When Do Babies Start Crawling or Walking? A Complete Guide for New Parents
Every parent eagerly waits for the moment when their baby takes those first little steps or begins to crawl across the floor. These milestones are among the most exciting and emotional moments in a baby’s first year of life. But when exactly do babies start crawling or walking? The truth is, every baby develops at their own pace, and understanding the stages of movement can help parents support their child in a healthy and natural way.
Understanding Baby Development Stages
Before a baby starts crawling or walking, several physical and cognitive skills need to develop first. Babies go through a predictable sequence of growth: strengthening their neck muscles, learning to roll over, sitting up without support, crawling, standing, and finally walking. These stages are essential for building coordination, balance, and muscle control.
Here’s a general timeline of how motor development usually progresses:
0–3 months: Babies begin to lift their heads when lying on their stomachs.
3–6 months: They learn to roll over and start to push up on their hands.
6–9 months: Many babies begin to crawl or scoot across the floor.
9–12 months: Babies start to pull themselves up to stand.
12–15 months: Most babies take their first independent steps.
It’s important to remember that these are average ranges. Some babies might crawl or walk earlier, while others might take a little longer. Both are completely normal.
When Do Babies Start Crawling?
Most babies start crawling between 6 and 10 months of age. Crawling is an important milestone because it helps develop coordination between the arms, legs, and brain. However, not all babies crawl in the traditional hands-and-knees way. Some may:
Commando crawl: using their arms to drag their body forward.
Bear crawl: moving on hands and feet rather than knees.
Scoot on their bottom: using their legs to slide instead of crawling.
Roll everywhere: some babies prefer rolling from place to place instead of crawling.
Each method is normal and reflects your baby’s personal style of exploration. What matters most is that your baby is moving independently and developing strength and coordination.
When Do Babies Start Walking?
Babies usually begin to walk independently between 12 and 15 months. However, some might start as early as 9 months or as late as 18 months. Walking is a major milestone that requires balance, muscle strength, and confidence.
Before walking, babies go through a few key stages:
1. Pulling up: Around 8 to 10 months, babies pull themselves up using furniture or a parent’s hand.
2. Cruising: They begin to walk while holding onto furniture for support.
3. Standing alone: Babies gradually gain the confidence to stand without help.
4. First steps: Finally, they take those unforgettable first steps on their own.
If your baby hasn’t started walking by 18 months, it’s usually not a cause for concern—but it’s a good idea to discuss it with your pediatrician just to be sure everything is developing as expected.
How to Encourage Crawling and Walking
While babies develop at their own pace, parents can encourage movement in safe and fun ways. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Give your baby tummy time
Placing your baby on their tummy several times a day helps strengthen neck, shoulder, and back muscles—essential for crawling and eventually walking.
2. Provide safe space to explore
Create a soft, open area on the floor where your baby can move freely. Avoid baby walkers, as they can actually delay walking and cause injuries.
3. Encourage reaching and movement
Place toys slightly out of reach to motivate your baby to stretch, roll, or crawl toward them. This encourages problem-solving and coordination.
4. Support standing practice
Help your baby pull up on sturdy furniture or hold their hands as they bounce or stand. These small actions build leg strength and balance.
5. Offer praise and encouragement
Celebrate every small achievement—whether it’s a few steps, a crawl, or a simple attempt. Babies love positive reinforcement and will be more motivated to try again.
Why Some Babies Skip Crawling
It might surprise some parents to learn that not all babies crawl—and that’s perfectly fine. Some babies move straight from rolling or sitting to standing and walking. Skipping crawling doesn’t mean a child will have developmental problems. What’s important is that your baby is learning to coordinate movement and exploring their surroundings.
When to Talk to a Doctor
Every child is unique, but there are a few signs that might indicate a delay in motor development. You should talk to your pediatrician if your baby:
Isn’t rolling over by 6 months
Can’t sit without help by 9 months
Doesn’t crawl or try to stand by 12 months
Can’t walk by 18 months
Seems stiff, floppy, or weak when moving
Most of the time, these delays are temporary and resolve with time and support, but early intervention can help if there’s an underlying issue.
The Emotional Side of Milestones
Watching your baby crawl or take their first steps is one of the most emotional experiences of parenthood. It marks a transition from infancy to toddlerhood—a period of independence, curiosity, and discovery. As your baby starts to explore the world on their own, remember to stay patient and encouraging. Every baby has their own rhythm, and development should never be a competition.
Final Thoughts
Crawling and walking are more than just physical milestones—they are signs that your baby is learning, growing, and becoming more confident every day. Most babies crawl between 6 and 10 months and walk between 12 and 15 months, but there’s a wide range of what’s considered normal. What matters most is providing a loving, safe, and stimulating environment for your baby to develop naturally.
So, enjoy every moment, capture those first wobbly steps, and remember: every little movement is a big step in your child’s journey.