👣 When Do Babies Start Walking? Signs to Watch For (And How to Cheer Them On!)
Few milestones thrill (and terrify!) parents like those first wobbly steps. One day, your baby is cruising the coffee table; the next, they’re toddling toward the dog bowl like a tiny, determined zombie. But when exactly should you expect those magical first steps—and how can you tell if your little one is on track? Let’s unravel the walking timeline, decode the secret signs of readiness, and share tips to nurture confidence without rushing nature. 🕰️ The Walking Timeline: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint Most babies take their first independent steps between 9 and 15 months , but the range is wide. Here’s the breakdown: 9–12 months : Early walkers (about 25% of babies). 12–14 months : The “average” window (50% of kids). 15–18 months : Late bloomers (still totally normal!). Fun fact : Some babies skip crawling entirely and go straight to walking—no cause for panic! 🚦 Pre-Walking Milestones: The Stepping Stones to Success Walking isn’t a single leap—it’s a series of mini...