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Patient Questions  /  When babies start walking

Kids & Babies

When Should a Baby Start Walking?

Many babies take their first steps on their own around their first birthday, though some walk earlier and some later. The CDC lists taking a few steps alone as a milestone most children reach by 15 months, and walking without holding on by 18 months. If your child isn't walking on their own by 18 months, talk with your pediatrician.

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How walking usually develops

  • Pulling up to stand. The CDC lists this as a milestone most babies reach by 12 months.
  • Cruising. Walking sideways while holding on to furniture.
  • Standing alone for a moment, then a few wobbly steps.
  • Walking on their own, getting steadier over the next months.

New walkers often walk with their feet wide apart and arms up, and they fall a lot. Mild bowlegs are also common in toddlers. That is all normal.

How you can help at home

  • Give lots of floor time and safe furniture to pull up on and cruise along.
  • Go barefoot indoors. It helps your baby feel the floor and balance. Use soft, flexible shoes outside.
  • Use a sturdy push toy once your baby can stand, with you watching.
  • Skip the baby walker. The AAP advises against them. See Are baby walkers safe?
  • Let your baby lead. Holding both hands overhead for long walks isn't needed. Let them hold your fingers or practice on their own.

When to see a doctor

Talk with your pediatrician if your child:

  • Isn't walking on their own by 18 months
  • Isn't pulling up to stand by about 12 months
  • Walks on their toes almost all the time
  • Limps, or uses one leg or arm noticeably less than the other
  • Seems to be getting less steady, or loses a skill they used to have

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A pediatric physical therapist checks strength, balance and how your child stands and steps, then uses play to build the skills walking needs. You are part of every visit, you get a home program that fits your day, and we coordinate with your pediatrician.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Gross motor delays →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026