When your baby starts walking: 6 tips to encourage walking

Alongside their first smile, , and first word, starting to walk is a big milestone for babies, often the culmination of months of amazing progress in learning to sit, roll, move, get up, and bear weight. Parents often have lots of questions at this stage, whether about the stages of walking or wondering whether their little one has a bit of a different walking style. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through typical walking development, give you tips to help your toddler, and help you navigate common concerns parents have about this milestone. 

What are the signs my baby will walk soon?

Before those first independent steps arrive, your baby will likely have already hit some important earlier milestones, like rolling, sitting independently, and crawling or scooting. From there, they’ll typically work through a series of signs that signal walking is just around the corner. Every baby moves through these at their own pace.

Pulling up to stand (7 - 12 months)

This is usually the first sign that walking is on its way. Your baby will start grabbing onto furniture, your legs, or anything sturdy nearby to . It’s their first real experience bearing weight on their feet and the beginning of building the leg muscle strength they’ll need to walk [].

Practicing standing (8 - 12 months)

Once upright, babies start working on staying there. At first, they’ll hold on with both hands, then gradually test the waters with one, maybe letting go briefly to reach for a toy. These little experiments with balance are a great sign that independent steps aren’t far off [].

Cruising (9 - 13 months)

Cruising is when your baby starts shuffling sideways along furniture, moving from one end of the couch to the coffee table and beyond. It looks entertainingly wobbly, but it’s doing important work building coordination, leg strength, and confidence with every sideways step [].

Standing unassisted (10 - 12 months and beyond)

At some point, your baby will let go and just... stand there. At first, it might only be a second or two before they grab back on — but those freestanding moments will get longer and more deliberate over time. Sometimes intentionally, sometimes by surprise. These freestanding moments are an exciting sign that your baby is building the balance and confidence needed for those first steps. Watch for them getting longer and more deliberate over time [].

Taking their first steps (12 - 15 months)

First steps can arrive anytime within the typical age range, though most babies are walking independently by 15 months []. Early steps tend to look more like a controlled tumble than a confident stride — that’s expected, and practice makes perfect!

Walking stages

For many little ones, motor skills develop along a fairly predictable set of steps. For others, they may move faster or slower through the steps, even miss one or two, and just make the leap. Some babies may master the art of standing independently and be quite happy sticking there for a while. 

Typically, babies tend to follow these stages when learning to take their first steps. While many follow a progression similar to the one below, development isn’t always linear. Your baby might skip certain steps, like using a push-toy, or master several skills simultaneously.

• Pulling to stand

• Turning and looking while standing (but with one hand holding on to a person or object to steady themselves)

• Standing independently, hands free

• Cruising along furniture (with growing confidence and speed)

• Walking with support from an adult (two hands)

• Walking with support from a walking aid, like a push-along toy (Note: The AAP recommends stationary activity centers or push-toys rather than mobile sit-in baby walkers for safety reasons)

• Walking with one-handed support

• Taking their first few steps

• Walking on even ground, then progressing to less-even ground, and the outdoors

Should I be concerned if my baby walks early?

If your baby is pulling up and cruising ahead of schedule, you might wonder whether moving so quickly is actually a good thing and whether there are any dangers in your baby walking too early. By and large, for most babies, walking on the earlier end of the “normal” range isn’t dangerous at all.

Research shows that babies who walk early are no more or less coordinated or developmentally advanced than those who walk later or “on schedule.” () All babies are different, and what matters is overall progression, not the specific month it happens.

As long as your baby is moving through the pre-walking milestones — gaining strength, building balance, and showing interest in getting upright — the exact timing is far less important than the trajectory. Every baby has their own pace, and both ends of the 10 - 18 month window are developmentally normal [].

What about assisted walking tools and toys?

“Early walking” is different from artificially assisted walking. Sit-in baby walkers with wheels don’t necessarily help babies walk sooner and can actually interfere with the development of a natural gait. The AAP has called for a ban on their manufacture and sale. Push-along walkers, on the other hand, are a different story and can be a helpful tool to provide a little extra stability as your baby practices the balance they are already developing [].

Should I be concerned if my baby isn’t walking yet?

Most of the time, a baby who isn’t walking yet can still be developmentally on track. Babies are individuals on their own timelines, and the normal range for independent walking is wide: anywhere from 10 - 18 months is considered typical, and plenty of babies sit happily at the later end of that window [].

That said, here’s a general guide to help you know when to relax and when to reach out:

• 12 months: At 12 months, your baby may be taking their very first steps — or may not be walking yet at all. As long as they’re pulling to stand, cruising, or showing interest in being upright, development is moving in the right direction [].

• 15 months: Most babies are taking at least a few independent steps by this point. If your little one is still focusing on cruising confidently or standing unassisted, they’re still building the foundation they need [].

• 18 months: The AAP recommends a conversation with your pediatrician if your baby still isn’t walking independently around 18 months. It doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong, but check in to ensure they have the support they need to reach that next step [] [].

There are also some signs worth flagging to your pediatrician regardless of age, including []:

• Noticeable asymmetry in movement 

• Consistently dragging one leg 

• Seeming very stiff or unusually floppy 

6 tips and tricks to encourage your baby to walk

Every baby finds their footing in their own time. While you can’t rush development, you can create an environment that supports their natural progress. Here are six simple exercises to reduce friction as they practice:

1. Go barefoot

Walking is complex, and all the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones have to become accustomed to this new style of movement []. Your baby’s body also needs to understand where our feet are and what they are doing, and going barefoot helps with this development. As cute as those baby shoes are, try to give your little one some shoe-free time to practice whenever you can.

2. Use toys to provide interest and encouragement

One of the easiest ways to encourage a step or two is to give your baby something worth reaching for. Hold a favorite toy just beyond their grasp and watch them work for it — a beloved rattle, a soft toy, or honestly, whatever they can’t resist in the moment.

3. Use your furniture

You can position pieces of furniture close together to create a path and encourage cruising along them. Be their guide and indicate where to go. As they practice their newfound cruising skills and gain confidence, you can increase the gap between furniture items to add the next level of challenge.

4. Think about flooring

Some surfaces are naturally slippery, whether that's a glossy floor tile or a laminate. This is harder for your little one’s feet to grip and may make practicing walking more difficult.

Carpet is ideal for encouraging the early stages of walking — it’s easier for little feet to grip, and it's a much softer landing when they inevitably take a tumble. As your baby becomes more confident, you can introduce trickier surfaces. In the meantime, a rug or even a yoga mat works great, too.

5. Consider using a push-along walker

Pick a walker toy that your baby can push along, like a trolley with bricks and blocks, rather than one they can sit in and self-propel. The AAP [] has called for a ban on the manufacture and sale of sitting baby walkers with wheels (self-propelled ones).

6. Steady them first

Try propping your baby gently against a wall or piece of furniture, then sit down in front of them and encourage them to reach out toward you. Keep things light and positive. If they take a little tumble, it’s a natural part of the learning process! A steady smile and a clap can go a long way in helping your little one feel secure as they explore.

Walking styles

Once your baby is up and moving, you might notice they’ve developed their own signature style (or two!). Below are the most common early walking styles and quirks you’re likely to observe. 

The toddle

The toddler “toddle” is the quintessential early walking style in this age group and also the most common. With this walking style, babies typically adopt a wider stance and exert noticeable physical effort. You might notice a slight delay before they move one leg and then the other. As they get a little quicker, the “toddle” becomes more pronounced until they start to gain better control.

The cowboy 

Even cuter, you may notice your toddler walking like a “cowboy” at times. Some babies are born with slightly bowed legs, meaning their ankles touch while their knees are farther apart. This is a normal stage of development, which gradually becomes less distinctive over time. Although if you’re concerned about the degree of bowing your baby has, it never hurts to bring it up with their pediatrician.

The duck

Some babies might also walk like a duck with their toes turned out. Also known as “out-toeing,” this early walking style can look a little clumsy. There’s also the opposite, where children walk with their toes turned in. Both versions are generally short developmental stages in walking and typically resolve on their own as your child’s coordination and muscle strength improve. But if you’re ever concerned, don’t hesitate to talk with their pediatrician.

When should I talk to the pediatrician about my baby’s walking?

Most walking quirks and wobbles are developmentally normal and typically resolve as your baby’s coordination and muscle strength improve. That said, there are a few things worth raising with your child’s doctor sooner rather than later:

• Asymmetry: If you notice your baby dragging one leg, or one foot consistently turning in more than the other, bring it up with your pediatrician.

• Discomfort or pain: Any limping, pain, or discomfort while walking should be flagged with your baby’s pediatrician early on.

• Toe walking: If tippy-toe walking seems to be your baby’s primary or only way of getting around, or if they struggle to put their heels down comfortably, let their pediatrician know — they may refer you to a physical therapist to explore further.

Does walking affect sleep?

Any , whether intellectual or physical, can affect your child’s sleeping pattern. It’s common for your baby’s excitement to drive them to want to practice their new skills at nap time or at night. This may make drifting off to sleep more difficult or lead to more night wakings or earlier mornings.

While maintaining consistent sleep routines can provide a helpful anchor during this time, remember that these shifts are a normal part of development and usually pass on their own. This phase is often temporary. As your baby becomes more confident with walking, their sleep patterns typically return to their previous rhythm.

When should my baby start wearing shoes?

Here’s something that might surprise you: Your baby doesn’t actually need those adorable tiny sneakers yet. According to the AAP, barefoot is best while little ones are learning to walk indoors and on new and different textures []. 

Bare feet help strengthen the small muscles in the feet and ankles, improve balance, and give your baby the sensory feedback they need to figure out this whole walking thing []. Shoes are generally recommended once your baby is confidently walking and venturing outdoors, mainly to protect their little feet from rough surfaces, sharp objects, or extreme temperatures.

What to look for in a first shoe

When the time comes, fit and flexibility matter a lot more than how cute they are. Look for:

• Flexible sole: The shoe should bend easily at the ball of the foot — stiff soles restrict natural movement and can interfere with development.

• Wide toe box: Babies’ toes splay outward with each step, so there should be plenty of wiggle room, with about a thumb’s width of space at the toe.

• Lightweight construction: Heavy shoes quickly tire the little leg muscles.

• Non-skid soles: Especially helpful on smooth or slippery surfaces indoors.

• Fit check: Your baby’s first pair of shoes should be snug at the heel and roomy at the toes. And since baby feet grow roughly a full size every few months, be sure to check how they fit regularly. It may surprise you how fast they’ll outgrow a pair!

Takeaway

• Walking unfolds in stages: Most kids follow a predictable progression from pulling to standing all the way to independent steps, but skipping stages or moving slowly through them is often normal.

• You can actively encourage progress: Going barefoot, using push-along toys, and arranging furniture to create a cruising path are all simple ways to reduce friction as your baby explores their natural walking development.

• Most walking “styles” are nothing to worry about: Every baby finds their own way of getting around, and early walking can look a little different from one child to the next. Most quirks resolve naturally as coordination and muscle strength improve.

• Know when to call your doctor: Asymmetry or any limping or pain when walking are signs worth raising with your child’s medical provider sooner rather than later.

• Big milestones can shake up sleep: Learning to walk is exciting and can affect sleep. This is usually a temporary shift in rhythm. As walking becomes a more familiar skill, sleep patterns typically return to their baseline.