At what age do infants typically start walking?

From the Guidelines

Most babies begin walking independently around 12 months of age, with a normal range of 9 to 18 months, as indicated by the gross motor milestones outlined in the study by 1.

Developmental Milestones

The study outlines the following gross motor milestones:

• At 9 months, babies typically roll over supine to prone, sit without support, pull to stand, and come to sit from lying, as well as crawl.
• By 1 year, babies usually walk independently and stand.
• It's essential to note that these milestones can vary significantly among children, and some may take their first steps as early as 8 months, while others may not walk until 20 months, all within the normal range.

Factors Influencing Development

Walking requires sufficient muscle strength, balance, coordination, and confidence, which develop at different rates for each child.

• Before independent walking, babies typically progress through predictable stages, including rolling over, sitting up, crawling, pulling up to stand, and cruising along furniture.
• Parents can support this development by providing safe opportunities for movement and practice, but should avoid pushing children to walk before they're physically ready.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If a child isn't walking by 18 months, or shows asymmetry in movement, it may be worth discussing with a pediatrician, though most late walkers catch up without long-term issues, as suggested by the guidelines for developmental surveillance and screening 1. Some key elements of motor history to consider include:

• Delayed acquisition of skill
• Involuntary movements or coordination impairments
• Regression of skill
• Strength, coordination, and endurance issues A physical examination may also be necessary to consider congenital myopathies or lower motor neuron disorders, as described in the study by 1.

From the Research

Age of Walking Onset

• The age at which a baby walks independently can vary, but studies suggest that around 50% of Norwegian children start walking at 13 months 2.
• A study found that 25% of children walked at 12 months, and 75% walked at 14 months, with a mean age of walking onset at 13.1 months 2.
• Another study reported a mean walk onset age of 11.76 months, with a standard deviation of 1.56 months 3.

Factors Influencing Walking Onset

• Crawling on hands and knees is associated with an earlier onset of walking, with children who used this prewalking strategy starting to walk unaided 0.9 months earlier than those who used other strategies 2.
• The age at which a child begins to walk may also influence their communication development, with infants who start walking at older ages showing more pronounced changes in communication 3.

Developmental Delays and Therapy Needs

• Children with developmental delays, including those with gross motor developmental delay, may require physical therapy to support their development 4, 5, 6.
• The intensity and frequency of physical therapy may need to be tailored to the individual child's needs, with some children benefiting from increased frequency of services 5.