Is Your Baby a Late Bloomer?

Late Walking Development

The range of when children learn to walk is huge. According to the AAP, most children take their first steps holding onto furniture by 12 months.4 But, it isn't until 18 months that babies are expected to take independent steps without assistance.

Some babies walk as early as 8 months, and some, like my son, walk at 18 months. It's all in the normal range, though if you're concerned, the CDC suggests completing a milestone checklist and a health care provider about developmental screening.5

"If the child has good muscle tone and reflexes, I don't worry too much," Dr. Zuckerman says.

Reasons for late walking in babies

There are many reasons for late walking in babies. Heredity plays a part; if either parent was a late walker, there's a chance the baby will also be.

In addition, sometimes babies who are big walk later because they have more weight to support, and building strength takes time. And just as in language development, personality plays a role. Some babies are content staying put.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio lists the following health-related reasons a baby may walk late:6

Low birth weight or prematurity
Prolonged illness or hospitalization during infancy
Developmental delays caused by some conditions, like Down syndrome or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Usually, there is no reason to suspect a medical condition unless other signs accompany the delay. If your child isn't taking independent steps by 15 months, a health care provider may recommend an evaluation to be sure there aren't signs of an underlying cause.