Hey mama! I see you. You’re likely hunched over your phone, scrolling through Google at 11:00 PM, wondering how to help baby walk because your little one isn’t tearing through the house yet. I’ve been in your shoes—twice.
With my first, she was an early walking infant. I thought I had this parenting thing figured out! But then came my second. I was constantly searching for a walkhack because she took her sweet time, and I found myself staring at a 14 month old not walking. She didn’t truly take her baby first steps until she was nearly 15 months old. I went through all those “is something wrong?” spirals, especially when I’d see moms on Instagram posting about walking at 9 months.
Fast forward to today: my youngest is almost two, and she is a force of nature. When she’s chasing a soccer ball across the grass, I can barely keep up with her! 😂
Whether you are currently dealing with a 13 month old not walking or even a 17 month old not walking, take a deep breath. I’ve put together this guide based on my own experience and the gold-standard advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The Timeline: When Do Babies Start Walking?
The first thing you need to know is that the walking milestone age is huge. We often wonder, when do babies start walking? The truth is anywhere from 9 to 18 months is considered a normal walking age.
The CDC and the AAP have very specific timelines for learning to walk. Here is the breakdown so you can see where your baby sits regarding the walking milestone:
Developmental Milestone Chart
| Developmental Stage | Typical Age (CDC/AAP) | Key Action Description |
| Pulling to Stand | 9 – 12 Months | When do babies start pulling themselves up? Usually around 9 months using furniture. |
| Cruising Phase | 10 – 12 Months | When do babies cruise? Moving sideways while holding onto furniture. |
| Independent Steps | 12 – 15 Months | Taking their infant first steps without holding onto anything. |
| Proficient Walking | 15 – 18 Months | Walking freely indoors without any assistance. |
The Golden Rule: According to the CDC, if you have an 18 month old not walking, or if you notice your baby dragging one leg when learning to walk, consult your pediatrician. However, a 15 month old doesn’t walk is often just fine!
3 Big Signs Baby Will Walk Soon
If you’re wondering, “Is it happening soon?” look for these clues:
- Baby Cruising: When do babies start cruising? Typically when they shuffle sideways along the couch.
- Pulling to Stand: When do babies pull themselves up? When they constantly grab your pants to haul themselves up.
- Increased Confidence: When they reach for toys to help baby walk while standing without immediately sitting down.
Note: If your baby was born prematurely, when do babies start crawling and walking will be based on their adjusted age!
How to Help Your Baby Walk Faster (and Safer!)
If you want to know how to encourage baby to walk, these are the most effective exercises to help baby walk that I used.
1. The Right Way to Hold Them: Trunk, Not Hands
This is the biggest mistake we all make when figuring out how to help baby walk. We want to grab their hands, but the Mayo Clinic warns this increases the risk of joint dislocation.
Instead of pulling hands, learn how to help baby stand on their own by supporting them under the armpits. This helps them find their center of gravity and is one of the best ways how to strengthen baby legs for walking.
2. The “Hand-Full” Trick
Is your baby terrified to let go? Give them toys to promote walking in each hand. When their hands are occupied, they stop focusing on the “need” to grab you, which is a great way how to encourage baby to walk independently.
3. Create a “Furniture Bridge”
Rearrange your room to encourage baby cruising. Shorten the gap between the sofa and table so they can reach the next support point. This is a classic answer for when do babies start standing up and moving.
4. Use “Illegal” Baits
Use a non-toy walkhack! Place your phone or keys about 20cm away. You’ll be amazed at how a 16 month old not walking will hustle for a forbidden iPhone! 📱
5. Check the Floors: Barefoot is Best!
According to the APMA, walking barefoot is best for babies indoors. It is better than even the best walking toys for 1 year olds for developing foot strength.
6. The “Deep Squat” Game
Stick magnets high up on the fridge. This “up and down” motion is among the best exercises to help baby walk and build those leg muscles.
7. Social Mimicry
When do babies start standing up? Often when they see other kids doing it! Take them to a park to see walking peers.
8. The “Parent Hug” Relay
This is my favorite way how to help baby walk. Sit 40cm apart and have the baby walk from one parent’s arms to the other.
A Huge No-No: The Traditional Baby Walker
The AAP is very firm: walkers can delay normal motor development. Beyond the dangers of baby walking too early in a walker (like falling down stairs), they don’t help. Use a stationary activity center or toys to help baby walk that they push from behind instead.
“Why Won’t My Baby Walk?”
If you are not walking at 14 months old or have a 20 month old not walking, it could be:
- “Shadow Dependency”: They only want to hold your hand.
- Crawl Mastery: When should an infant crawl? Usually by 9 months. If my baby skipped the crawling stage and is already walking, that’s fine, but fast crawlers often don’t want to slow down to walk!
- Temperament: Some are “observers” rather than “risk-takers.”
FAQ: Your Quick Questions Answered
Q: My baby skipped the crawling stage and is already walking—is that okay?
A: Yes! While we ask when do babies start crawling and walking, skipping a stage is usually fine if movement is symmetrical.
Q: I have a 15 months not walking—is he behind?
A: Not necessarily. If he is baby cruising, he is likely right on track.
Q: Can 2 year olds walk?
A: By age 2, a child should not only be walking but running and kicking balls!
A Note from a Mom of Two
Mama, remember: walking is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t let the walking milestone stress you out. Whether you have a 14 month old not walking or a baby who started at 10 months, they all get there. Give your baby a little time, and give yourself a little grace.
They’ll be running away from you soon enough! 😂
You’ve got this!
about me：From a high-achieving entrepreneur to a full-time mom of two, I’ve traded business meetings for diaper changes and daily chaos. After navigating the steep learning curve of motherhood—from postpartum recovery to the “two under two” struggle—I founded this blog to keep the light on for other moms. I apply my professional problem-solving skills to offer real, unfiltered survival guides and “mom hacks.” This is a space for honest solidarity, proving your value isn’t lost at home. Let’s navigate the pitfalls and joys of motherhood together—one practical tip at a time.
Sources & Medical References
- CDC Milestone Tracker: CDC – Milestones by Age (Walking)
- AAP Safety Guidance: HealthyChildren.org – Baby Walkers: A Dangerous Choice
- Foot Health Standards: APMA – Children’s Foot Health
- Injury Prevention: Mayo Clinic – Nursemaid’s Elbow Prevention
Reviewed and Approved by Dr. Jieqiong Liu, PhD, whose primary research focuses on Pediatric Medicine.
