A new study suggests that genetics may play a role in when babies take their first steps, identifying 11 genetic markers related to the milestone. Scientists analyzed genetic data from over 70,000 babies and found that genetics accounts for about a quarter of the variation in when children take their first steps. Professor Angelica Ronald from the University of Surrey said, “Most babies take their first step sometime between ages eight months and 24 months, so it is a wide window." She added that a baby starting to walk a bit later within that window “is not always a sign of problems.” The study found the same factors influencing walking timing also impacts brain development, with walking later being linked to stronger academic performance. Genetics also shows that later walking, within the typical range, may be linked to a lower chance of developing ADHD. The researchers noted that while genetics plays a role in the timing of when children take their first steps, the exact mechanisms behind the variation are still unknown.