Does your 10 1/2 month old walk?

Question

I have a 10 1/2 month old daughter, who won't take steps on her own. She stands and cruises around furniture while holding on, but when we put her in the center of the room and let go of her hand, she just stands there then eventually sits down. She doesn't want to take any steps unless someone is holding onto her. Is this normal? My mom said I was walking by myself at 10 months of age. I'm afraid my daughter is behind!

Answer 1

All of mine were walking by their first year, mostly they were almost walking around that age, but every child is different. As long as she's crawling she's on schedule, no reason to panic.

Answer 2

Don't listen to your mother. Yes, some kids walk at 10 months, but that is hardly the norm. The "average" range is 9 to 18 months. Most kids take at least a step or two by their first birthday, but many don't until considerably later.
I would suggest reading up on typical child development, so people don't scare you for no reason in the future. Your daughter is doing just what she should be doing at her age.
Have fun with her!

Answer 3

Every child is different. I have 4 children of my own. My first 2 walked unassisted for the first time right around 12 months. My 3rd baby walked unassisted at 10 months (trying to keep up with big brother and sister). My youngest did not take her first step unassisted until 15 months. I have provided child care in my home for 20 years. Any time between 10-16 months is pretty normal for unassisted walking to begin. Many factors come in to play when children begin to learn to walk. You can not base what is normal for your child on what you did as a child. Your daughter is not behind unless she is not walking unassisted by her 18 month well-child check up.

Answer 4

My daughter was about 9-10 months when she started cruising. Now she is just about 14 months and has just started walking on her own. Every baby is different. It seems like your daughter will be walking in no time.

Answer 5

That's completely normal. Children who walk at that age are considered early walkers amongst average children. Most babies don't walk until they are 12 months old. Some even later, as doctors don't get worried until they haven't walked on their own by 18 months. What you can do, is give her something to hold onto, that isn't connected to anything, like 2 unsharpened pencils. Put one in each of her hands and see if she starts walking like she's holding onto someone's hands. But if she doesn't, don't try to force her. She'll walk when she wants to walk.

Answer 6

Every child is different.
I had a niece that didn't walk until she was 14 months old.
My son started to walk close to the end of 9 months.
He was in a hurry to walk as soon as possible since he's seen how much fun his cousin were having running around while he just sat there and watched.

Answer 7

My daughter didn't start walking until after 12 months. She is running around now like crazy. You little one will take off on her own terms. Try getting her to walk a few steps between parents.

Answer 8

I had one daughter who walked at 7 months, one who walked at 10 months and my 3rd walked at 14 months. Every baby is different. Babys normally walk anywhere from 9 months to 18 months. Give her time she sounds like she will on her way soon enough.

Answer 9

your daughter is fine. my 3rd child didn't walk more than a few feet until he was four. he'd walk just enough to get in front of you and then want to be picked up. oldest boy walked at 10 months, daughter didn't walk til right before her first birthday and youngest walked at 11 months.

"Babies develop at different rates. Some babies will start to walk and talk very early, whereas others take their time. The rate of development means nothing, sooner or later all healthy babies will walk and talk, so don't worry. Your health visitor and local clinic will do developmental checks and reassure you that your child is developing normally."

Answer 10

It sounds like she has a cautious personality! In any case, she is certainly not behind. My son did not want to let go of my hand until he was almost 18 months, so I completely understand your worry. He is now a very active, athletic 6 year old. Good luck, and enjoy your baby - she's at such a sweet age.

Answer 11

only one of my four kids was walking by that age. one took a few steps at 12 months and didn't try again until 14 months. i can assure you that he, like all his siblings, is now running, climbing trees, and zooming around just fine. there's a huge range of normal and it has nothing to do with how "athletic" your daughter will be later. enjoy having her in one place while it lasts.