A mother brings her 12-month-old daughter for a well-child check. The mother expresses concern that her daughter is not yet walking independently. On examination, the child crawls efficiently, pulls to stand, and cruises along furniture. She babbles "mama" and "dada" non-specifically and waves bye-bye. What is the most appropriate next step?

The correct answer to the question "A mother brings her 12-month-old daughter for a well-child check. The mother expresses concern that her daughter is not yet walking independently. On examination, the child crawls efficiently, pulls to stand, and cruises along furniture. She babbles "mama" and "dada" non-specifically and waves bye-bye. What is the most appropriate next step?" is Option B: Reassure the mother that this is within the normal developmental range..

The other options — A) Refer for physical therapy evaluation., C) Order a head CT to rule out cerebral palsy., D) Refer for genetic testing. — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: Independent walking typically develops between 9 and 15 months. This child demonstrates age-appropriate precursors like crawling, pulling to stand, and cruising, indicating normal motor development.