Is your child walking yet?

Fiona - posted on 09/16/2011

I'm in a very similar position my son is 21 months old and cant walk but has been seeing a physio since he was 10months old because he couldn't even sit unaided at 1 yr old so he has been diagnosed as global developmentel delayed so im kinda in the same position due to other reason. But i do know of children who havn't walked till they where 2 and they are perfectly normal

Tracy - posted on 09/13/2011

My son is 2 and 3 months and still not walking. He stands and can cruise, but prefares bum shuffling. Its hard to cope with sometimes as i feel he misses out on a lot of things, but he will do it in his own time and so will your daughter. You can't make them walk only encourage them.

Kim - posted on 04/10/2010

Girls I think develop more slowly than boys do.. My youngest son and my daughter both started walking at about 12 months. My daughter was more like 13 months before she stopped crawling completely. I myself had to have corrective shoes because I walked (literally) on the inside of my feet. I didn't walk until I was 18 months old. There was nothing wrong with me other than the fact that I had weak ankles. She may just be taking her time, and enjoying her time on the floor just checking everything out. Physical therapy isn't horrible though. She would benefit from it, and give you guys something to do together. No worries!

MARTINA - posted on 04/09/2010

JOSEPH HAS BEEN WALKING SINCE HE WAS ABOUT 7 MONTHS. HE STARTED REALLY EARLY SO NOW HE IS A LITTLE BOWLEGGED. HE WAS DOING EVERYTHING EARLY TRYING TO CRAWL AT RWO WEEKS TRTYING TO WALK AT SIX MONTHS EVERYTHING. HE IS VERY INTELIGENT AND A FASDT LEARNER JUS LIKE I WAS.

Carie - posted on 04/05/2010

I'm going through the same thing. At my son's 15 month appt, my dr thought he needed therapy. I've been off work for a month and he is walking around furniture and with our help. I think all babies develop on their own schedule!

Leigh Ann - posted on 04/05/2010

The strength is the issue, not just the walking. If your baby is barely pulling up and is not cruising, I would get her evaluated. Early Intervention is free in the United States. Each state has the program set up a little differently, but they will come to your house for therapy or your child's daycare. Just get the evaluation. It is free. It won't hurt and will calm your mind if nothing is wrong. Good luck!

Charley - posted on 04/05/2010

my boy didnt start walking till he was 16 months old propley his nearly 18 now babys take there time at doing things and wil learn when there ready

Liz - posted on 04/05/2010

My niece didnt walk until 20months and even then she was really wobbly on her feet for ages....there was no medical condition...my sister encouraged her loads...brought loads of walking aids like push walkers but she was just 1 of those children that started late...if they dont have the personal motivation to walk, they won't...its whatever shes wants to so....is your daughter talking much? Sometimes if they are preoccupied with another area of development, they delay other areas...its normal...dont worry...your not alone and she will walk in good time x

Misty - posted on 04/04/2010

The physical therapy can't hurt, where as waiting for treatment might have some affect on her development. My daughter *just* took her first 2 steps yesterday and she's been cruising for about 2 months now. We almost got her into PT but when she started progressing on her own we chose not to. GL mama.

Charlotte - posted on 04/04/2010

Our little girl, Grace, cruises, but has physical therapy because of various issues and they are happy that her progress is on track. A cerebal palsey consultant told us that as long as she was sitting up, by herself, by 2 then she would walk at some point! So I would not worry (unless there are any other issues).

Siobhan - posted on 04/04/2010

Hi Heather,
Your little girl's doctor specializes in child development and health. You can't possibly do any harm by taking her to physio! Kids walk at different times and some need a little more guidance around how it's done. It's amazing how many skills are involved and sometimes kids need to be pointed in the right direction! Good luck!

Lorisha - posted on 04/04/2010

My twins didn't walk until they were 20 months old. They're almost five now and I can't keep up with them! I think it just took extra time...who knows why. I've had another baby since then and she is walking now...she's 13 months.

Jodi - posted on 04/03/2010

I have a 16 month old son who was cruising at 7 months. Everyone said he walk within weeks of that, however he didn't start walking until his 1st birthday (almost to the day, that is 5 months after everyone said he should be walking.) I'm not saying there is anything wrong with your daughter but if it makes you feel better to send her to a few physical therapy appointments do it... if you don't want to that it is your choice I think you should go with your instinct, you are the mom and you should do what you are comfortable with.
~Jo

Carol - posted on 04/03/2010

my daughter started to walk just before she was 15 months. she had been having physio from she was 3 month for a stiff neck so was told she would develop slower at everything than normal. but what is normal? they all develop at different rates and so long as she is starting to do new things there shouldn't be a problem. she first pulled herself up the day after her birthday and it took 3 months to be brave enough to take offf on her own. your daughter will get there once she is showing signs of learning new things

Trina - posted on 04/03/2010

My daughter is 17 months old today and she is not walking yet either. She has been pulling her self up for quite some time now, she was demanding that we hold both of her hands while she walked but now she is walking with the support of one hand only. In short, I believe that we are very near her walking independently and we constantly encourage her to do more. She is afraid and is obviously not ready to walk on her own.

Don't worry...your baby will walk when she's ready!

Conversely, our daughter is saying words, can go up the stairs on her own, can go down the stairs supervised yet there are other children can walk and run but not talk yet.

Heather - posted on 04/02/2010

my son isn't walking yet either and we're having the first steps/early intervention come out anw work with him. he's 16 months old. i'm not too worried about it cuz his sister didn't walk till 17 months either. but she had early intervention too for a couple of months and then they decided she was fine.

Michele - posted on 04/02/2010

My daughter's pediatrician told me the same thing. In my opinion every child grows at their own rate. I didn't start walking until 1 week before my 2nd birthday. My daughter is almost 17 months and she is just now trying to walk on her own. She can walk with assistance of others and walk along furniture. I wouldn't worry about it if i were you as long as she is making some kind of attempt to pull herself up.

Katie - posted on 04/02/2010

I have been so concerned about my 16 month son not walking. He has been cruising around furniture and walking with my help for MONTHS. Finally one day, he was coerced by my husband and I to walk between the two of us and from there he has gotten more and more brave to take more steps. The doctor acted very nonchalant when I expressed my concern and said she'd discuss it at his 18 month check up. So, don't worry, just keep working with her :)

Pamela - posted on 04/02/2010

my son started walking at about 13 months, but i guess its different for every child. you can encourage her by holding her hands and walking with her, i don't think she needs any therapy, they all develop at their own pace. my friend's son didn't walk until he was nearly 22 months but now he flies.

Christina - posted on 04/02/2010

My daughter who is now three didn't walk until at least this old. I remember thinking "geez kid you are getting too heavy to carry!" My little guy this time around started early, but each one has been different. I wouldn't worry.

Amanda - posted on 04/01/2010

Exactly!!!I had to add more to my previous post....Now that I have 3 children,I'm sure any mother can agree with me....I realize how truly fast they grow up!I can say I really enjoy my 16.5 month old being a "late bloomer" if you will!!Once they can walk and talk,it just seems to fly by.Don't get me wrong,I love watching my children grow from catterpillars to butterflie's,but at the same time it's nice to have a little extra time to cherrish the "baby stage". I also find that wherever you go other mothers seem to be in some sort of a competition about the children.All the conversations revolve around,"well now,what is your little Suzie doing,because mine is...."Like when I was a kid my mother and I would go to other peoples houses and while my mom and the other mom(s) chatted,us kids played! Just simply played and it wasn't all about what the other kids were and were'nt doing.Yes,it's nice to have a support group for concerns such as this,but sometimes it's slightly overwhelming with everyones opinions.Everyone else thinks that what they're doing is what you should be doing,or what your kid should be doing,and if you/the child isn't than it's wrong.So again,I'm not the least bit worried,and I am all about early detection,because the earlier you address a problem,the quicker you can work on some sort of a solution!!As mother's we have instincts,and if your's insn't kicking in,then chances are there isn't a problem. Good luck and take care!!

Annette - posted on 04/01/2010

I wouldn't worry either. My daughter was raring to go since she first sat up we actually made her crawl first and that last maybe two months when she turned 10-11mths she decided she wanted to walk and has been zooming around since. Children have different speeds and it seems some are speedier.. is that a word?... than others. Enjoy! don't rush life! i would suggest if there is another problem then get her checked.

Nicole - posted on 04/01/2010

Don't worry you are not alone. My daughter is not walking yet either but she scoots on her booty lolol it's so funny to see her but she is trying to pull herself up and walk. Just give them time and one day out of no where they will walk. Doctors want babies to be walking at a certain age and when they see they're not they think it's a problem but it's not as long as they are healthy you should have no worries. They will reach each milestone on their own time remember every single child is different and grows at different rates too.

Lea - posted on 04/01/2010

I personally don't have any experience with late walkers. Late to me means after 12 months old. All my babies were walking by 10 months, my first @ 8 months. I agree with Sarah Matthews that if your baby can support her own weight and tries to pull herself up along furniture, than I wouldn't worry. As Elaine Campbell says, each baby does things at their own pace.

Don't worry about comparing her to other children, either. I did that with my first two when I realized that not a lot of babies walk before their 1 year old. She'll come into her own and soon enough she won't be able to sit still.

(To Sarah and Elaine, I hope you don't mind that I used your names. I just wanted to make note of who I was agreeing with. Thanks.)

Amanda - posted on 04/01/2010

Hi there! My little girl is 16.5 months and she is just starting to walk but has trouble.My doctor told me that there isn't a concern until 18 months.My first daughter walked at mine months,my second daughter was 8 days before her 1st birthday.Every child is different,so don't get too worried.She has been "later" doing everything...she is very passive.Some kids don't have that desire or need to be exploring.Hang in there...she'll get it!!

Elaine - posted on 04/01/2010

my son is the very same but i really don't think you should be worrying about it just yet babies do everything at their own pace my daughter was runnin about at ten months but her little bro is just taking his time xxx

Sarah - posted on 04/01/2010

I agree with all the people who say it's to early to think about physical therapy. Can your little one support her weight on her legs? If so I wouldn't be to worried. The best thing you can do is just encorage her to use her legs. Hold her hands and walk with her around. At 11 months we would stand my little one up and have her take just a couple steps in between me and my mother in law. We made it into a game and when she made to one of us she got lots of hugs and kisses. She was walking by 12 months. Children just need alot of encouragment. If your doing all you can at home and she's still not doing it then maybe check out the physical therapy. If she has to go don't feel bad. There is probably a reason and it's not your fault.

Kerri - posted on 03/31/2010

My son has been walking since right before he turned 11 months. Some kids wait longer to walk..have you tried holding her hands and walking with her, or letting her try to walk the short distance between you and someone else?

Molly - posted on 03/31/2010

Get physiotherapy. If she didn't spend alot of time on her tummy, her core stomach muscles are probably not strong enough yet. The physio is great and will do exercises and tell you about ones at home that will help strengthen her muscles. Our first son didn't walk until he was 23 months old. He has developmental delay, but I believe he would have walked alot earlier if I hadn't listened to doctors who kept saying wait and see and just gone to a physio. Doctors often don't put have alot of time for physios, but they are wonderful and really work with your child. If that is your daughter in your picture, I wouldn't worry in terms of developmental issues, she looks engaged and really aware.

AnnMarie - posted on 03/31/2010

I am surprised that all these moms are saying to do nothing and just wait! There is NO HARM in early intervention. If she doesn't need physical Therapy the therapist will send you away. But if she does, the most important thing you can do is get her help and support early. This applies to speech, motor, cognitive, etc. I am an audiologist and the number one thing a parent can do to help their child is get early intervention. All you have to loose is an hour and a half of time and probably a $20 co-pay. Don't let pride or fear get in the way of getting a solid answer.

Kalista - posted on 03/31/2010

Don't stress about it my First son did not walk till 18 months. My youngest is 16 month and just starting to pull up and walk around when holding my fingers. It is just normal for some kids. I would not spend too much time worring just let them be kids, and grow at their own pass.

Heather - posted on 03/31/2010

Thanks everyone for the advice and comforting words. Just to keep everyone informed, my daughter is starting to put weight on her feet and walk while holding someones hands, so she is def. making progress. As for the PT, I took her for an evaluation and they wanted to see her 3 times a week for 3 months, but I don't think she needs it. She is just learning at her own pace and is a master climber and crawler, so I am not gonna worry again unless she isn't walking by 20 months.

Ashley - posted on 03/31/2010

mine was born nov 17, 2008 and she started walking about 3 weeks ago. my dr told me the same thng not to worry until she was 18 months

Kendra - posted on 03/31/2010

It wouldn't hurt to get an evaluation, especially if you are concerned. Every baby develops differently, and we all know that some babies walk earlier and some later. My daughter has been walking steadily since 10 months and she climbs everything. My great nephew who is two weeks younger did not start walking until 15-16 months and he is still wobbly. Nevertheless, it would be better to have an evaluation and be told not to worry than to find out down the road that there is a delay and he needs PT. Early intervention often can resolve issues quickly and keep kids from falling behind their peers. PT is not a stigma nor does it mean anything drastic is wrong with your child. Just so you know, my 17 yr old son was born with spina bifida and I was told he would never move from the waist down. I took him to PT and OT all the time when he was an infant, and I believe it is part of what helped him to walk with crutches.

Ginger - posted on 03/31/2010

My son is 16 months old and was born 10 weeks premature. He has no health problems so far. We had early intervention evaluate him just recently at 14 months because he was not walking yet. Part of the evaluation was done by a physical therapist and she explained that babies have to develop good trunk strength before they can walk independently. We did some simple things at home and at daycare. Mostly just making sure that he sits with his legs in front of him to improve back and ab strength. He started walking about 4 weeks later. Early intevention is a great resource.

Heather - posted on 03/31/2010

my baby brother (yes i said baby brother i'm 30 he's 20mo..my dads midlife crisis lol) didn't start walking till he was 19mo i believe..he was very lazy b/c his pawpaw didn't want to put him down..so when he was put on the floor he just crawled to where he wanted to go..he didn't even start pulling himself up till he was 17mo..so i don't think u should worry..

Dawn - posted on 03/31/2010

At 16 months, It's not necessarily concerning that she's not walking. Mine didn't start until just a few shorts weeks ago and is just now able to walk across a room on her own. I would be more concerned about the not pulling up or cruising, since those are usually done earlier. I'm wondering if he's concerned about muscle tone. I would talk with the ped more about what his specific concerns are. Some children just take longer to do these things, but it doesn't hurt to consider all possibilities. Chances are though if your daughter is healthy and happy in eery other way, she's just fine and moving at her own pace. Maybe start giing her more climbing opportunties with pillows etc. and see if it helps. maybe her moving a little more quickly in those areas will help to quell any other talk of physical therapy.

Susan - posted on 03/30/2010

I am a PT and worked in peds for a short time. It is true that all babies meet their milestones at a variety of ages. If a baby walks at 9 months, it doesn't mean that she was "pushed" by her parents, as one poster suggested. Likewise, if a baby isn't walking by a year or more, it doesn't necessarily mean that she is "delayed". My perspective is that there is no harm in setting up an evaluation with a pediatric physical therapist. It very well may be that s/he says there is no need for continued therapy. Maybe set it up for a month or so down the road and see if she starts to walk on her own. Cheers!

Tine - posted on 03/30/2010

It's really normal for them to take longer, even a little longer than 18 months - don't stress and just let him take his time! I'm starting to think peds should go back to school-there have been a couple pf outrageous thing suggested by them on these forums lately..!! My daughter walked early but know LOTS of other babies following your son's timeline ... as long as he's crawling and mobile all is well - crawling is really good for brain development, so he no doubt knows what's good for him!
:-) Relax and enjoy, I say!! And don't go to the ped ... we've never seen one and have the healthiest kid ever!!

Jenna - posted on 03/30/2010

My daughter has been in physio and occupational therapy for over a year... but she has had a numer of sugeries which has caused physical developmental delays.. I would at least get her name down because sometimes there is a very long wait - sometimes months. See if you can have an assessment done by an PT and they will usually tell you what they think you should do and/or if they think therapy would be the best course of action. An assessment wouldn't hurt and you can figure out what you are going to do from there. Best of luck

Amy - posted on 03/30/2010

hey there i lso have a lil girl shes a lil younger than urs but shes pretty much in the same spot as urs. I have been disciraged about it also but i have come to terms with it BECAUSE its aart of her pesonality.What do I mean? Well my ll girl is all about doing things when SHES READY! No one can get her to do anything until shes ready. Plus shes a lil comedian. Everytime she starts to try an stand she falls down(100% on purpose.) She has very strong legs and could stand stand and/or walk when ever she wanted but doesnt! Anyways my point is its OK! I would look at ur lil girls personality plus the strength in her body. I f o feel he's strong then its ok dont worry yet. But if shes really weak in her doby(upper torso, and in her legs) then dont worry!But if you think shes vry weak in those areas u might want to look into the pysical therapy. There is some simple tests can do to check her to see if she has the strength andballence to walk.(my doctor did these to my lil girl to show me she was ready.) It will be ok! Just my have to do what I do and just put alot more practice into it with her! make it a game that way she gets excited!!!plus she will laugh and u will to and that will make u happier and releave the stres ur feeling. but the thing i hated hearing the most people would tell me was, "enjoy it hile u can." Thats the last thing u want to hear when ur worred bout ur kid! I hope this makes u feel better!

Meredith - posted on 03/30/2010

She takes loads of classes with other children her age and is around other walking babies. My Dr advises against seeing a PT too soon, she'll develop at her own rate... it'll be a different story in a few months if she's still not walking, but PT too early can be a little over the top.

Megan - posted on 03/30/2010

Babies are all different. If your pediatrician isn't worried, she probably just isn't ready for some reason or another. But would it hurt to see what the physical therapist says? We had a similar issue with speech with my oldest daughter. In the end, since she wasn't around other kids regularly, we took her to daycare and she started talking. Is your daughter around other kids at all? Maybe she thinks only big people walk?

Meredith - posted on 03/30/2010

My daughter is 16 months today and will walk if holding onto someone or something, but won't let go and would rather crawl. Our ped told us her muscle tone is great so she's either a bit timid or just wants to be more efficient. She was premature (5 weeks), but was ahead on most of her other milestones so I also feel a bit nervous as to why she's not walking yet. It's helpful to hear from other mom's that their children aren't walking yet or that they had children that didn't walk until 18 months old.

Ingy - posted on 03/30/2010

Same here, my daughter is 17mnths and doesn't walk!! she has been cruising and holding to furniture for about 2 mnths or so. She is pre-born too (6wks early) so she abit late in nearly everything. However, we r starting physiotherapy,its better and won't harm if the child is normal. I think u should go for it if ur doc. suggests it

Leanne - posted on 03/30/2010

Hi Heather,
My girl isnt interested in walking, she walks on her knees. What really annoys me is I'm sick of this girl I know saying my girl can almost walk and she is 6 mths younger, I want to say to her good for you pushing your child.
I think dont stress till 18mths thats what my maternal nurse told me, But she also mention that it will take my girl longer as she is super flexible.
We should be happy that we are good mums that arent pushing their children.

Yvonne - posted on 03/30/2010

Hi Heather,

Don't worry, my 17 months old son is still crawling around. He did try to walk without help from one point to another, and it's a very short distance. But that's about it. He still refused to walk and will choose to craw instead..

They are perfectly okie to start walking at a later stage. I know of a few cases that their child only started walking when they are 18-20 months old..

Yvonne Goh

Justine - posted on 03/29/2010

my daughter is the same she is not walking and cruising l was told not mind she will walk when she is ready by my pediatrician

Sharisse - posted on 03/29/2010

I know another guy who is the same age and he isn't walking either. Every baby has their development stages, so not to worry! Maybe just let her hang out in things where she builds her leg strength (like an exersaucer or jumperoo), that's all.

Deanna - posted on 03/29/2010

My daughter took her first steps on her first birthday and then started to full out walk by 13 months. I wouldnt be worried yet.