Signs Your Baby is Ready to Walk: What to Expect

Watching your baby prepare for their first steps is a magical (and slightly nerve-wracking) experience. One moment they’re just rolling over; the next, they’re pulling themselves up with all the determination of a mountain climber. As parents, it’s exciting, heartwarming, and yes, a little terrifying too—you’re officially entering the “no break for you” phase!

Here’s a guide, with some tips sprinkled in, to help you understand your baby’s walking journey and keep you sane while you run after them.

At around 8–9 months, you’ll spot your baby grabbing onto furniture, walls, or even your legs to pull themselves up. Don’t be surprised if they use the sturdy dining table or the corner of the divan as their makeshift gym equipment.

What to Do:

• Keep heavy, sturdy furniture nearby (those trusty steel almirahs or wooden sofas work well).
• Remove lightweight or wobbly items—your baby doesn’t know the difference between a solid table and a decorative stool from the local market!

Once your baby figures out how to stand, they’ll start practicing like it’s an Olympic event. Arms out, legs wobbling, and a face full of concentration—it’s adorable and a little hilarious.

Make It Fun:

• Sit at their eye level and encourage them to come to you.
• Use toys or even something shiny like bangles to grab their attention. (Trust me, babies love the shiny stuff as much as we do!)

Encouraging Your Baby’s First Steps: Practical Tips

Use these tips to encourage your baby to take their first steps: 

Cruising is when your baby starts using furniture, walls, or even your unsuspecting pet as support while they take tentative steps. This phase typically happens between 9 and 14 months.

Parent Checklist:

Keep the floors clutter-free (no scattered toys, shoes, or rogue utensils).

Cheer them on—it’s like having your own little cricket fan taking their first run!

Some babies walk right after cruising, while others take their sweet time. Either way, don’t rush them. Walking is as much about confidence as it is about muscle strength. Celebrate every small milestone—whether it’s a first wobble or a full step.

And yes, once they start walking, brace yourself for the chase. Those tiny legs can be surprisingly fast, especially when they’re heading straight for the one thing you just baby-proofed!

Here’s how you can help build the foundation for walking:

1) Encourage Reaching

Place your baby’s favourite toy slightly out of reach to motivate them to stand. Support their hips while they reach to develop the core strength needed for independent walking.

2) Create Distance with Confidence

Instead of holding their hand, use a toy as a “connection link” between you and your baby. For example, use a stuffed animal as a balancing prop. This builds confidence and enhances mobility while helping them stay steady.

3) Sensory Play for Coordination

Involve your baby in activities that strengthen their grasp and hand-eye coordination. Playing with building blocks, kneading soft dough, or even rolling chapati atta can improve their motor skills.

4) Challenge Their Balance

Once your baby stands, encourage them to turn away from their support. Hold up a book or toy to grab their attention, prompting them to balance independently.

As your baby’s body gears up for walking, you might notice some unusual behaviour:

• Clinginess: They might prefer one parent (usually the one who gives them biscuits on demand).
• Frequent Snacking: Walking prep requires energy!
• Mood Swings: With their brain and body working overtime, tantrums may increase.
• Sleep Pattern Changes: They might resist bedtime or wake up more often.

Every milestone is worth a little celebration, but transitioning from crawling on all fours to walking upright? That’s practically a human revolution! Of course, when your little one starts walking, they won’t exactly be runway-ready. Here’s how you can support your tot during this wobbly (and utterly adorable) phase:

Every child develops at their own pace. The average age for independent walking in babies is 12 to 18 months, but many don't. If your baby does not show developmental milestones like crawling or walking, speak to your paediatrician. Here are some of the most common reasons for late walking in babies: 

• Hip dysplasia
• Weak bones (rickets)
• Muscle conditions like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy

Your baby’s walking journey is a mix of joyful milestones and a few tumbles. Be patient, celebrate their efforts, and remember that every child progresses at their own pace. If there’s any concern, your paediatrician is always there to guide you.

And when they finally take those first unassisted steps, prepare for your cardio routine—because those tiny feet will keep you on yours!