of their immediate grasp.

4. Taking Assisted Steps

When babies start walking with support—whether it’s holding your hands or using a baby walker—they’re testing their ability to move forward independently.

  • What it means: They’re beginning to understand the coordination between balance, strength, and movement.
  • How to help: Walk with them while holding their hands, or use push toys that offer safe support without relying on restrictive devices.
Newborn motor skills

5. Showing Interest in Standing or Walking

Babies often start imitating walking motions or attempting to move between furniture on their own. They might even show excitement when they see others walking.

  • What it means: Your baby’s curiosity and confidence are peaking, signaling they’re almost ready for their baby first steps.
  • How to help: Provide lots of positive reinforcement. Celebrate their small victories with claps, smiles, and encouraging words.

How Parents Can Support Baby Walking Readiness?

There are several ways in which parents can support their baby walking readiness and here we have listed some of them: 

  • Encourage Tummy Time Early: Tummy time strengthens core muscles, which are essential for balance and coordination.
  • Create a Safe Practice Area: Remove sharp edges, cover slippery surfaces, and ensure the space is free of hazards.
  • Offer Barefoot Time: Allow your baby to practice walking barefoot on safe surfaces to help with balance and foot development.
  • Avoid Comparisons: Every baby develops at their own pace. It’s perfectly normal for some babies to take longer to walk.

FAQs About Baby Walking Readiness

1. At what age do babies typically start walking?

Most babies take their first steps between 9 and 15 months. However, every child is different, and some may walk earlier or later.

2. What are the early signs that my baby is ready to walk?

Key signs include pulling up to stand, cruising along furniture, standing without support, and showing interest in walking motions.

3. How can I encourage my baby to start walking?

Provide safe spaces for practice, hold their hands for assisted steps, and cheer them on with plenty of positive reinforcement.

4. Is it normal for my baby to skip crawling and go straight to walking?

Yes, some babies skip crawling entirely. As long as they’re meeting other developmental milestones, this isn’t a cause for concern.

5. What safety precautions should I take as my baby starts to walk?

Baby-proof your home by covering sharp edges, securing furniture, and keeping floors free of obstacles. Supervise your baby closely as they explore their newfound mobility.

Conclusion

Your baby’s journey to walking is a milestone filled with small victories and plenty of excitement. By recognizing the early walking signs and providing the right support, you’ll help them gain the confidence to take their first steps.

Remember, every baby develops at their own pace, so be patient and enjoy the process. Those wobbly steps will soon turn into a full-on sprint—and you’ll be chasing after your little walker in no time!

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