Your baby turned one, the party is over, and everyone keeps asking “Is she walking yet?” If your 13 month old is not walking, you are far from alone, and in most cases it is simply too early to worry. This guide explains what is normal, what to look at instead of the calendar, and the signs that are worth a call. For the bigger picture, see our toddler milestones by month guide.
Walking is one step in a long chain of movement skills. Rolling, sitting, crawling or scooting, pulling up and cruising all come first, and every child moves through them at their own pace. You can find more on that chain in our development and milestones guides.
Quick answer: is it normal for a 13 month old not to walk?
Yes, usually. The AAP says many babies take their first steps around their first birthday, but walking earlier or later is normal. The CDC lists “takes a few steps on his own” at 15 months and “walks without holding on” at 18 months. At 13 months, pulling up, standing with support and cruising along furniture are the skills to watch.
- Many 13 month olds cruise along furniture but do not walk alone yet.
- What matters most is steady progress, not the exact date of the first step.
- Not standing with support, losing a skill, or using one side of the body more than the other are reasons to talk to your pediatrician.
Why some babies walk later
Babies are not built on the same timetable. Some put their energy into fine motor skills or babbling first. Some are cautious and wait until they can balance well. Some get around so quickly by crawling or scooting that they feel no need to stand. The AAP notes that some babies skip crawling altogether and scoot or slither instead, which is fine as long as they use both sides of the body evenly.
If your baby was born early, ask your pediatrician whether to look at milestones by your baby’s adjusted age instead of the birth date.
What to look for at 13 months instead of walking
Walking alone is the last piece. These earlier skills show that your toddler is on the way:
| Skill | Usually seen around | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pulls up to stand | by 12 months | AAP |
| Walks while holding on to furniture (cruising) | by 12 months | AAP, CDC |
| Stands briefly without support, may take 2 or 3 steps | around 12 months | AAP |
| Takes a few steps on their own | by 15 months | CDC |
| Walks without holding on to anyone or anything | by 18 months | CDC |
Our gross motor skills guide walks through each of these stages in more detail.
How to help your toddler get ready to walk
- Give floor time. Plenty of time to move freely on a safe floor builds strength and balance.
- Make cruising easy. Arrange sturdy furniture with no sharp edges a short step apart. The AAP advises that anything your baby holds on to should be weighted or attached so it cannot tip.
- Invite a step. Kneel a little distance away and hold out your hands, or place a favorite toy just out of reach on the couch.
- Skip the baby walker. The AAP strongly urges parents not to use baby walkers. The AAP explains that walkers can take away the desire to walk and can tip over. A stationary activity center is a safer choice.
- Keep shoes simple. When you buy first shoes, the AAP suggests closed-toe, flexible shoes with nonskid soles and room to grow.
Once those first steps come, they will be shaky, with feet wide apart for balance. That is normal. Our 12-month milestones guide covers what else changes around the first birthday.
When to talk to your doctor
Bring up walking at the next well-child visit if you have questions. Call your pediatrician sooner if your toddler:
- cannot stand when you hold them up, or does not pull up to stand
- does not crawl, scoot or move around in any way
- drags one side of the body or clearly favors one arm or leg
- loses a skill they used to have, such as standing or cruising
- is not taking a few steps alone by 15 months, or not walking without holding on by 18 months (CDC milestones)
The CDC’s advice is “don’t wait”: if you are worried, ask about developmental screening. If you or the doctor are still concerned, you can also contact your state’s early intervention program yourself. You do not need a referral to ask. Our guide to red flags in baby development explains these steps.
Frequently asked questions
Does walking late mean something is wrong?
Not by itself. The AAP says it is normal for children to start walking earlier or later than their first birthday. What your pediatrician looks at is whether your toddler keeps gaining new skills across all areas: movement, language, play and social skills.
My 13 month old is not walking or talking. Should I worry?
Many 13 month olds say only a word or two and do not walk alone yet. Look at the whole picture: does your toddler babble, respond to their name, point or wave, and pull up to stand? If several skills seem behind, or you simply have a feeling something is off, talk to your pediatrician.
Does holding my toddler’s hands to walk help?
Walking together with hand support can be fun practice. Let your toddler set the pace, and give plenty of time to stand, cruise and balance on their own as well.
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Sources
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Movement Milestones in Babies 8 to 12 Months Old
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Developmental Milestones: 12 Months
- CDC: Important Milestones: Your Child By Fifteen Months
- CDC: Important Milestones: Your Child By Eighteen Months
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your child’s development, talk to your pediatrician.