International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

At what age are babies generally able to walk independently?

1. 6 months

2. 9 months

3. 12 months

4. 18 months

The correct answer is: 12 months

Babies are generally able to walk independently around the age of 12 months. At this developmental stage, many infants have gained sufficient muscle strength, coordination, and balance to support their body weight while standing and taking their first steps. Developmental milestones can vary from child to child, but by 12 months, most babies have progressed through various stages of mobility, such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and pulling themselves up to stand. These milestones prepare them for walking. While some children may begin to take steps as early as 9 months, this is not common, and most will achieve this skill around the one-year mark. By 18 months, the majority of toddlers are expected to walk confidently and may even begin to run or climb. Thus, 12 months is recognized as the typical age for independent walking, reflecting the average development trajectory for infants.