It's one of the milestones parents of babies look forward to (and dread!) the most: When their baby will start walking! On the one hand, we want them to take off and explore on their own little two feet. We wait for it, let them crawl and train for it, and when it's finally time for them to let go, it's go time! Here's when things get really fun — and crazy for parents!
Some of our Mom.com parents told us in their own words all about when their littles began to walk.
Ready, Steady, Go!
Our daughter has always been one to do things on her own time and only when she was absolutely ready. Her first steps happened while we were on a family vacation when she was 14 months old, though I wouldn't say that she "walked" until almost a month later. She cruised furniture or insisted on having our hands to hold, feeling the need for the stability. Only when she knew she was steady and able did she finally decide the steps were hers to take, and she's never looked back.
- Britni D., mother of one.
The Easy Life
My son took his first steps at 17 months. His older sister carried him everywhere and always brought him his toys, so he really had no reason to move until then!
- Carol H., mother of two
Ready When They're Ready
My son walked late—17 months. After fits and starts, where he'd sort of waddle only while holding your hand, one day he heard his beloved babysitter come in, and simply got up and strode over to her. Both of our mouths were open.
- Jordan R., mother of one
No Audience, Please!
Our older son taught himself to walk around a pool table while we were at a party and not paying him any attention. He was 17 months.
- Claire Z., mother of two
MORE: A Pediatrician Explains Baby's Developmental Milestones
A Presidential Moment
Our first daughter walked when she was 15 months. We were on the D.C. Mall watching Obama's first inauguration and she was home with my parents. We came home and they casually said "she's been doing laps around the house," and we said, "That's the first time she's ever really walked!" Our joke was that she was waiting for a president she could stand up for.
- Kate R., mom of two
The Rise of the Baby
My daughter started walking along the walls in our house when she was 9 months old, then took her first steps between her dad and I—arms outstretched like a zombie, opening and closing her hands as she gripped her toes on the ground—on Easter when she was 10 months.
- Amy P., mother of one
Don't Know What You've Got 'Til It's Gone
My oldest took his first three steps at 14 months, and then nothing for another 4 months. He was such a hilariously fast crawler that I think he had no motivation to try to walk. The pediatrician said not to start to worry until he was 18 months old. He finally stood up and began walking again one day short of that worry deadline, and began running the next day. I didn't realize how good I had it when he was a crawler until he became a little runner.
- Kerry E., mother of two
First Birthday Magic
All three of my kids learned to walk within two or three days of their first birthday. It's just about the only thing they've done in the same way.
- Rachel E. mom of three.
Cake Walk
My first child took his first steps at 12 months, at his birthday party. He was walking toward a toddler who was holding a piece of cake. Good motivator!
- Wendy W, mother of two
Caught on Tape!
My son started walking around 10.5 months. He took those first few steps while we were at my friend's house. I didn't even notice at first, she pointed it out and I was able to get video.
- Sa'iyda S., mother of one
To Each Their Own
My oldest talked early, and truly walking within days of his first birthday. His brother was the opposite: didn't talk until sometime after his birthday, but got up and walked at 9 months.
- Beth S., mother of two
Locomotion
We were in the midst of moving from D.C. to the California desert, and staying with my in-laws in New Jersey. It was about 10 PM and my 11-month-old wasn't sleeping well so I unzipped him from his sleep sack and let him come down to the family room. He was hyper, rosy-cheeked and giggling intensely. He was ready to walk. And it was dramatic. He took a few steps and fell into me—and then the floodgates opened. All he wanted to do was practice.
- Erin K, mother of two
