It's exciting when your baby starts to toddle around on two legs. Though every child develops at their own pace, you can encourage your baby's first steps by providing a safe environment to explore and toys and games that promote movement.

Some babies start walking as early as 6 months old, while others may not walk until they're a year or older. There's usually nothing to worry about if your baby isn't walking by 18 months. Some researchers believe encouraging babies to walk too early may delay their motor development.

Still, you can do a few things to help your baby start walking when the time is right.

One of the best ways to encourage your baby to walk is to give them plenty of opportunities to practice. Put your baby in a safe place — like a playpen or crib — with plenty of space to move around. Your little one will likely start pulling up on furniture and cruising around the perimeter of the play area.

Walking takes practice, so don't be discouraged if your baby often falls at first. It's perfectly normal for babies to fall while learning to walk. If your baby is having trouble taking those first steps, you can give them a little support with a baby walker. Baby walkers provide stability and allow your child to move around without fear of falling. Just be sure to choose baby walkers online appropriate for your baby's age and size and always use them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Once your baby is cruising around confidently, they may be ready to start walking independently. Help them out by giving them a push toy — like a wagon or riding toy — to encourage them to take those first steps. As they start to walk, they can hold on to the toy for support.

You can also do several fun games and activities with your baby to encourage them to start walking. Such as : 

● Place a favorite toy just out of reach to encourage your baby to stand up and take a few steps to get it. 

● Hold your baby's hands and walk them around the room.

● Gently pull your baby up into a standing position, then let go so they can try balancing independently.

● Encourage your baby to move back and forth across a small space, from the couch to a chair. You can also try using a baby walker or push toy to help your child practice walking. 

Choosing the right shoes for your baby as they start learning to walk is important. Look for a pair that's lightweight and flexible with a non-skid sole. Avoid shoes with hard heels and any shoe with a heel higher than 1/2 inch (1.3 centimeters). These can cause your baby to trip and fall. 

Most babies learn to walk between 9 and 18 months. Talk to their doctor if your child isn't walking by 18 months. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and guide the next steps. 

While every baby develops at its own pace, there are several things you can do to encourage your little one to start walking. Just be sure to always supervise your child carefully to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your child's development, talk to their doctor.