At what age do babies start walking?

Many babies take their first independent steps around their first birthday, often after pulling to stand and cruising along furniture between about 9 and 12 months. Most babies walk without holding on by 18 months. If your child is not walking on their own by 18 months, talk with your pediatrician.

Is it normal for a baby to skip crawling?

Yes. Crawling is highly variable, and some healthy babies never crawl in the classic hands-and-knees style. They may scoot, roll, or bottom-shuffle and then move straight to pulling up and walking. What matters is that your baby keeps gaining movement skills and uses both sides of the body. Raise any concerns with your pediatrician.

When should I worry about my baby's motor development?

Talk with your pediatrician if your baby is not sitting without support by 9 months, not standing with support by 12 months, or not walking on their own by 18 months. Also flag any loss of skills your baby previously had, or a consistent failure to use both sides of the body. Acting early gives your child the best chance to catch up.

Parent FAQ · Infant

When do babies roll over, crawl, and walk?

Most babies roll by around 6 months, sit without support by 9 months, crawl somewhere around 7 to 10 months, and walk on their own by 18 months. Wide variation is normal, but a few clear thresholds are worth flagging to your doctor.

2 min read Parent FAQ Updated June 2026

The typical timeline

Milestones arrive in a general order, but the timing varies a lot from baby to baby. The ages below blend the CDC's developmental checklists with AAP guidance.

The CDC checklists list the ages by which most children, about 75 percent, show each skill, so reaching one a bit later can still be normal.

Rolling: many babies roll from tummy to back by around 6 months.
Sitting: most sit without support by 9 months.
Crawling: commonly appears around 7 to 10 months. Some babies skip crawling entirely and go straight to pulling up and walking, which is normal.
Pulling to stand and cruising along furniture: often around 9 to 12 months.
Walking: first independent steps commonly come around a baby's first birthday, and most walk without holding on by 18 months.

Why crawling is not a strict milestone

Crawling is highly variable, and some healthy babies never crawl in the classic hands-and-knees way. They may scoot, roll, or bottom-shuffle, then move on to standing and walking.

For that reason, skipping crawling on its own is not a cause for concern. What matters more is that your baby keeps gaining new movement skills over time and uses both sides of the body.

When to talk to your doctor

Bring up movement concerns with your pediatrician at regular checkups, and do not wait if something worries you. Early support can make a real difference.

Not sitting without support by 9 months.
Not standing with support by 12 months.
Not walking on their own by 18 months.
Losing skills your baby previously had.
Consistently favoring one side of the body or not using both arms and legs.

Sources & further reading

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This article reflects current AAP, CDC, and other public-health guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.