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When should I be concerned that my baby’s not walking?

Don’t worry if your baby’s progression to walking is a bit slower than any other children you have, or is slower than other babies you know of a similar age. The individual rate of development isn’t too critical. As long as your baby is showing an interest in walking and cruising, then you shouldn’t have any cause for concern.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that you’ll be taking your baby for regular developmental checks to the public health nurse who will quickly pick up on any potential problems. However, if you have any concerns about your child’s rate of development, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your GP.

However, if your baby is not even showing an interest in walking by 15 months or more, you should consult your GP.

How will my baby’s walking progress?

Your baby will probably do a lot of walking that focuses on you and your position in the room. He’ll use you as a natural navigation point, and will do a lot of his walking around you while you are sitting down. He finds it easier to use you as support and to return to you when he needs stability.

If you start to become a moving target you may find that your baby gives up walking and sits down on the floor and stretches out his arms to be carried. The concept of actually walking along with you is one that will develop later.

What are the developmental stages I should look out for?

Your baby will first pull himself up on pieces of furniture. Then one day he’ll actually stand alone. It may only last for seconds, but it’s a big day in your baby’s life! Expect to see a rather surprised look on his face, followed by a wobble and a plonk down onto his nappy cushioned bottom again.

Some babies may be a little different, and learn to stand from a squatting position. Some babies start walking at around a year, with the support of furniture, or your hand. A handful may even take a few steps alone

How can I encourage my baby to walk?

The best way to encourage walking is to make your baby feel secure and reassured. Make sure that the walking environment is made safe and comfortable for any little falls. Hold your baby’s hand and walk along with him. Give your baby a little demonstration of how you can easily get up and down after falling over so he can see it’s quite safe and normal.