Babies develop incredibly quickly, especially in the first few months of life. From rolling over for the first time to crawling and creeping to taking their first steps – children quickly learn to explore the world (almost) entirely independently. But of course, not every child is the same, and not every developmental step is reached by every baby at the same time. New parents, in particular, often ask themselves: When do babies start walking? And when should their little darling be standing on two feet at the latest? We've answered these very questions for you here.
When do babies usually start walking?
Many parents worry about whether their child is developing as they should and reaching all developmental stages on time—especially if it's their first child, or if the second child is developing more slowly than the first. But of course, not every baby is the same, and not all children develop at the same rate. Here you can find out what the differences are and what the normal age for the first steps is.
The first running movements
First steps are not only an important milestone for babies; parents often eagerly await their offspring's arrival. The first walking reflexes appear in the first few weeks in the form of the so-called stepping reflex. However, this doesn't mean your baby can already begin practicing walking—in fact, this reflex disappears after just a few weeks, which by no means indicates a regression in your child's development.
The first turn
Before your baby can begin walking, they must first develop basic motor skills. One of the first steps is rolling over independently. This usually becomes apparent gradually, as your little one becomes more comfortable lifting their head and may even be able to push themselves up with their arms. You'll also notice your baby trying to roll over more often.
Eventually, it usually happens quite suddenly, so that you find your little one turned over without even noticing – completely without any outside help. For most babies, this happens around four months of age. However, for some children, it can take a little longer, so the first turn doesn't occur until they're 6 to 7 months old.
Seals and crawls
Once your baby has developed the strength needed to turn over, it usually won't be long before your little adventurer begins to move around on their own. This usually doesn't happen on two legs, but rather on all fours, crawling forward. Over time, this crawling will transform into crawling when your baby has the strength needed to push themselves upwards with their arms and legs.
Although this can vary greatly depending on the child, most babies begin crawling around the 8th to 10th month. From this point on, your little one not only begins to actively explore their surroundings but also trains their muscles in ideal preparation for further development—and, of course, their first steps.
The first steps
It's a special and emotional moment when your little darling stands on two legs for the very first time and takes their first steps. Your baby will usually let you know whether they're ready. You'll increasingly notice your little adventurer trying to pull themselves up on tables, chairs, and other furniture—often successfully, albeit with a bit of a wobbly little leg at first.
Before your baby can actually walk, they usually need a little help first. Take your baby by the hand and see if they're ready to move forward. Of course, you shouldn't overwhelm your little one or encourage them to walk if they're not ready yet. However, if your baby shows a clear interest in walking, feel free to give them a little help and support them as best you can.
Once your little adventurer gets the hang of it, things will suddenly move very quickly: The first steps, held in hand, will become increasingly easier, and eventually, walking will be possible without any help at all. Although furniture and other tangible items often still serve as occasional support, your baby will increasingly take more independent steps and thus take the decisive step towards becoming a toddler.
At what age should babies be able to walk?
As a parent, you often worry about your baby's development. Is it going too fast? Or too slow? And what should my baby be able to do and when? Parents ask these questions particularly frequently, especially in the first few months of life. But even when it comes to first steps, comparisons are quickly drawn. If your child walks earlier or later than other babies, this quickly leads to uncertainty and concern.
In most cases, however, these concerns are unfounded. Even if your baby doesn't start walking at the same time as other children, it doesn't mean something is wrong. Every child is different and develops at their own pace, which doesn't always coincide with other children of the same age.
Some children begin walking much earlier than others. For example, there are babies who take their first tentative steps, holding a hand, at around 6 months and begin walking independently at around 8 months. Other children take much longer and don't begin walking with support until they're over a year old. In these cases, the first independent steps may take several more months.
On average, most children begin walking independently and without assistance around the age of one. But even if your child doesn't fit this pattern, it doesn't mean you should immediately worry. The most important thing is to adapt to your baby's individual development and support your little one in walking when they are ready. If your baby shows no signs of wanting to start walking after the first year, it is still a good idea to discuss the reasons with your pediatrician. In general, however, the rule of thumb is: stay calm and give your little darling the time they need.
