Walking is an exciting baby milestone, and it’s normal to be impatient—and even competitive about when your baby will begin. According to the NHS, most babies are walking by around 18 months. Some begin as early as eight or nine months. Every baby is different, but if yours is much delayed beyond a year and a half, it’s important to speak to your doctor or health visitor, as it could be indicative of an underlying problem. Walking is something the majority of humans do, but we don’t all develop this skill the same way. Let’s look at some common signs that your baby’s first steps are imminent.

Pulling themselves into a standing position

Whether your baby grabs the side of your (hopefully baby-proofed) coffee table or an older sibling’s hands to pull themselves into a standing position, you should celebrate! Your baby can’t walk without standing, and your will usually have mastered it by between nine and twelve months. Standing with support and beginning to shuffle along in both directions while keeping hold of this ballast is key to giving your baby confidence at this stage of development.

If you’re providing support for your baby by holding their hands, you may worry that you’re stymieing their progress in some way. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re making encouragement and parent-child bonding parts of the experience, and you’ll never regret quality time spent with your toddler. That said, if they want to let go of the ledge or your hands and attempt a few steps by themselves, let them go for it. You can always catch them if they fall.

Standing without any help

Next up: standing without any leverage. The ability to stand independently for at least ten seconds is something your paediatrician may advise is a precursor to walking. It can happen as early as nine months, though it’s still normal for it to happen closer to your baby’s first birthday.

Attempts at walking with push-along toys

Letting your child walk with a push-along toy is great practice. You may find that pressuring them to do this makes them want to sit on the floor. It’s best to let them try things in your own time. Don’t worry if you can’t spend money on new toys, a baby can have just as much fun pushing a laundry basket. Try putting folded towels inside to add weight so that they won’t fall over.

How can I encourage my baby to start walking?

You’ve known your baby since birth, and their personality is a good indicator of how they will accept encouragement. Some babies want to be shadowed, clapped, and validated at every stage. Others want to get things done by themselves and will resist if you try to nudge them along.

When should I speak to a doctor about my baby’s walking?

Delays: If your baby isn’t walking after eighteen months or is showing no signs of readiness between fifteen and sixteen months, speak to your paediatrician. A diagnosis from them might mean your baby’s timeline for the signs above is different, but getting them the support they need will ensure things move faster.

Your baby is walking on tiptoe after the age of two. Walking this way between ten and eighteen months is common but could indicate an underlying problem after their second birthday.

Leg and foot problems: These tend to give your baby an abnormal gait. They can range from poor leg alignment to toes that turn inwards (which can cause pain and restricted movement or muscle strength if left untreated), and should be reported to your doctor or health visitor.

Your baby is heavily favouring one leg or one side. This could be a sign of hemiplegia, a wry neck, or something far less troubling, and is important to get checked out.

Your baby has problems with spatial awareness: Worrying about your baby regularly bumping into things or missing things they reach for may feel silly, but it’s important to make a note of poor spatial awareness, as it can relate to a broad range of developmental problems.

Your baby shows signs of being uncomfortable or in pain while standing or walking.

Once your baby is walking independently (or ideally beforehand), it’s important to ensure your house is properly baby-proofed to ensure your child’s safety.

For more evidence-based information about supporting your baby’s development, watch Unii’s Baby Development Journey with Dr. Su Laurent.

What are some signs that my baby will start walking soon?

You can't wait to see your baby's first steps! How do you know they're imminent.