Supported Walking
Takes several steps forward when hands are held for balance
What the research says
Referenced across 1 developmental framework: asq_3
Full quotes, source languages, and document links coming soon as we finish the source-evidence indexing pass.
Normative evidence
1 source back this milestone. The bars below show the age range each source covers.
Before this (3)
Required (1)
- CruisingMin: developingCruising develops balance and stepping patterns
Helpful
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Character (2)
How it's taught
Hold baby's hand(s) for balance and encourage forward steps
Materials: No materials needed - adult support only
What mastery looks like
Cannot walk even with hand support
- Stands but doesn't step forward
- Trips or falls when trying to step
- Legs collapse when attempting to walk
Takes one or two steps with two-hand support
- Takes 1-2 steps when both hands held
- Steps are tentative
- May trip frequently
Walks several steps with two-hand support
- Takes several steps when both hands held for balance
- Steps are becoming more coordinated
- Less tripping
Walks confidently with one-hand support
- Takes several steps forward when one hand held for balance
- Smooth, coordinated stepping
- Good balance
Walks independently or with minimal support
- May walk independently
- Needs only occasional hand for balance
- Confident walker
Activities for this (6)
The Naming Walk
Parent and child walk around the house (or sit together with a basket of objects) while the guide prompts the parent to point at and name familiar things, listening for whether the child labels them spontaneously, imitates, or attempts word approximations. Captures expressive language emergence alongside pointing and social referencing.
Safe Strolling
Parent guides baby through a walking exploration of different surfaces and lighting conditions, coaching them to notice and respond to environmental cues. The agent helps the parent observe how baby navigates uneven terrain, adjusts to low light, and seeks reassurance during new walking challenges — building early safety awareness and confidence.
Let's hit the ball!
This helps encourage your baby to take their first steps and strengthen your baby's legs for walking. Take your baby by the hands and place a ball in front of them, close enough so that they can accidentally kick it when you advance forward. Repeat this exercise 5-10 times or until your baby gets tire
Let's walk and let go!
This helps stimulate your baby to stand up and walk. Let's work on helping your baby stand up by themselves! Place your baby standing up, leaning on a piece of furniture with one hand and his other hand holding yours. Your baby will learn to support him
Explore walking on surfaces
This helps teach your baby to walk on different surfaces. Transform your home into an exciting jungle gym for your little explorer with this creative activity. Use everyday objects to craft a small obstacle course. If your baby is walking confidently, encour
Walking Simulation
Parent supports baby through leg-strengthening exercises including cycling motions and simulated walking. The agent guides the parent to observe weight-bearing on legs, stepping reflexes, and leg muscle coordination — building the lower body strength essential for standing and walking milestones.
Formal assessments
No matching assessment items indexed yet.