Babies walk at different ages and the age that they walk is dependent on development of all the motor skills needed to come to standing. It starts with the baby learning head control on their tummies. As they begin to learn to sit, babies develop the ability to control their trunks so they don’t topple over backwards, forwards and sideways. Babies under 3 months have a reflex that causes them to stiffen their legs when their feet are placed on the ground. This is NOT really standing and it is important not to place a baby on their feet too early. They are ready to bear weight on their feet when they are held and can begin to push into the ground to raise AND lower back down around 5 months. Next the baby will stand at a surface like the couch and squat down and raise up, strengthening their leg muscles. Then comes cruising around 12 months where they walk sideways while holding on to something like the couch. Here they are learning how to shift their weight from one foot to the other. Around this time they may come to stand briefly without support (exciting times!) As they begin to walk they have to have both hands held and then can do it with one hand held between 10 and 12 months. By 15 months most babies are walking independently. The use of infant walkers has become very popular because they make the baby happy and the mom happy by containing the baby. However, if the baby is not placed on the floor and allowed to develop all those skills needed to walk by themselves, independent walking may be delayed. So a balance between using a walker and letting the baby be on their own is important. Also in some cultures may be held and carried a lot. This may also delay their independent walking. But if this is the cultural value, it should be respected.