Yvonne waves triumphantly . Quins take their first steps unaided . Yvonne , foremost of the famous Dionne quintuplets , is the first to walk without help . In a breathless hush , watched by the anxious Dr Dafoe and her admiring nurses , she made her few baby steps across the nursery floor , uncertain at first, but gaining confidence with every stride . Encouraged by her sister ' s example , Emelie followed , successfully negotiating the difficult course across the Quins spacious playroom . Photo shows , Yvonne , Emelie , the second of the Quins to walk without help , eagerly waits to start her new adventure , as Cecile tumbles over after the first few steps . . 17 November 1935