Walking is one of the major developmental milestones in a child’s life. Most children take their first steps sometime between 9 and 15 months. But every child develops at their own pace, so there is a wide range of what is considered a typical age for walking. Generally, doctors become concerned if a child is not walking by 18 months. This article will discuss what is considered a normal, delayed, or late age for walking, and when you should consult your pediatrician if your child is not yet walking.
What is the normal age range for babies to start walking?
Most babies take their first steps somewhere between 9 and 15 months of age. Here is an overview of the typical age range for walking:
9-12 months
Many babies take their first steps in this period. If your baby is cruising or walking while holding onto furniture, they will likely transition to taking steps independently sometime between 9 and 12 months.
12-15 months
This is the peak period when most babies begin walking. If your baby has not started walking yet, they likely will sometime in this 3 month window.
15-18 months
It is still considered normal for babies to start walking anytime up until 18 months. If your baby is not yet walking at 15 months, there is no need for concern. Some babies prefer to take their time before feeling confident enough to walk independently.
So in summary, it is perfectly normal for babies to start walking anytime between 9 and 18 months. If your baby falls within this large range, their development is on track.
When is a baby considered a late walker?
While the normal window for walking is very broad, after 18 months, doctors do start to be concerned if a baby is still not walking. Here are the general benchmarks:
18 months
This is often considered the cutoff for when walking is delayed. If your baby is still not walking by 18 months, discuss it with your pediatrician.
24 months
If your baby is still not walking by 24 months (2 years old), it is considered significantly late. At this point your pediatrician will want to do an evaluation to determine if there is an underlying problem causing the delay.
So while nearly all babies learn to walk eventually, walking after 18 months is outside the normal developmental range. If your baby is not walking by 18 months, it becomes a lateness concern rather than just a variation of normal.
Possible reasons for late walking
If your baby is not walking by 18 months, there are several possible explanations to consider:
Low muscle tone
Some babies have poor muscle tone in their legs, core, and back, making it harder to achieve the balance and coordination needed for walking. Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles.
Depth perception problems
Some babies have trouble with depth perception, making them hesitant to walk independently. This can often be improved with practice.
Inner ear problems
Ear infections or inner ear problems affecting balance can delay walking. See an audiologist or ENT doctor if this is suspected.
Autism spectrum disorder
Delayed walking can sometimes be an early sign of autism. Children with autism often have delays in language and social skills as well.
Developmental delays
Global developmental delay, Down syndrome, and other delays involving the brain and nervous system can affect milestones like walking.
Orthopedic problems
Issues like hip dysplasia, club foot, or leg length discrepancies can make walking mechanically challenging or painful. See an orthopedist if joint or bone problems are suspected.
So in summary, several issues should be ruled out if your baby is not walking after 18 months. Your pediatrician can determine if any of these problems are contributing to the delay.
When to see your pediatrician about late walking
Use these guidelines for when to consult your pediatrician if your baby is not yet walking:
- By 12 months: Schedule an appointment if your baby is not cruising or pulling to stand.
- 15 months: Consult your pediatrician if your baby shows no signs of trying to walk.
- 18 months: See your pediatrician right away if your baby is still not walking independently.
- 24 months: Urgently evaluate if your baby is still not walking by age 2.
Bringing up your concerns with your pediatrician by 18 months is important to identify and treat any underlying issues. Early intervention greatly improves outcomes if physical therapy or other special services are needed.
Tips to encourage walking
If your baby is slightly delayed in walking, there are things you can do at home to encourage them:
- Limit use of baby walkers, bouncers, or swings – These can delay walking if overused.
- Provide push toys they can hold onto.
- Engage in stand & cruise activities like pushing a shopping cart.
- Motivate with toys and activities just out of reach.
- Practice walking holding your hands for support.
- Childproof your home so they can practice walking safely.
- Celebrate all progress to build their confidence.
With loving encouragement, most late walkers will get there with time. But if you have any concerns, see your pediatrician right away.
When is walking considered early?
While the focus is often on late walkers, some babies actually walk early. Here is an overview of what is considered early walking:
6-9 months
Walking this early is very unusual. Only about 2% of babies walk before 9 months. Tell your pediatrician if your baby is walking this early.
8-10 months
While still uncommon, some babies do walk in this period. If walking independently and confidently, it is likely just advanced motor skills.
10-12 months
Walking between 10 and 12 months is still considered the early end of normal. If your baby walks early, they may simply have strong leg muscles and good coordination.
So in summary, truly early walking is before 9 months. But any time from 10 months onward falls within the normal developmental range, just on the early end.
Significance of early walkers
While clearly eager to get moving, early walkers are often perfectly healthy. Some key points if your baby starts walking before 12 months:
- Early walking typically correlates with advanced motor skills overall.
- Early walkers often have good muscle tone and coordination.
- Cognitive, language, and social skills are usually age-appropriate.
- Premature babies often hit milestones like walking early when adjusted for prematurity.
- Some early walkers later show a slight dip in skills as peers catch up.
So in most cases, early walking is simply a sign of robust motor development. However, if cognitive, social, or language skills lag behind, be sure to discuss it with your pediatrician.
Early intervention benefits
If your child is delayed walking after 18 months, early intervention services can make a big difference in getting them on track.
Physical therapy
Targeted exercises can strengthen leg and core muscles needed for walking. Stretching can also improve range of motion.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapists work on skills like coordination and depth perception that facilitate independent walking.
Speech therapy
Although not directly related to walking, speech delays often accompany late walking. Speech therapy is key for language development.
Behavioral therapy
For children with autism or developmental delays, behavioral therapies teach critical skills for interaction, communication, and independence.
The earlier these interventions start, the more progress a child can make. Early intervention gives children the best opportunity to get their development back on track.
When to be concerned about not walking
Use this table as a guide to when to seek evaluation if your child is not meeting walking milestones:
| Age | Milestone | When to be concerned |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | Rolls both ways | If not rolling either way |
| 9 months | Sits independently | If unable to sit up solo |
| 12 months | Pulls to stand | If not pulling up to stand |
| 15 months | Cruising, walking with support | If no attempts to walk |
| 18 months | Walking independently | If still not walking |
| 24 months | Walking confidently | If still not walking by age 2 |
As this table illustrates, doctors look for progressive motor development starting with rolling, sitting, pulling up, cruising, and then independent steps. Delays at each stage warrant closer evaluation.
Conclusion
While most babies walk between 12 and 15 months, the normal window spans from 9 to 18 months. Walking before 9 months is considered early, while walking after 18 months is late. If your baby is not walking by 18 months, consult your pediatrician, as early intervention can help get their development back on track. With time and encouragement, an initially late walker will eventually find their feet. Patience, practice, and a loving family to cheer them on will help your baby gain both mobility and confidence.