How to Teach Your Baby to Walk Safely

When Do Babies Start Walking?

Most babies start walking independently between 9 and 18 months, but there’s a broad range. Early walkers may surprise you before their first birthday, while others need a little more time. There’s no “right” time—each baby will reach this stage at their own pace. But if you’re eager to help them along, here’s how!

Step 1: Babyproof Your Space

The first thing to do is ensure your space is safe for your little explorer. As they become more mobile, you’ll want to secure any sharp edges, cover electrical outlets, and block access to stairways. Creating a safe environment allows them to roam and develop confidence in their steps without risks.

Step 2: Start with a Strong Core

Building core strength is essential for balance and stability. Start by incorporating tummy time, allowing them to play on all fours, or encouraging movements that strengthen their torso. These exercises provide the foundation for the balance and control they’ll need as they transition to standing and, eventually, walking.

Step 3: Go Barefoot

Whenever possible, let your baby walk and play barefoot indoors. Without shoes, they can grip the floor better, feel different surfaces, and develop foot muscles naturally. Barefoot play helps them build a strong foundation for stability, especially on smooth floors, where shoes or socks could cause slips.

Step 4: Give Support

While your baby is learning to stand and take steps, gently support them by holding their hands or allowing them to cruise along stable furniture. Encourage independence by gradually lessening the amount of support you provide, allowing them to balance and move more naturally.

Step 5: Set the Stage

Encourage your baby to stand and move by placing toys just out of reach. This can motivate them to practice weight-shifting and take those small steps forward. It’s also helpful for muscle strength and confidence as they move toward objects that spark their curiosity.

Step 6: Reach High and Low

Varying the height of objects your baby reaches for can improve balance and flexibility. Placing toys on a low table or the edge of the couch encourages them to pull up, reach, and eventually “cruise” along the furniture. This variety strengthens their muscles and improves their balance.

Step 7: Cruise Along

Cruising—moving sideways while holding onto furniture—is a big step in your baby’s journey. Create a safe path where they can cruise along, transitioning from one piece of furniture to another. This exercise builds their leg strength, coordination, and balance as they work toward independent walking.

Step 8: Push It

Push walkers or trolleys give your baby support while encouraging forward movement. These are different from traditional walkers as they require your child to stand and push, which better develops core and leg muscles. Be sure to use one with a slow setting so they can stay balanced and feel secure.

Step 9: Get a Grip

Introduce different textures on the floor where they play, like textured mats or soft carpets. These surfaces challenge their balance and foot grip, making them aware of weight shifts. Feeling various textures builds strength in their feet and makes walking on new surfaces easier.

Step 10: Climb the Stairs

Supervised stair climbing strengthens leg muscles and improves coordination. Climbing up and down steps teaches them about elevation changes and prepares them for different walking terrains. Always use baby gates and ensure close supervision.

What to Avoid When Teaching Your Baby to Walk

1. Rushing the Process: Allow your child to develop at their own pace. Each stage of mobility has its own benefits for muscle and balance development.
2. Overuse of Walkers: Traditional walkers can restrict natural movement and may even create improper walking patterns. Instead, use push toys or support your baby’s weight yourself.
3. Shoes Indoors: Avoid using shoes indoors, as they can impact foot flexibility and stability. Barefoot or grip socks are best while they’re learning.

When You Should Be Worried

If your baby isn’t walking by 18 months or doesn’t show signs of standing or pulling up, it may be a good idea to consult with a paediatrician. Delays are often just part of normal variation, but a doctor can rule out any underlying issues.

The Takeaway

Helping your baby learn to walk is about creating a safe, encouraging environment and allowing them to build strength at their own pace. With patience, creativity, and support, your child will soon reach this wonderful milestone—so get ready to celebrate every step!

7 Activities to Teach Your Baby or Toddler to Walk

Here are some hands-on activities to get your little one moving while having fun!

1. Treasure Hunt

Set up a room with toys at different distances and heights, encouraging your baby to move around. This game promotes balance, leg strength, and curiosity as they reach from point to point.

2. Push Walkers

Push walkers are wonderful tools for babies learning to walk. These provide stability, but let them practice forward motion with their own balance. Choose a sturdy walker with adjustable speeds.

3. Pushing Furniture

Furniture like small chairs or ottomans can double as push toys. Let your baby hold the edge and push it around. This activity boosts leg strength, balance, and independence.

4. Place Toys and Objects at Eye Level

Place toys at eye level to encourage standing. Set favourite toys along the couch so they’ll cruise along to reach them, which helps them practice weight-shifting and build coordination.

5. Give Them Two Objects at a Time

Hand them lightweight toys to hold while they stand. Balancing with toys teaches them to stabilise without relying on your hands for support.

6. Use a Blanket or Scarf for Support

Using a blanket around their chest or arms offers gentle support as they take steps. It provides just enough security to encourage movement and practice balance.

7. Feet on Feet

The classic “feet on feet” technique is a good way to practice. Place your baby’s feet on top of yours and gently step forward, letting them feel the motion while safely supported.

18 Tips to Get Your Baby or Toddler Walking

Walking doesn’t happen overnight! These tips offer extra ideas for gently guiding your baby’s walking journey.

1. Make Sure They’ve Met Milestones: Ensure they’re ready by checking they’ve gone through all earlier stages.
2. Barefoot Time: Let them feel the ground.
3. Sturdy Shoes for Outdoors: Keep them barefoot indoors ensuring they have stable shoes outside.
4. Baby Steps: Encourage gradual progression.
5. Positive Reinforcement: Cheer on every little step.
6. Reduce Fear: Keep the environment calm and supportive.
7. Gradually Reduce Support: Give them chances to practice without assistance.
8. Model Walking: Babies learn from watching.
9. Practice Standing & Squatting: These moves strengthen legs.
10. Be Consistent: Repetition is key.
11. Always Set Them on Their Feet: Encourage upright posture.
12. Let Them Cruise on Furniture: Cruising is an important stage.
13. Firm, Even Surfaces: Ideal for first steps.
14. Two Adults for Balance: Extra support at first.
15. Sit on a Stool: Keep their focus on you.
16. Kick the Ball: This develops balance.
17. Floor Time: Give them room to move.
18. Make a Beat & Dance: Rhythmic motion can encourage steps.

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I help my baby learn to walk?

You can help your baby learn to walk by encouraging them to crawl, pull themselves up to stand, and cruise along furniture. Make sure your space is babyproofed, and give them support when needed. Let them practice standing and taking steps with your assistance, and allow them time to explore barefoot on different surfaces.

2. What is the normal age for a baby to start walking?

Most babies start walking between 9 and 18 months, though some may walk earlier or later. Every baby develops at their own pace.

3. Do babies naturally learn to walk?

Yes, babies naturally learn to walk. It’s a milestone they reach with time, practice, and physical development, though some babies may need a bit more encouragement and support than others.

4. Why is my 14-month-old not walking?

If your 14-month-old is not walking yet, it could be due to individual differences in development. Some babies take longer to walk, and factors like muscle strength, balance, and coordination may still be developing. However, if you’re concerned, it’s always a good idea to consult your paediatrician for guidance.

5. What are the red flags for 14-month-old development?

Red flags for 14-month-old development include not showing interest in standing, cruising, or trying to move. If your baby isn’t responding to social cues or isn’t babbling, it could be worth discussing with a paediatrician.

6. Does late walking mean anything?

Late walking doesn’t usually indicate a serious problem. It’s often a matter of timing, as every baby develops differently. However, if your child isn’t reaching other milestones or seems unusually delayed in motor skills, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider.

7. Is 15 months too late to walk?

No, 15 months is not too late to walk. Many babies start walking at 15 months, or even later. As long as your child is showing progress in other milestones like standing and cruising, there’s generally no need to worry.

8. Are late walkers naturally smarter?

There’s no scientific evidence that late walkers are smarter than early walkers. Every baby develops at their own pace, and walking is just one of many milestones in their overall growth and development.