When does the baby start walking?

The first steps of a baby mark the beginning of a new stage in their development, as important for them as it is for you. It is a stage where they will start exploring and interacting with the world around them from a different perspective, discovering the freedom to move autonomously and reach places they couldn't before.

Walking is quite an achievement for these little ones who are learning to balance themselves, and your role as a parent is to accompany them in this process by encouraging them to do it safely.

The first steps

Before taking their first steps, the baby has been achieving different milestones in the first months of life that prepare them for this moment. Holding their head up, sitting and keeping their back straight, crawling (although some babies skip this stage), standing up, and finally, those awaited first steps.

Usually, the first steps occur when the baby can maintain balance while standing supported by stable objects or furniture at home. For example, it is very common for the first steps to happen when the baby is leaning against the sofa and, without letting go, starts walking along the sofa to reach an object. Gradually, they will let go and walk from the sofa to a nearby table, then to another piece of furniture, or even towards your outstretched arms at a safe distance for them.

How to encourage the baby to take their first steps

Encouraging the baby with exercises or games to take their first steps is great, as long as it's done when the child is ready. It's not recommended to do it earlier because if the baby doesn't feel secure, they may develop fear and delay the start of walking.

Some of these exercises include:

• Gradually move supporting objects further away.
• If there are two adults, you can stand facing each other, with one holding the baby and the other waiting at a safe distance with open arms or calling the baby to come on their own.
• Help them with a walker. These help the baby stand up, and by pushing it, the baby starts taking steps.

Points to consider

It is very important to consider the baby's footwear for crawling and first steps. Initially, and whenever possible, it's best for them to be barefoot. When they need shoes, choose ones that protect their feet and provide balance and stability.

We must also take extra precautions at home. You may have already childproofed outlets and corners if your baby crawls, but in addition to this, now the baby can reach places and corners they couldn't before. It is advisable to remove dangerous objects from furniture within their reach.

As with every child's development, it is best not to force them, as each child has their own pace of development. It's okay if your baby achieves a milestone like walking later than others.