I have this question.. My 12 1/2 month baby has been cruising for the past 3 months but still hasnt started walking independtly. I was wondering. when do you know that ur baby is ready to walk.. I mean, she walks pretty fast holding one hand, and holding furniture etc. but still cant stand independently or get up independently. Couple of times she did stand but that when she is not aware.. She is a very very cautious baby.. Also, any way I can make her more confident of walking.. I am in no hurry, just want to know from all you Moms whose kids have started walking, how long does a baby cruise before walking, and what stages it crosses before that.

Thanks in advance,
Mrinal. Suchie replied. Hey your baby is already walking with support – so no need to worry.

My DD is 11.5 months. She stared standing and walking with support when she was 9 – 10 months. After 5 -6 weeks, she has started walking independently.

If babies don’t walk independently till 15 months, pediatrician suggests walking them on sand - it makes legs stronger. If there is no sand, you may try walking her on lawn or any type of hard surface. The main thing is encourage her to walk more often with walkers, toys n all. If she is very cautious then try NOT to observe/ divert her when she walks, let her concentrate.

Cheers!
Suchie

Hetal replied. although there are no specific guidelines mentioned about the babies achieving milestones, there have been warning signs that tells you when to worry & talk to your dr.
Children develop at different rates, but most follow a general timeline (though preemies may be off schedule by a few weeks or months)
If your child doesn't seem to be meeting milestones within several weeks of the average, ask his pediatrician about it.
here the warning signs to watch for when it comes to walking ::::
1.by 18 months, can't walk after several months of walking, doesn't walk confidently or consistently walks on toes..
2.after his second birthday, is growing less than 2 inches per year.
3.after 10 months, crawls in a lopsided manner, pushing off with one hand and leg while dragging the opposite hand and leg..its ok for some babies to miss crawling and directly stand !
4.at 12 months, is not crawling
5.at 12 months, can't stand with support of you or anything nearby.
also its ok for babies to take time to stand on their own and start taking steps..keep several toys in differnt direction,call him to you...for walking, if he is able to walk with support, then hold his hand and make him walk, teach him to take steps.this will make him feel confident that he can also walk..once you feel he is able to balance his body with your hands support,,slowly reduce the support that you are giving...
keep trying,,when his legs are ready to handle his body weight, he will be ready to walk,irrespective of all our efforts :)
sometimes for some babies they getup just one fine day and they learn it,,,some needs a lift,,..so always be ready for it,nothing wrong if by doing if you can see your baby walking 2 days earlier..and now that he is 1 year,possibility that he will get bow legs is kind of nullified,unless he is having a really heavy body !

As a general rule, trust your instincts. If something seems odd or wrong to you about the way your baby moves or behaves, ask dr about it. After all, you know your child best.

good luck & take care.