While the average age at which babies start walking is around 12 months, some take their first steps even earlier or much later. “Babies can start walking as early as 9 months,” says Dr. Marshall. “It’s also normal for babies to take longer and start walking at 17 or 18 months.”

Once they get to work, they may not immediately master this new skill. “Expect such a wide gait for a while,” says Dr. Marshall. “It will take a little time to come into balance. Your child may not start working until 15 to 18 months.”