My baby will be two next week, she doesnt walk or talk. Everyone tells me i should not be worried, even my doctors. any advice please

Kathy - posted on 09/19/2011

Since you are so concerned about it, get a second opinion from another pediatrian.

Tracie - posted on 09/19/2011

so, Sjyvon, what DID you do? re you taking her to the dr, or are we all here arguing with each other over nothing?

Tracie - posted on 09/19/2011

Carol Jane! comparing height to a developmental milestone such as walking or talking is like comparing apples to oranges. you have obviously NOT had a child affected by a developmental delay, or you would not treat it with such disregard....any baby who is not walking and not talking by age 2 needs to be evaluated!

Ruth - posted on 09/19/2011

Your baby needs assessment by a paediatrician. She is outside of the guidelines for developmental milestones. Early intervention for delayed development is essential for your child's potential in the future. Please seek help asap.

Brenda - posted on 09/19/2011

Please seek another opinion...

Eileen - posted on 09/19/2011

hello! my son lucas was 18 months when he started walking but he had lots of physical therapy first

Rhonda - posted on 09/19/2011

Hello again. You have heard many suggestions here. I hope that you do have some evaluation done soon. I just want to add that developmental exams are not intrusive. The specialist will observe your child in play, initiate play and you can be present and participate in it. Your daughter won"t be poked and prodded during a developmental evaluation. You have nothing to lose getting it done if nothing is wrong, but early intervention is so important if there is a developmental problem. I worked in Early Childhood Intervention for thirty years and what they can do to help you help your daughter is amazing!

Melissa - posted on 09/19/2011

I teach special education & have worked with children w/developmental delays. I also have a niece w/a delay who showed the same symptoms. Please, please get a 2nd opinion, check w/your local public school system regarding early childhood programs & testing. IF there is a delay, early I.d. & therapy is key.

Melissa - posted on 09/19/2011

Child find is a good early childhood resource available through the public school system that can test for developmental delays in speech and motor development.

Sheri - posted on 09/19/2011

Have you had the babies ears checked? Sometimes ear problems can cause them to not talk or walk.

Jan - posted on 09/19/2011

There are many different programs available to you for assessment and some are relativly inexpensive as well as free. Here there is Step Ahead and First Steps. If a problem is found the treatment is free as well. Please have her looked at. A child learns most of their language skills by age 3. That does not mean that they are talking like an adult but only that their brain learns the language function by then. Please have your child assessed right away.

Rhonda - posted on 09/19/2011

The special service department of your local school district will do a developmental evaluation at no cost to you. This could led to knowing how to help and put your mind at ease. Best wishes for your little one.

Sharon - posted on 09/19/2011

When in doubt, check it out! My baby turned two in December and I was concerned that she didn't talk. My doctor advised me to contact Help Me Grow and we started speech therapy which has helped tremendously however her speech is still behind. She will eventually catch up thank God. Make that call, the fact that you are on here is an indication of "doubt", so check it out.

Tammy - posted on 09/19/2011

My son turned 3 on July 31. He has a diagnosis of Autism. Lack of speech at 15 months was the first red flag. He was late in meeting all his milestones of development. You need to get her into an early intervention program and in to see a developmental doctor ASAP. Your wasting valuable time. My son started the needed therapies with EI at 17 months, had his autism diagnosis at 20 months, and we got right into his autism related therapies as well and at age 3 his speech level is over age 4. I know every kids progress is different, and her diagnosis if there is one could be completely different too, however the younger they are and more therapy they get the better outcome in the long run!! You are her primary care giver and advocate and if the doctor you have will not listen I recommend finding a new one who will!

Adrienne - posted on 09/19/2011

my granddaughter had the same problem and she as autism, they found it at 15 months and she was a very late walker and still not talking normally , she is 6 , I hate to say this but it could be it , you can go on austism site and see the symtium of it .

Brittany - posted on 09/19/2011

I personally haven't dealt with this issue, my son was walking and saying words by 10 months, and my 4 month old daughter seems to be following in his footsteps. However I have had several friends who have 2 year olds that didn't walk or talk! The best advice I have is this : as a mom you see your baby everyday you see accomplishments and attitude from your cgild all the time, if there was a problem there would be other things too if your baby is making progress and is active and not truly concerning you I would just let her go , but if you feel like there is a problem go to new doctors and do whatevwr it takes till you feel satisfied. b

Catherine - posted on 09/19/2011

I have 3 children and they were all late walkers (my youngest at 15 months is still to walk), the doctors didn't worry because we could see some development happening, it was just slow. If you can see something happening the rest will follow eventually. If there is no development to be seen you may want to get some further assistance - hospital physios can be very good

Carol Jane - posted on 09/19/2011

Susan, you went with your gut feeling, and that was the right thing to do. I've said alot about not pushing the issue, but if it got lost in the process, that's according to your gut feelings about your child and their development. I started out by saying that in my very first post on this issue. What I've been trying to say is there are some of those things which are "considered" late by age according to the charts whether they have to do with the mind, the body or both. I just hate to see people jump into testing their children too fast and too soon.

Lisa - posted on 09/19/2011

Keep pushing and get in to see the best developmental paediatrician that you can afford. My daughter was exactly the same and she has a global developmental delay. the sooner you get support from the physiotherapist, early intervention teacher and speech language therapist the better things are. She is now 7 and is awesome but still behind in most areas. She will catch up but will always be 'slow' by comparison to her brothers. It may not be this, but if it is the more assistance you have as early as possible the better. People kept telling me I was being over zealous but I'm glad I just did what I thought I needed to and we are better off for following our gut feeling that it wasn't quite right. Either way you'll feel better. Good luck:-)

Susan - posted on 09/19/2011

Hi. I just wanted to reply to this. I have 6 children and my 4th one is 6yrs old now. When he was 1st born his arms were jittery so midwife sent us to hospital for tests. They said nothing was wrong and sent us back home. At 2yrs old we took Robert for his routine 2yr check and my health visitor was concerned about his walking. The easiest way to describe it was he was walking like a sumo wrestler. I hadn't been too worried at the time as he hadn't been walking long so thought he'd grow out of it. Our health visitor wanted to refer him to a paediatrician. We took Robert to see her. One year later just before he was 3 I asked the dr we saw that day if she knew what was wrong as we'd had a lot of tests and i was getting anxious now. She told us my little boy has Cerebral Pausy. we now have a life of physio therapy, doc appointments for development checks, he had to have speech therapy foir a while which he has improved at greatly. It just takes him a little bit longer to speak now but we understand him perfectly. He has to wear a splint on his right leg but overall he doesn't let his CP bother him. He is such a strong little boy and he'll have a go at anything. I am so proud of him.
Bottom line I'm trying to say it is always a worry with kids but they are all different. That's what makes them unique. In the event that there may or may not be something wrong you will still love them for who they are.

Najuma - posted on 09/19/2011

You should have your child check out by another doctor. Make a list of what your child can do and when you go to the new doctor ask about development progress or if your child needs assistants with her progress

Cassie - posted on 09/18/2011

First step is to take her to the doctors, my daughter was 2 and wasn't walking we found out that her arches in her feet we'rent developing properly. The doctor will probably send you to some one who will asses her feet properly. Talking they will send you to speech theripy to teach you what to do

Carol - posted on 09/18/2011

I think we're in a world of testing, testing, and more testing, and seeing things in black and white with little grey or color and throwing common sense to the side in the name of medical miracles. I honestly don't think it would be found that unusual for a good number of children not to be walking and/or talking at two, or even later. There are so many variables. Despite having tall parents, I was always the shortest one in my class, as was my daughter who's dad is about 6' tall. I'm sure either one of us or both could have been put through a myriad of tests, but for what? Because we were low on the height/weight scale?



My point is that we could have had all sorts of tests done because of being so short as kids - not off the charts short, but close. Should we have had a battery of tests to "know" if something was wrong? Should we have taken growth hormones just because we were on the low, very low end of the norm? I don't think so! In the case of a non talking child, I don’t have a problem with having a hearing test, and if there are OTHER grossly obvious problems that may be related, not making eye contact, not wanting to be held - behavior that might signal autism for example, Then maybe testing is appropriate. Otherwise, let the child develop in a way that’s natural to him/her. So I'm back to my original point, a point which many other members have made . . . there is really NO set average, except whatever is average for that child (a little philosophical thought, there, not meant literally), THEN the situation may call for more investigation, but otherwise, let a child develop according to his/her own physiological schedule.



BTW, my daughter and I are both between 5' and 5'1", both heights perfectly acceptable . . . that is unless you want to be a flight attendent!

ANSON - posted on 09/18/2011

i think u should bring to another doc. for wat i know babies should b able to walk before 18mths. if nt there will b a problem. I get to know it from those babies parents seminar.

MaryAnn - posted on 09/18/2011

Call your state Birth to Three agency. If there is a statewide info # callit and find out how to get in touch with them. States re required to provide an evaluation in your home where your child is most comfortable. The evaluators should be a physical therapist and a speech therapist given your areas of concern. They will confirm that the baby is delayed and give you suggestions to help her to learn to do age appropriate tasks. AND come to your home to help you learn how to help her learn. Don't wait for the dr to make the referral, If you are concerned now, make the call now. If it's nothing, then there is no loss in having had the evaluation.

Linda - posted on 09/18/2011

I have to disagree with Jodi Adams. I, for one, did not walk or talk until I was almost 4 and the pediatrician wasn't concerned back then. Going to school was interesting though. Once I started school, I was extremely hyper active (nowadays called ADHD, which to me is a fallacy, but that's another subject).
My daughter (first born) was pretty much like her father, very laid back, but she started talking at about 15 months. Not baby talk, but making full sentences. She started walking on her first birthday and hasn't slowed down since.
When my son was born, he was hyper active (also diagnosed as ADHD, and I refused to give him the drugs to make his teachers happy with a subdued child). He was a speed demon! He couldn't wait to walk and run with his cousins, so he never crawled. He was walking before he was 10 months old. I had to teach him to control his hyper activity because his teachers were not good with understanding hyper activity (brain stuck in the on position constantly). Oh, both my son and I still have very active minds and rarely do we see a good night's sleep. The brain waves do not shut off for anything, including rest.
Each child develops at their own rate.

Linda - posted on 09/18/2011

Get a new doctor. There is something wrong unless she was seriously premature.

Ginger - posted on 09/18/2011

I understand your concern, but dont worry everything will be fine. My son didnt walk until he was 20 months old and is just now starting to talk more and voice his opinions before I heard not a sound. My advice for you is to talk to your daughter like shes going to talk back to you. Ask questions and carry on a conversation. It worked for my son. He turns 4 on Tuesday. Good Luck :)

Vickie - posted on 09/18/2011

even thought the doctors say everything okay,I would see if your community as a infant program though the local social service because they test to see if your child is meeting all of their mildstones medical,education,PT,OT, and speech thearpy or talk to someone at your local children hospital just to be sure.

Sandra - posted on 09/18/2011

I agree with Carri Sussman. You definitely need to get a referral for an evaluation from your district. Both of my boys were late walkers 16 months and 18 months. There is nothing wrong with getting therapy if she needs it.

Kayte - posted on 09/18/2011

my grandson is going to be 3 next month and doesn't say much. we started doing sign language and he picked it up rather quickly. he's now learning to talk. as far as walking, your baby will just get up one day and take off.

Christi - posted on 09/18/2011

If you are worried, you can always contact your local early intervention program for a free evaluation. If the evaluation shows that there is an issue, the early intervention program will provide free therapy. My thought is that a second opinion can't hurt. Good luck!

Rena - posted on 09/18/2011

I def would get a better doctor that is taking your concerns more seriously! My son is 2 years 7 months and says complete sentences using many words... I know he is much older but, I wasconcerned when he took till 12.5 months to walk... I think if it were a serious issue she would have other symptoms and signs, however, it could be a simple delay that could be fixed with PT/OT! Good luck!

Joanne - posted on 09/18/2011

My daughter started walking at 18/19 months. She did not cruise around furniture at all she just used to sit and watch the world go by! She was also seen by a pediatric Dr for something else and was diagnosed with hyper mobility, which was slightly delaying her progress. I then found that buying her some bobux boots helped her balance and they supported her ankles. It is a worry but as soon as she finds her feet there will be no stopping her!! Good luck.

Desirae - posted on 09/18/2011

do u hold baby lots? An important part of them learnin is to let them explore as much as possible. And if it gets past 2 yrs, thy may start doing teests, orf u can rqust thm done, 4 developmental probs. But they mostly do things on their own time, not by what other babies r doing! hope that helps!

Jen - posted on 09/18/2011

It is true that every child develops differently. But the vast majority of children are both walking and talking by 2 years old (depending on your definition of "talking" - lol). Since your child seems a bit delayed in both areas, I don't think testing is out of line. My son had early intervention (0-3 program) for speech and other issues, and it was a big help. If there is a problem, better to find out about it and address it now.

Jamie - posted on 09/18/2011

I wouldnt worry about it, developmental delays are perfectly normal, unless shes showing other symptoms of severe delays, its just going to put her through a lot of unnecessary tests and trials and it will stress both her and you out, which will actually slow her progression more than anything, my daughter didnt walk until 2 1/2 and didnt start talking till 3, i worried just as much however, and once the doctors finally left her alone she started catching up :)

Susan - posted on 09/18/2011

I would take her to the doctor ASAP. In addition, call your school district and demand an evaluation for your state's 0-3 program. If there is truly a problem, you need to address it sooner rather than later. As her mom, you know her better than anyone and don't listen to anyone if you suspect there is something wrong. It is better for you to be wrong and have your child not need anything, than for the "experts" to be wrong.

Christina - posted on 09/18/2011

You should take him to a developmental pediatrician they specialize in that. My 2 1/1 yr old is not talking but he started to but after his surgery to help him breath he stopped. Walking and crawling are big mile stones. A second opinion never hurts.

Carol - posted on 09/17/2011

I disagree. If the child is pulling up and "walking" but not letting go of furniture, he may not be late. He may just be afraid to let go. If he/she is chunky, walking may be delayed. As for words, yes, they say a two year old baby should be able to say about 50 words. Mine did not. Nothing was wrong with her. It isn't necessarily out of the norm. It depends on their surroundings and interaction with their family and other kids. Sometime they hold back because of shyness, sometimes because everyone talks for them. There is NO hard and fast rule about how many words a child should say at a particular time. I believe that if he's trying to walk but not yet talking, you just have to do what you're comfortable with. If your child is witholding speech, you may well hurt him by forcing it. Not walking can, again be because of build, weight, need to walk, and/or cautiousness. Every child's personality is his own, and I don't believe a person can set "exacts" on any of the milestones. If the doctor is not worried, I wouldn't be. Our doctor wasn't worried, I was and we forced our child into doing things she wasn't ready to do, not that she couldn't.

Tracy - posted on 09/17/2011

i would be a little worried. two is late for the walking at least. get a second opinion.

Jill - posted on 09/17/2011

I was worried that my son wasn't talking at two. Took him to the doctors had a hearing test done the whole ten yards. He was fine in every aspect. Than all of a sudden two months later he won't STOP talking! It's great hearing his little voice all day long :) Well other than "Mom mom mom mom mom mom mom MOOOOOM mom? Mom?"

Lisa - posted on 09/17/2011

my son didnt walk until he was 18 mnths old and didnt speak until a lot later, i did have concerns but was told the same as you, not to worry! I work with children and am doing a diploma on children at the moment and all i can say to you is that you kno your child, all children develop at different stages. At home encourage your child by holding their hands or leaving their juice cup out of their reach, keep on talking but only use simple words not long sentences. Take your child back to the doctor and say yet again that you are worried, hope all goes ok x

Rebecca - posted on 09/16/2011

At 2 years old a baby should be able to say about 50 words.

Ono - posted on 09/16/2011

hi dear at 2 year old baby need to walk and talk you should see a doctor for advice my daugther she 3 now at 9 months she walk and talk at 1 years you really go to see your gp or health visitor about it ...

Ono - posted on 09/16/2011

Hi dear you should go see a doctor at 2 years old they need to speak and walk

Jimena - posted on 09/16/2011

I think you should not panic. All the kids have different developments... she seems to be moving around and she is getting her words out. If it gives you more peace of mind, schedule an appointment with a different pediatrician in your local children hospital. My daughter was talking and walking by 9 months, my son walked by 12m but he do not talk as much yet and he will be 2 in February. Doc said that is fine. So keep trying for her to walk on her own and work a lit bit more on her legs and back, but Im sure she is perfectly fine!

Jade - posted on 09/16/2011

As the pediatrician said babies do things at their own speed. Once her hearing has been tested and the doctors say that nothing is wrong. I think parents get worried very easily especially when every other parent tells them that their baby is doing everything all ready and why isn't your baby doing it yet. It makes our own expectations of our own kids unreasonable. Let your child develop at their own rate (Once the doctor says everything is fine) and enjoy them. If you still feel skeptical get a second opinion.

Fiona - posted on 09/16/2011

One thing i will say Is dont always listen to other people you know your child and if your mothering insticts are saying there something wrong follow your gut feeling and get a second opinion

Tracie - posted on 09/16/2011

for people to constantly tell you not to worry, shell be ok...that is irresponsible on their part. Not walking AND not talking, that needs to be evaluated by professionals who deal with this everyday. If there is nothing to worry about THEY will tell you. but if there IS....then THEY can help you!!!