Three Common Mistakes To Avoid When Your Baby Is Learning To Walk

Once your baby starts crawling, the next big question on every parent’s mind is: when will they start walking? Usually, between 9 to 12 months, babies begin to stand up. Some might hold onto furniture for support, while others might even manage to stand on their own. After they’re steady on their feet, taking that first step is just a matter of time.

Stages of Learning to Walk

Holding on and Walking (9 months)
Once your baby can stand, they’ll start moving around while holding onto furniture. Things like tables and cabinets become the perfect tools for them to practice their walking skills.

First Steps (10–12 months)
One day, your baby might be holding onto the edge of the sofa, and when you open your arms to them, they’ll hesitate for a moment before deciding to step toward you. With a little courage, they’ll take their first wobbly step—this is their first experience of walking on their own. That first step helps them understand balance and gives them a huge sense of achievement.

Walking on Their Own (After 12 months)
After turning one, your baby might still be a bit unsteady, but many will no longer need to hold onto anything to walk. If your baby still prefers holding onto furniture or crawling more than walking, they might just need a little more time.

Every baby learns to walk at their own pace. Some might start a bit later, and anywhere between 12 to 17 months is completely normal. But if your baby isn’t walking by 18 months or still isn’t walking steadily by age 2, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor.

Things to Keep in Mind While Your Baby Learns to Walk

During this period, you don’t really need to teach your baby how to walk. They’ll figure it out on their own. Your job is to create a safe environment and give them plenty of opportunities to practice.

Avoid Using Baby Walkers
This refers to the type where the baby is placed in the middle and can move around. Experts, both domestic and international, advise against using baby walkers, and the Ministry of Health in China has also clearly stated in their “Children’s Fall Prevention Guidelines” that baby walkers should not be used.

Why?

1. Walkers can be dangerous. Babies can move quickly in them, leading to risks of bumps, falls, or touching unsafe objects.
2. They don’t help babies learn to walk on their own balance but instead rely on the walker’s momentum.

Go Barefoot as Much as Possible
Walking barefoot helps babies feel the ground and learn how to use their feet to grip it while walking. So, it’s best to let them practice without shoes or socks as much as possible. Of course, if the ground is dirty, uneven, too cold, or you’re outdoors, then it’s fine to put on shoes or socks.

Avoid Holding Their Hand Too Much
Your baby needs to learn to balance on their own to master walking. If you’re always holding their hand because you’re afraid they’ll fall, they won’t learn to balance by themselves. As long as it’s safe, try to let go and let them explore on their own. For example, you can let your baby hold onto the sofa, the wall, or a small pushcart for support, but they should mostly rely on their own strength.

During this learning phase, falling is inevitable. If they’re not hurt, encourage them to get up on their own without making a big fuss, so they don’t develop a fear of falling and walking.

Do you have other questions about helping your baby learn to walk? Share your thoughts in the comments!