You’re watching your toddler cruise across the living room when—wait a second—they step backward with a little grin. It’s one of those surprise moments that makes you pause and think: when do babies walk backwards, and is this normal? As a parent who’s navigated this exact moment (and panicked slightly), I’ve learned it’s all part of their natural motor development journey.
Drawing from real experiences and expert guidance from pediatric therapists, this guide will walk you through when to expect this milestone, why it matters, and how to support it. Keep reading to explore the stages, red flags, and ways to help your little one step back safely—with confidence and joy.
What Does It Mean When Babies Start Walking Backwards?
Backward walking isn’t just walking in reverse—it’s a powerful sign of growth. It means your child is developing better balance, spatial awareness, and motor control. They’re learning where their body is in space, how to shift weight, and how to react when something unexpected happens behind them.
It’s a part of the bigger picture—what pediatric experts call gross motor development. That includes crawling, cruising, climbing stairs, and yes, walking backward. So if you’ve ever wondered, “Is climbing stairs a milestone?”, the answer is yes—just like walking backward.
When Do Babies Walk Backwards?
So, let’s get right to it: when do babies walk backwards?
Most babies start walking backward between 16 and 18 months. But, just like every baby is unique, the exact timing can vary. Some might experiment with reverse steps a little earlier, especially if they’re super mobile or curious. Others may wait until 20 months or so.
Before babies walk backward, they usually go through a series of skills—like crawling, pulling to stand, and walking forward. Without those building blocks, their little bodies aren’t quite ready to move in reverse.
Personal Moment: I still remember the day my nephew backed away from the coffee table like he was dodging laser beams. He had just turned 17 months. We thought he was playing, but it was his very first backward walk—pure magic!
Developmental Timeline – From Crawling to Backward Walking
To understand backward walking, it helps to look at the bigger timeline of motor development:
7–9 Months: Babies begin crawling. This helps with arm-leg coordination and balance.
9–12 Months: Most babies pull to stand and start cruising along furniture.
12–15 Months: Forward walking begins, often with wobbly steps and wide smiles.
16–18 Months: Backward walking appears as babies become more confident.
It’s worth noting that if you’re wondering “Is it normal for a 7 month old to climb stairs?”—it’s rare. Most babies don’t start tackling stairs (even crawling up) until closer to 9–12 months.
Why Backward Walking Matters
Backward walking isn’t just a party trick—it shows your baby is growing more confident and skilled.
- Â It strengthens balance.
- Â It teaches spatial awareness.
- Â It shows brain-body coordination is on point.
-  It’s often tied to play and exploration, like backing away from a toy or joining a dance.
Pro Tip: Backward walking also helps toddlers learn to maneuver around obstacles and later supports more advanced moves like skipping, jumping, or navigating stairs.
How to Encourage Backward Walking
You don’t need fancy equipment to help your baby learn to walk backward. Here are some fun, safe ways to support them:
Dance it out: Play music and dance together. Turn around and step back—your baby may copy you!
Follow-the-leader: Take turns walking forward and backward. Cheer when your baby mimics you.
Obstacle course: Create safe pathways with pillows and toys. Add space to step around or back away.
Safe space: Keep floors padded and clutter-free. An open area encourages movement in all directions.
Playful encouragement: My daughter first walked backward while chasing bubbles. She tried dodging them—and backed right into my arms. We laughed for days.
Related Milestones and Their Order
Understanding the order of motor milestones helps you support your baby at the right time. Here’s the typical sequence:
- Crawling
- Pulling up
- Cruising (side-stepping with support)
- Walking forward
- Walking backward
- Climbing stairs
- Jumping
So if you’re asking, “What age should a child climb stairs?”, the answer is typically 18–24 months with help, and around 3 years for independent stair climbing.
“When should a baby learn to go down stairs?” is another great question—usually around 15–18 months, starting with crawling down backwards.
Red Flags and When to Seek Help
If your baby isn’t showing interest in walking—forward or backward—by 18 to 20 months, it might be worth checking in with your pediatrician.
- No signs of stepping backward after confidently walking forward
- Trouble balancing or frequent falls
- Regression—suddenly stopping a skill they’ve already mastered
While most delays are nothing to panic about, early support can make a big difference. Pediatric physical therapists are trained to assess motor development and give tailored guidance.
Encouraging Healthy Motor Development Overall
Backward walking is one piece of the puzzle. Here’s how to support your baby’s overall movement journey:
Let them explore: Floor time is gold. Let them crawl, roll, and play freely.
Limit baby gear time: Walkers and jumpers can delay certain skills if overused.
Use toys strategically: Push toys, balls, and tunnels encourage movement in all directions.
Join in the fun: Babies love to copy you—so get down on the floor and move!
Final Thoughts
When do babies walk backwards? Typically between 16 and 18 months—but the real answer is, when they’re ready. Each baby follows their own rhythm. The backward step isn’t a competition; it’s a celebration of progress.
Whether it’s part of a dance, a dodge, or a curious experiment—those tiny steps in reverse are signs of big growth. So stay patient, stay playful, and enjoy the ride.
Have you seen your baby walk backward yet? Drop a comment with your favorite moment—we’d love to hear your story!
FAQs
When do babies walk backwards?
Most babies start walking backwards between 16 and 18 months. It usually comes after walking forward and helps improve balance and body control.
Is it normal for a 7 month old to climb stairs?
While rare, some 7-month-olds try climbing. Most babies start around 9 to 13 months, after learning to crawl and pull to stand safely.
Is climbing stairs a milestone?
Yes, climbing stairs is a key motor milestone. It shows strong muscles, balance, and growing independence. Always supervise during this stage.
What age should a child climb stairs?
Children usually climb stairs with help around 12 to 15 months. Independent stair climbing often comes after age 2, with handrail use or adult support.
When should a baby learn to go down stairs?
Babies often learn to go down stairs safely between 15 and 18 months. They first go down backwards while crawling before walking down with support.
What helps babies learn to walk backwards?
Games like follow-the-leader, dancing, and obstacle play encourage backward steps. Role modeling and open space also help babies practice this skill.
Why is walking backwards important for babies?
It helps build body awareness, balance, and control. Backward walking is a sign of healthy motor development and growing curiosity about space.
Should I worry if my baby isn’t walking backwards?
Not right away. If your baby walks forward but not backward by 20 months, check with a pediatrician or therapist for advice on motor development.
