When does independent walking usually occur in infants?

Independent walking typically occurs around 12 months of age in infants. This milestone is part of the broader sequence of motor development, where infants transition from rolling over and sitting to crawling and eventually walking. By this time, most children have developed the necessary muscle strength, balance, and coordination to take their first steps without support. While some infants may take their first steps a little earlier or later than 12 months, this timeframe is widely accepted as the norm for independent walking.

Other milestones, such as cruising—where infants walk while holding onto furniture—generally precede independent walking, and children often experiment with standing and stepping before fully achieving this skill on their own. The 12-month mark is significant as it's a common time for parents and caregivers to observe these first independent steps, reflecting typical developmental progress in early childhood.