Developmental Milestone – When Do Babies Walk?

• For the next stage, he will start taking one or more steps. He may try to move towards you or another family member, or even a favorite toy. Your baby may take a step and stumble down, marking the first walk. It is absolutely normal for your baby to fall down, but do not rush to pick him up. Let him try and get up, by holding on to other furniture or by himself.

• Finally, all the practice will lead up to those first magical steps. It is a big and one of the main achievements for him, so make sure you show as much appreciation and encouragement. Cheer him on, clap and smile and make a big show out of it! Most babies may reach this stage by the time they are a year old, while it is absolutely normal for your baby to start walking when he is 15 or 17 months of age.

• Once your baby takes his first magical step, he will start on his journey to walking. As with earlier, he may fall and stumble along the way, but make sure you let him practice. Do not rush to him to help him, unless you feel he is hurt or shocked at the fall. Do not cry out when he falls. Instead, show him encouragement and applaud him when he gets up after a fall.[1]

[ Read: When Do Babies Start Talking ]

How Can You Encourage Or Help Baby Walk?

When your baby shows an interest in walking, hold her hand gently and help him to stand up. You can also help him to take a few steps by holding onto his hand. Make sure you let him take only a few steps at a time and do not tire him out. Holding his hand and helping him walk will help improve his balance.

• Most doctors and pediatricians recommend against using a walker for your baby. Being inside a walker will discourage your baby from trying to walk by himself and making the effort.

• Once he reaches the sitting up milestone, make sure you make your home is baby proof. Consider his height and look at things from his perspective. Remove anything that you feel he can pull at and that can harm or hurt your baby. Once he starts trying to walk, he will hold on to furniture and things for support. Ensure the things he has access to hold are sturdy and will not topple over.

• Give your baby some fun and sturdy push toys to encourage walking. Before your baby learns to walk, he will enjoy trying to walk with the toys. Once he learns to walk, he will enjoy walking around the house with these toys.

• Do not leave your baby in a stroller or a playpen for too long. It may feel comfortable and convenient for you, but it can prove to be detrimental in your kid’s walking. Let him out of any restraining under responsible adult supervision. Allow lots of crawl and movement time to your baby to help reach towards walking.

[ Read: How To Teach A Baby To Crawl ]

• Once he learns to walk, ensure you give him enough opportunities to walk more. Let him roam around the room and keep him out of his stroller. Each time you have him in your arms and are putting him back down on the floor, let him get down in a standing position instead of a sitting down position. [2]

As you see your baby getting ready to walk, ensure the house is safe for him to move around. Do not leave him unattended, and always be present to ensure he is safe. Enjoy your little one’s first steps. Keep your phone handy to capture his magical first step.

How did you encourage your baby to walk? Tell us here. Fellow moms would love to hear from you.

Was this article helpful?

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.