Baby Not Walking at 15 Months

Still within normal range — but here is what to watch for.

Key takeaways

  • The normal range for independent walking extends from 9 to 18 months
  • Not walking at 15 months is within normal variation if the child is cruising or pulling up
  • The CDC considers not walking by 18 months a red flag requiring evaluation
  • A child who is progressing (pulling up, cruising, standing alone) is likely to walk soon
  • Late walkers who are otherwise developing normally rarely have underlying problems
  • Talk to your pediatrician if your child is not pulling up or cruising by 12-13 months

Content reviewed against published CDC, AAP guidelines

Last reviewed: July 2026 · Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

What is normal?

Walking develops through predictable stages:

  • 8-10 months: Pulling to stand
  • 9-12 months: Cruising along furniture
  • 9-12 months: Standing alone briefly
  • 9-15 months: First independent steps
  • 12-18 months: Walking well independently

The CDC's 2022 milestone checklist lists “takes a few steps on their own” as a milestone by 12 months, and “walks without holding on to anything” by 18 months. The broad range reflects the significant normal variation in walking onset.

At 15 months, your baby is still within the normal range. Many healthy, typically developing children do not walk until 14-16 months.

When to worry

Talk to your pediatrician if your 15-month-old:

  • Is not pulling to stand at all
  • Cannot cruise along furniture
  • Cannot stand when holding your hands
  • Has very stiff legs or walks only on tiptoes
  • Shows significant asymmetry (strongly favoring one side)
  • Has lost motor skills they previously had
  • Has delays in other developmental areas (language, social, cognitive)

If your child IS pulling up, cruising, or taking a few steps with hands held, they are progressing and likely to walk independently within the next few weeks to months.

Possible causes of late walking

  • Normal variation: The most common reason — many healthy children simply walk later
  • Temperament: Cautious children may take longer to let go and take independent steps
  • Efficient crawling: Babies who are fast crawlers may be less motivated to walk
  • Prematurity: Use adjusted age until age 2
  • Family history: Late walking often runs in families
  • Low muscle tone: Mild hypotonia can delay walking onset
  • Joint laxity: Very flexible joints can make balance more challenging
  • Larger body size: Heavier children may walk slightly later

What you can do

  • Provide safe, open spaces for your child to practice standing and cruising
  • Offer push toys (not walkers with seats) that your child can hold while stepping
  • Hold your child's hands and walk together
  • Place motivating objects (toys, snacks) on low furniture to encourage cruising
  • Let your child stand barefoot on varied surfaces to build balance and sensory feedback
  • Avoid baby walkers — the AAP recommends against them for safety and developmental reasons
  • Celebrate every attempt, even if your baby sits back down after one step

When to get evaluated

While 15 months is still within the normal range, you should schedule an evaluation if:

  • Your child is not pulling to stand or cruising at all
  • You notice stiffness, limpness, or asymmetry in leg movement
  • There are delays in other developmental areas
  • Your child was premature and is not walking by 15 months adjusted age

If your child turns 18 months without walking independently, evaluation is recommended regardless of other factors. Contact your pediatrician or your state's early intervention program.

Reassurance

Most babies who are not walking at 15 months will walk within the next few weeks to months without any intervention needed. Research shows that the age of walking onset (within the normal range) does not predict later athletic ability, intelligence, or developmental outcomes.

If your baby is pulling up, cruising, and standing alone briefly, they are building the strength, balance, and confidence needed for independent steps. It is often just a matter of time.

Frequently asked questions

When do most babies start walking?
Most babies take their first independent steps between 9-12 months and walk well by 14-15 months. The normal range extends to 18 months. Not walking at 15 months is still within normal variation, though it warrants monitoring.
Is 15 months too late to start walking?
No. Fifteen months is still within the normal range for starting to walk. The CDC considers not walking by 18 months a concern that requires evaluation. A 15-month-old who is cruising and pulling up is likely to walk soon.
Does cruising count as walking?
Cruising (walking while holding onto furniture) is the developmental step immediately before independent walking. A baby who is cruising well at 15 months is showing appropriate progression and will likely walk independently soon.
Do late walkers have other developmental problems?
Not necessarily. Many late walkers are completely typical in all other areas of development. However, if walking delay is accompanied by delays in other areas (language, social, fine motor), a comprehensive evaluation is recommended.

Bottom line

Not walking at 15 months is still within the normal range (9-18 months). If your child is pulling up and cruising, they are progressing and will likely walk soon. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is not pulling up at all, shows asymmetry or stiffness, or has delays in other areas. The CDC recommends evaluation if walking has not started by 18 months.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

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