Child Stages: Walking - Child Development | Wondertime

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Walking

9 to 12 months
Not only can many infants get themselves into a sitting position on their own by this age, but they can also pull to a stand while holding onto furniture. This is the obvious first step towards walking, and is typically followed by standing alone.

Cruising — the ability to walk while holding on to the furniture — and walking with support are skills that often are mastered between 9 months and a year of age.

Some precocious children accomplish these skills in leaps and bounds, and can walk unassisted before they turn 1 year old.

12 to 24 months
Some toddlers will already be walking by the time they turn a year, while others will take their time and wait several months to do so. Either way, just about all healthy toddlers are able to walk independently without difficulty by 18 months, may even be starting to run, and often find a new way to amuse themselves by walking backwards.

When it comes to stairs, the typical progression over this time frame is from needing a parent's hand to start to walk instead of crawling up or scooting down stairs to walking up and down stairs alone, placing both feet on each step. That said, don't be fooled into thinking that that your toddler no longer needs adult supervision on stairs just yet.

2 years
Two-year-olds can run, jump, and climb, and their strength and coordination are markedly improved. Most 2 1/2-year-olds can jump off the ground with both feet, and by the time children reach their third birthday, they can typically balance for several seconds on one foot.

3 years
Three-year-olds get around with ease. This includes not only riding a tricycle, running, jumping, and climbing, but also hopping and balancing on one foot (if only for a few seconds), and walking up stairs like an adult, alternating feet and putting only one foot on each step.

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When Your Child Learns to Stand

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