08.05.2025.
Why do some babies start walking at 8 months, while others wait until 18 months or more? According to groundbreaking new research, the answer may lie in their genes.
Scientists from the University of Surrey and international partners have discovered that genetic factors play a major role in when babies begin walking, alongside known environmental influences like parenting, nutrition, and play.
Genes affect when babies start walking
In the largest study of its kind, researchers analyzed the DNA of over 70,000 infants. They identified 11 genetic markers that help determine when a child takes their first step. The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, found that genetics account for about 25% of the differences in walking age.
This means that, like eye colour or height, walking early or late can simply be part of your child’s natural development.
What’s the normal age for first steps?
Most babies walk between 8 and 24 months, and this new research confirms that this wide window is perfectly normal.
“Until now, we didn’t understand what causes the wide differences between children in when they take their first step. Parents might often worry that walking early or late is a bad sign or that they have done something wrong. We see that genetics play a considerable role in influencing the timing of this milestone,” says Dr Anna Gui, study co-author and researcher at the University of Rome Tor Vergata.
Key Findings:
- 11 genetic markers linked to walking age
- Later walkers may have genes also linked to higher educational outcomes
- Some genetic links also influence brain development and ADHD risk
Walking and brain development are connected
Interestingly, the same genes that influence walking also affect how the brain develops, including the folding of the brain’s outer layer (the cortex). The study even found that walking later (within normal limits) is genetically associated with a lower risk of ADHD and a higher likelihood of academic achievement later in life.
What should parents know?
While it’s always best to consult a paediatrician if you’re concerned about your child’s development, this research brings peace of mind: a late walker might just be following their own genetic timeline.
“It is exciting to be able to discover the genes that influence when children learn to walk. Starting to walk independently is a major milestone for young children. We hope these new genetic findings can advance fundamental understanding about the causes of walking and be used to better support children with motor disorders and learning disabilities. While parents should still see their GP if they are concerned, a slightly later start is not always a sign of problems. There is a lot of variety in when children take their first step on their own,” says Professor Angelica Ronald, Professor of Psychology and Genetics.
Why this matters
This discovery helps remove guilt or anxiety from parents who may blame themselves for their child’s development speed. It also opens new doors for understanding motor development, neurodevelopmental conditions, and early childhood milestones.
