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!
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.
