By 12 months of age, which gross motor milestone is typically achieved?

• A. Crawls on all fours.
• B. Sits without support; pulls to stand; cruises; may take first steps.
• C. Climbs stairs unassisted.
• D. Walks independently.

Answer: (D)

Walking independently by about the first birthday is the typical gross motor milestone at 12 months. After learning to sit and then to crawl or scoot, many infants begin pulling to stand and cruising along furniture, and around this age they often take a few unaided steps, progressing toward independent walking. Earlier milestones like crawling on all fours and sitting without support usually occur earlier in infancy, while climbing stairs unassisted and walking without help tend to come a bit later. So, the ability to walk independently around 12 months is the milestone most people expect at this age.