Mom Karen Miller of Sierra Madre, CA, knew she'd walked when she was 9 months old, so when her daughter reached that age, Miller eagerly anticipated those first solo steps. Georgia, however, had her own schedule, and didn't walk until four months later.
It's easy to be concerned if your toddler isn't toddling, but, although some kids learn to walk before they turn 1, the range is pretty wide: between 9 and 15 months. That's because a child first needs to master pulling himself up, standing, and cruising -- and these skills take time. Plus, toddlers are busy learning other things: A child may concentrate on feeding himself or babbling his first words and may walk a little later, says Larry Faust, M.D., a pediatrician in Clarksville, TN.
While you shouldn't pressure your child to walk, you can make sure he has room and time to practice. Avoid using a walker: They're dangerous, and they don't allow kids to develop their own walking skills. And keep him barefoot when possible, to help him develop balance.
While each child progresses at his own pace, talk to your pediatrician if your toddler's muscle tone is limp, or if he can't stand when holding onto you.
