When Do Babies Typically Start Walking?
Most babies walk independently around 12-13 months of age, with 75% of children walking by 14 months and the median age being 13 months. 1, 2
Normal Walking Timeline
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides clear developmental expectations for walking:
- By 12 months: Babies should be standing independently and taking their first independent steps 1
- By 14 months: 75% of children are walking independently 1, 2
- By 18 months: Independent walking should be well-established and is a key milestone assessed at this preventive care visit 3, 1
The mean age for achieving at least 5 independent steps is 13.1 months, with considerable normal variation 2. Research from a large Norwegian cohort (n=47,515) confirms that half of children walk by 13 months (median), 25% by 12 months, and 75% by 14 months 2.
Pre-Walking Motor Development
Walking develops through a predictable sequence of prerequisite motor milestones that should be monitored: 3, 1
- By 9 months: Infants should roll to both sides, sit well without support, demonstrate motor symmetry, pull to stand, and crawl 3, 1
- Motor symmetry is critical: Asymmetric movements or persistent one-sided use warrants immediate evaluation 3, 4
Children who crawl on hands and knees (84.5% of infants) start walking approximately 0.9 months earlier than those using alternative strategies like bottom shuffling 2.
Red Flags Requiring Evaluation
Absence of independent walking by 18 months warrants structured evaluation and potential referral. 3, 1
Additional concerning signs include:
- Loss of previously attained motor skills at any age—this requires immediate evaluation for progressive neuromuscular disorders 3, 4
- Persistent asymmetry in motor movements or one-sided activities, suggesting possible unilateral cerebral palsy 3, 4
- Failure to achieve sitting without support by 9 months 3, 4
- Hypotonia, feeding difficulties, or dysmorphic features warrant earlier subspecialist referral 4
Clinical Approach to Delayed Walking
When walking is delayed beyond 18 months, the AAP recommends: 3, 1
- Review developmental history and assess for neurological signs
- Evaluate for asymmetry or qualitative differences in movement patterns
- Consider neuroimaging in cases with significant concerns
- Refer to early intervention services and physical therapy while diagnostic investigations proceed
A common pitfall: In high-risk populations (such as preterm infants), late walking has a 56% association with abnormalities diagnosed by age 3 years, with cerebral palsy accounting for 33% of these cases 5. Therefore, delayed walking should never be dismissed as simple variation in these populations.
Continuous Surveillance
The AAP emphasizes continuous developmental surveillance throughout childhood, not just at scheduled screening visits. 3 Parent concerns about motor development should always trigger formal evaluation, even when clinical observations seem reassuring 4.