When Do Babies Start Crawling, Standing, and Walking?

The Big Mobility Question

One of the most exciting parts of your baby’s first year is watching them go from squishy newborn to determined little explorer. Parents often ask me: “When should my baby crawl? When will they start standing? When will they take those first steps?”

The answer: there’s a range. Babies develop motor skills on their own timelines, and what’s “normal” spans months. Some babies crawl early, others skip crawling entirely and go straight to pulling up and cruising. What matters most is steady progress toward mobility—not the exact day it happens.

Crawling: The First Move (6–10 months)

Most babies start crawling between 6 and 10 months. Before that, you’ll see building blocks like rolling, sitting independently, and rocking on all fours. Some babies army crawl (pulling with arms), others scoot on their bottoms, and some crawl “backwards” before figuring out forward. All of it counts.

Tips to encourage crawling:

• Give plenty of tummy time to build arm and core strength.

• Place toys just out of reach to motivate movement.

• Provide safe, open floor space (and avoid too much time in seats or swings).

Standing: Pulling Up and Cruising (9–12 months)

Around 9 to 12 months, babies start pulling up to stand while holding onto furniture. Soon after, they may “cruise”—walking sideways while holding on. This stage is thrilling (and a little nerve-wracking) because babies suddenly have access to everything at coffee table height.

Tips to encourage standing:

• Offer sturdy furniture or push toys they can pull up on.

• Practice supported standing by holding your baby under their arms.

• Let them go barefoot indoors when possible—bare feet help with balance.

Walking: Those First Steps (12–15 months)

Most babies take their first independent steps between 12 and 15 months, though anywhere from 9 to 18 months is considered normal. Some toddlers run by their first birthday, while others prefer cruising until closer to 15 months.

Tips to encourage walking:

• Hold your baby’s hands and let them practice stepping.

• Offer push toys or walkers (the sturdy kind, not sit-in walkers, which aren’t recommended for safety).

• Cheer them on! Babies thrive on encouragement and excitement.

When to Check In With Your Pediatrician

Every baby moves at their own pace, but mention it at your checkup if your baby:

• Isn’t rolling by 6 months.

• Isn’t sitting independently by 9 months.

• Isn’t crawling or pulling to stand by 12 months.

• Isn’t walking by 18 months.

Often, babies just need a little more time—but sometimes, early support from physical therapy can help.

Clinician’s Note

As both a pediatrician and a parent, I’ve learned that mobility milestones come with equal parts joy and chaos. One week you’re celebrating first steps, the next you’re baby-proofing cabinets. Remember: these milestones don’t measure intelligence or personality—they’re simply steps in physical development.

Key Takeaways

• Crawling usually happens around 6–10 months, standing around 9–12 months, and walking around 12–15 months.

• Some babies skip crawling—it’s still normal.

• Encourage movement with tummy time, safe spaces, and lots of cheering.

• Talk to your pediatrician if you’re concerned about big delays.

Final word: Whether your baby zooms across the floor at 7 months or toddles at 15, the destination is the same—independence on two feet. Celebrate the journey, and keep your camera ready.