When a Child Can Walk Again
These are the steps your child may take on the path to becoming a confident walker. Learning to walk on her own involves much more than simply putting one little foot in front of the other.
These typical ages are just a guideline. Some children walk at eight months, while others may not walk until they're 18 months. See ways to encourage your baby to walk in our milestones article. If you're worried about your child's walking progress, speak to your health visitor.
Baby
Birth to two months
Your newborn has a walking reflex. If you hold her upright on your lap, supporting her head, you'll feel her trying to use her legs as if she's walking. This primitive reflex is her basic instincts kicking in and it disappears at around six weeks of age (Sheridan 2014).
Three to four months
Your baby can do mini-push ups, where she lies on her tummy and lifts her head and chest off the ground, using her arms for support (Sheridan 2014). This builds her upper-body muscles, which are crucial for walking. If you put her feet on a firm surface she can push down through her legs (CDC 2018).
Six to nine months
Your baby has started to bounce up and down when she's held in a standing position (Sheridan 2014). This movement helps to build her leg strength in the coming weeks and months.
At around seven months your baby will be sitting on her own without your help (Sheridan 2014). This develops her neck strength, head control, balance and coordination, which are important skills for walking.
By nine months most babies can crawl, and some can pull themselves up to standing and stay there (CDC 2018). Some skip crawling and move straight to walking.
Quick tip: Now's a good time to childproof your home, before your baby becomes mobile.
Nine to 12 months
Your baby is really starting to move! This is when some babies take their first steps (NHS 2016). She can pull herself up to a standing position with the aid of a sturdy object, such as a sofa or table leg and then cruise round the room (Sheridan 2014). She'll be able to taking sliding steps while holding on to something for support (Sheridan 2014). If you hold out your hand she'll be able to take it and walk alongside you.
Toddler
12 to 14 months
The first exciting solo steps may be taken, though it's normal for toddlers to walk any time between nine months and 17 and a half months (Sheridan 2014). Your toddler will take uneven steps with her feet wide apart and hold her arms outstretched. This helps her to keep her balance and stay on her feet.
14 to 15 months
Most toddlers can walk at this age. Your child may be able to start off on her own but she'll still fall often and bump into things (Sheridan 2014).
Ask for advice if... Your toddler isn't walking by 14 months or 15 months. Mention it to your health visitor or doctor if you're worried. But be reassured that it's still well within the normal range of development (CDC 2018).
If your baby is a bottom shuffler, she's likely to walk a bit later than if she crawled (Sheridan 2014).
16 months
With your help, your toddler can now get up and down stairs, although she may prefer to come down on her bottom (Sheridan 2014)!
18 months
Your toddler will probably be walking well by now, without needing to hold her arms out to balance. She may like dancing to music too, even if it is a little out of step with the beat!
Ask for help if... Your child isn't walking by now (Harding 2014). All children should be walking by 18 months, so if your child isn't, speak to your GP or health visitor.
19 to 24 months
Your toddler may increase her speed to a run and she can start and stop easily as well as being able to move around an obstacle (Sheridan 2014). She can also hold something in her hands while she walks.
Soon after her second birthday, she may learn to jump from a low step on to the floor. She may also start to kick a large ball (NHS 2016).
25 to 30 months
Your child can confidently walk up, but perhaps not down, stairs while holding on to a rail or wall but she'll need to put both feet on the step (Sheridan 2014). Comfortable with running, she's ready to play a game of tag or ring a-ring o'roses with you.
She probably loves playing on easy climbing equipment at the playground or at nursery, but make sure you stay close by (Sheridan 2014).
31 to 36 months
Your child can jump up and down with her feet together (Sheridan 2014), and move left and right.
By the time she's three, she should be able to walk up and down the stairs (Sheridan 2014) with one foot on each step, even if she's carrying her favourite teddy in one arm. She can run easily and climb well too (CDC 2018).
Preschooler
Four years
Your child is learning to balance and hop on one foot, and prefers using one foot over the other. She can ride a tricycle with ease and can run on her tiptoes (Sheridan 2014).
Did you know? The speed at which a baby learns a new skill is often inherited from her parents (Harding 2014). If you or your partner walked early or late, then there is a chance your baby will be the same (Harding 2014).
Discover other milestones to look out for in your baby's first year with our baby development video.
References
CDC 2018. Important milestones. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov. [Accessed June 2018]
NHS 2016. Birth to five development timeline. NHS Choices tool. www.nhs.uk [Accessed June 2018]
Harding M. 2014. Delay in Walking. Patient UK. www.patient.co.uk [Accessed June 2018]
Sheridan M. 2014. From Birth to Five years: Children's Developmental Progress. London: Routledge
Source: https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a1050148/your-childs-walking-timeline
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