32 Week Preemie That Is 14 Months and Not Walking

I guess I'm a little late in responding. I just wanted to say that my now 6 year old son, who was almost 2 weeks overdue, didn't walk until 15 months. We got hassled by friends because he wasn't walking, and I ignored them. But eventually took off and is fine. Relax and hang in there!

I have three kids... 5 1/2, 4, and 10 months. All were born at 40 weeks... and the older two both did not start walking until they were 16 months. My 10 month old has not started to crawl yet either. And I am not concerned yet... they will all do it when they are ready. So I would say not to worry about it yet (I know, easier said than done!).

My sister in law had twins at 34 weeks. Their doctor didn't say they were officially delayed until they weren't walking at 18 months. They started walking around 20 months and are doing fine. They never did any physical therapy or anything like that. It will be awhile before you have to worry. Just enjoy!

Hi A.! I don't really have any experiences with preemies..but my own daughter, born at 40 weeks and 2 days, didn't take a step until she was 15 months. She was just so nervous about it. My cousin didn't walk until 18 months. Of course, you want to keep monitoring her...but I wouldn't stress it right now. I sure did when my daughter wasn't walking...and now she runs..especially away from me!
A. :)

I personally do not have a premie- but, one of my students in my Baby Boot Camp class has a little boy that was born at 24 weeks and he did not start walking until about months ago at about 21 months old and he goes to PT twice a week. From what I've heard, just like any other baby they all go at their own pace so don't be worried. Good luck.

Hi A.,

This is normal for preemies. My daughter was born at 29 weeks, my brother and sister were born at 31 and I have two nephews also born early. My daughter was the most severe case, and the one I have the most hands-on experience with. But with all of them, I can tell you that they did not follow the charts and guidelines. None of them were "caught up" by age two and you shouldn't let that concern you. Everything will happen, but in its own time and a bit later than the full-term kids. But that's ok. Sometimes I like to think that even through the mishaps we had with my daughter, we are blessed because we got to have a "baby" for longer than usual (since she was so delayed in doing everything). Now she is a vivacious 4 year old, with nothing holding her back. She is small for her age, and we know she will never "catch-up" fully in that area. But we know she will be just fine and lead a normal life. The same will be true for your daughter, the best thing you can be doing for her is therapy. Sometimes, it is really tiring, but keep it up.

Good luck.

A.,

My son was born early too and he was delayed as well... He began crawling at 12 months and walking at 18 months. We had him in occupational therapy and it helped so much. I think you are on the right path and just do the homework that the physical therapist gives you. My son is great now! Running with the best of them!

I really wouldn't worry about it. My son just started walking @ 15.5 mos...and the normal range is up to 18 mos. You're still in the normal range, first of all, and second, she's a preemie. A lot of preemies do things late, so she may not start walking until after 18 mos and that's OK. She's cruising, so that's an excellent sign that walking is in the not too distant future. Relax & enjoy!

Hi A.. I know your frustration very well. My oldest daughter was born at 29 weeks. I tried my best to treat her "normal" expecting her to meet each milestone when she was suppose to. She, too, didn't start crawling until around 11 months nor did she start walking until she was 14 months exactly. We never did physical therapy. I let her play and encouraged her to walk until she grew frustrated and then I let her play on her own. However, even children born on time don't always do things "on time". Did you or your husband walk late? I've heard that makes a difference. As long as she is healthy physically (normal neck and limb movement) and mentally, I wouldn't worry too much. Sometimes, they since our frustrations and that can set them back. I pushed my daughter too hard to talk more (she was actually doing quite well now that I've looked back at videos) and she regressed! She will walk. Just be patient with her. =)

My niece was was born at 39 weeks and didn't walk until she was 14 months. My son, who was a full term baby, didn't crawl until 10 1/2 months and was walking at 11 1/2 months. My newphew was also a full term baby and was crawling by 5 1/2 months and walking at 10 months...babies are so different and just watching my three has made me realize that - I have stopped reading about milestones because I now know from experience that all babies reach those milestones at different times and stages and it is all based on when they are ready.

My bff has 4 children. Her son, now 7, did not start walking before 16 months. He was born at 40 weeks. Her 3rd child was a preemie and very tiny. She is now 3 and has developed at a normal stage. She walked at 12 months. The 4th child, now 2, was born at 40 weeks. She did not start walikng before 17 months and has been delayed compared to the avaerage child. We have learned that it really does not matter how long it took for each of them to walk. As they grow, they are the same as all of the other children..good luck..

Relax! 14 months is not delayed. My full term baby didn't walk until 15 months and no one ever batted an eyelash. Doctors and therapists get too hung up on what is "normal". Yes, with a preemie you have to watch for delays and thereapy won't hurt, but don't get all stressed out that your baby is not meeting the milestones when the docs say she should. Remember that all the charts on growth and development are based on averages. If you remember how to calculate an average, remember that there are always some values that are very high (kids that grow/develop fast) and some that are very low (kids that develop slower). Being on the edges of the curve does not mean something is wrong. I always worried about my daughter because she is very tiny - she was never even on the growth chart. But her perfectly healthy grandmother is only 4'8" tall! She didn't walk until she had it perfected - she never pulled herself along on furniture or stood with help. She just one day started standing in the middle of the room and the next week was walking. All kids are different. I've known preemie moms of micro-preemies (30 weeks or less) who's kids didn't walk until two, they are right on track now. I hope this helps - I hate that doctors get so hung up on normal and freak out us mothers that want the best for our babies.

calm down mom. she's not in a hurry so don't you be. Baby's do their own thing on their own time line. No two are alike. She's not ready, when she is, look out! Relax, your little one is slow now, but just you wait! Ask any mom. (smile)

This would be a concern with any mom, premie or not. But those who have had to be concerned will tell you the same, She will walk when her times to walk comes.

You're doing good!

Hi A. my son was born at 32 wks and 1dy and he's also in physical/occupational therapy at wolfson hospital. He's 9 mths old and he's just now rolling over and sitting on his own and with the help of therapy and his big sister he's crawling now but before therapy he was not doing anything but laying around and wanting to be held. Therapy help him alot but there are other kids that attend that same therapy unit with him that's not doing as good as he is so you have to not try to compare your daugther with other kids her age because preemie's all develop at their own rate even though they try to put them on a chart. As a mother I know we want our kids to do what our babie to all develop about the same time, but in this case it my not happen. If you think that she needs more thearpy or a different kind you may want to talk with the therapist about that also.

I pray that your daughter will start to walk and that your mind will be put at ease to know that she will be ok. She will one day be running around with her big brothers none stop.

I'm also late in responding, but more fuel for the "don't worry about it (much)" fire:

My 31-week preemie didn't walk until he was one day shy of 18 months, which according to the therapists was within the developmental guidelines (especially for his adjusted age). He never really crawled at all so we worked on coordination during therapy, as well; he was a "scooter" who moved around on his bottom - very unique. :) He's three now and you'd never know he had any sort of delay or that he was born early.

Hang in there and keep doing what you're doing with the therapy and exercises and she'll be running before you know it.

Hello. I understand your worries about your daughter not walking yet. My daughter crawled at 10 months of age. She is not a preemie but, was delayed in her walking as well. I took her to a physical therapist for about 9 months until she did finally start walking at 20 months!! I myself also walked around the same time as a baby. I am completely normal and so is my daughter. It was a hereditary thing as well as a personality thing. She just was scared and cautious. She was always extremely verbal and excelled in find motor skills as well. I know my daughter was the extreme and I highly doubt your daughter will walk that late. I am a stay at home/work from home mommy so being home with her was great because I was able to help and support my daughter all the way!
I guess my point is....not to worry too much. Just support her and help her but, know that she will walk when she is ready. Keep doing what the PT tells you to do and I am sure all will be just fine. Sounds like you are a great and concerned mommy!!! I also learned (I am a clinical social worker) that the normal range to walk is between about 10 and 15 or 16 months.
Good luck to you and no worries!
M.
www.workathomeunited.com/M.

I cannot tell you about preemie, however, just to reassure you, some kids, even not preemie are just late walker. Don't be too focused on that and try not to put too much pressure on her walking... she may get irritated and delay it even more. Try to do some FUN exercise, with always some congratulations when she succeeds, but do not give her a bad face if she does not want or can't walk yet, and don't compare obsessively with others kids her age. Every child is different and have hos own pace. Be patient, If she is doing fine in her physical therapy, I am sure she will be walking by the time she is 20 months.
Enjoy watching her learn and grow.

It is perfectly normal for all babies to walk, talk, everything really at different times! Babies advance at THIER pace. I have 4 children, no preemies, and I babysit for a living (for the past 6 yrs, I start watching at age 6wks and keep through school age) the range for walking is at early as 9 months and as late as 14 months. The one (my now 3 yr old) that was 14 months when he walked was born 2 days after his due date. The pulling her legs up thing is the phase right before walking, I have a feeling she will be walking in the next 3 months. Just keep working with her and she will do great!!! Don't stress out, you are doing great!!! =D

Hi, my little girl was born at 25 weeks and she did not walk until 23 months and had no physical therapy. She is now 4 and is fine-actually she is more active and I hate to say this but actually smarter than my 6 yr old boy who was not a preemie. I freaked out too and people kept looking at me like-why isnt she walking yet but I say just ignore her because they all grow up too fast. Where was she born? My daughter was born at Arnold Palmer Hospital. Email me if you have any other preemie questions and I will try to help. S.

My second child was a month pre-mature. She was late in walking. She is almost two and has only been walking for a few months.

Hi A., I didn't have a preemie, but my oldest daughter didn't walk until she was 16 months old. It was like she didn't even know she had legs and then one day she took off in a Drs office waiting room (we were there to have an ultrasound to find out what sex our second child would be...sibling rivalry started early I guess.) Good luck with your baby!

my daughter us the same way but she will hold my hand and walk she hlods on to stuff and walk i just gave up trying diffrent things and said to my self she will walk when she ready like most babies

I know you have plenty of responses but just to assure you. My niece is almost 19 months and she is barely walking right now. She is fine and her doctor says it is fine. Some babies do stages at different ages. There are guidelines that the dr and parents follow but it is not all set in stone. Some children do things a little early and some do it a little later. My first walked when he was almost 15 months were my daughter walked right at 1. Dont ever compare your children to other children. They are all different. I would say, ENJOY her. They grow so fast. You were given a gift she is staying in this stage a little slower than others. I would just ENJOY it!!!!!

My twins were preemies also I remember the physical therapist telling me that although they are calendar wise say 14 months, she is really only about 12 monthes or less because she had to catch up on those 8 weeks and also had to do it on the outside. That made me less worrisome because my twins were the same way. So she is not behind at all, but right on schedule. Preemies tend to fully "catch up" to full term babies by about 5yrs old. She sounds like she's doing great, so no worries! :> Keep up with the exercises as they do help, just don't compare her to a 14 month old schedule because she's technically not.

Take care!
A.

My son was a 32 weeker and he was just over 13 months old when he took his first steps. It will come and she'll catch up. Usually by age 2 you don't see much of a difference between a preemie and full term baby. She'll get there don't worry!

There is a way to help baby walk, instead of holding the child's hands, you get behind them and hold them up by their hips. This actually encourages proper alignment of the lower spine while learning to walk. Much better than the arched back that occurs with the hands held.

I'm not going to pretend to know anything about preemies, but I will tell you that I have 3 children who were full term and all 3 of them are very different when it comes to walking. My first started walking on his 1st birthday but was standing alone for several minutes from 10 months.
My 2nd started walking at 9 months.
My 3rd is 11 months old and she started crawling at 7 months and just this week started "cruising". We have a walking/push toy that I have been making her play with because she doesn't try to walk either, she lifts her legs like your little girl does. I'm pretty sure my little girl is just lazy!
I have a friend who's son didn't star walking until he was 15 months and he was also born full term...it just took him longer.
And, great job for doing the PT exercises at home! I used to work in a PT clinic and the most aggrivating thing was when people didn't do their exercises at home...especially when it was parents who didn't do them with their children!

Hi A.,
Just wanted to share. A good friend of mine had a 32 week preemie who did not walk until 19 months. He didn't even crawl until 13 months, so sounds like your little one is doing just fine. She is actually within the normal range for all babies.

They did physical therapy as well, but it didn't seem to make him walk any sooner than he was ready. Keep up the good work!

My son was born @ 35 wks and didn't walk until 15 months old. In fact, he walked around on his knees forever and I wondered if he was content to just keep it that way.:>)
She's fine! Enjoy your precious blessing!