At what age do children typically begin to walk independently?

Children generally begin to walk independently around 10 to 12 months of age. This developmental milestone is part of a broader range of gross motor skills that infants typically acquire as they grow. While some may take their first steps earlier, around 8 to 10 months, the majority will have developed the strength and coordination necessary for independent walking closer to the 10 to 12-month mark.

At this age, children also demonstrate increased confidence in their ability to move and balance, which allows them to experiment with walking. Parents can observe this stage as children eagerly pull themselves up to stand and cruise along furniture before taking those initial independent steps. Therefore, the age range of 10 to 12 months accurately reflects the timeframe during which most children will first achieve walking without support.