Cant Get My 15 Month Old to Walk. Help!

I did in home daycare and one of the kids I had had the same problem. I would put a small toy in her hand(s). She felt like she was holding onto something and she would walk. If she dropped the toy she stopped and sat down to play with it. Eventually she held the toy more than she dropped it and became a confident walker.

Hi T., My daughter didn't walk on her own until 17 months and my nephew was 18 months before he walked. Anything at or before 18 months is perfectly normal according to the experts, especially if he is walking with assistance. Just try to enjoy the ability to catch up with him right now...as you know you won't be able to keep up with him once he starts running! If you want to give him more practice, we had good results sitting on the floor and having her walk back and forth between us, gradually increasing the distance.

He will catch up! My daughter did not walk full time until she was 17-18 months old! She RUNS everywhere now at 27 months old and is very bright and energetic - just let him do it in his own time :)

T., try not to worry too much! Children develop at different rates with different skills (motor, verbal, social, etc.). My son walked at 14 months, and my daughter walked at 13 months ... both have had very different developments though (with their verbal, eating, motor skills). I have a good friend whose daughter didn't walk until 18 months ... and now she's all over the place, and there wasn't or isn't anything "wrong" with her at all! She was "getting around" otherwise without having to walk, so she just didn't feel the need to walk until she was truly ready. I would mention it to your pediatrician (if it's something you're concerned about) at your baby's check-up (guessing he goes at 15-months for a well check-up). And, just keep working with him ... the more practice he gets, the more likely he is to start taking steps on his own! Trust me, once he's walking all over the place, you'll miss those days of less mobility! Ha ha! ;) They get harder and harder to keep up with after they start walking! Good luck and best wishes to you and your family!

your son sounds just like my daughter. she was 15 months old before she took one step alone, and almost 18 months before she walked on her own all of the time. what really got her walking was taking her to the pool over the summer. the pool deck was really rough and it hurt her knees, so she walked there instead. if not for that i may have had to carry her to kindergarten. just relax, and remember that they all walk on there own time. you cant rush it, just wait it out.

If he will walk in front of you while holding you hands here's what we did... my husband got tired of walking our daughter in front of him cause he was bent over and it hurt his back so he got wooden spoons with long handles from the kitchen and let her hold them while he walked with her. Then one day he just let go and she walked all the way down the hall by herself holding those spoons. Once she realized she was by herself she fell and cried but later that day she tried by herself and that was it the fear was gone of walking by herself. Maybe try that and see if its just a fear of him letting go.

GET HIS EARS CHECKED!!!! My daughter was not walking and not speaking very well. At her 12 mo. check-up she had fluid in both ears, no infection, no fevers, no fussiness, no nothing pointing towards ear infections. Had tubes put in and she was walking in 2 weeks. A different child.
Does he act like he is scared to death to let go??? That's how she was.
Good luck!

Give him more time. It will happen and when it does... watch out. My son didn't even really cruise furniture until he was about 15 months and then he went straight from crawling to full on running. I just say that he didn't want to waste his time walking. If he wanted to get something, he wanted it quickly and he could get it faster crawling or runnung. Take this time to rest up before he starts walking or running. Keep us posted.

I just read some of the other posts and I agree to get his ears checked. Fluid on the ears is very common and definitely affects their walking and talking. It can't hurt to get it checked out but if his ears are clear, I will stick with my original advice. Give him time. :)

T.

My lil boy was 15 months old before he started walking. He would pull up on everything in site, but just couldnt stand alone or take those first steps. Little did I know, he was very OFF-BALANCE. He had several ear infections and was sent to an ENT after having one right after another. He went in for tubes in his ears on a Friday morning and then after coming home and sleeping off the anesthesia, not only did he stand alone for the first time, but he began walking that very afternoon. And let me assure you, he has not slowed down since and he just turned 3 in March. His equilibrium was very off. He had so much fluid in his ears, he just could not stand or walk without help. This may not even be the case with your child, but dont fret.. it will all come in time.

Girl, he is way too young to be concerned. Our oldest walked at 15 months, youngset at 9 months....we did not do anything differnt with both of them. Gosh I have a friend who watched a little boy who at 15 months was still content to be in the excersoucer. He started walking at 19 months and now is not any differnt from other 3 year olds.I think as a mom you would know if there is something really really wrong.

He is getting ready to take off...then there is no stopping him. I would not stress it. Some children are late walkers both mine were and there was nothing "wrong" with them.

Chill out.... I know easy to say right?? I have a 14 month old who isnt walking and the docs say nothing to worry about. she will do it when shes ready and after having a 10 month old walk... well im just fine with her crawling!! i was 17 months old when i started walking and well im still walking just fine :) talk to the doctor if you are really worried. but like i said my daughter has only taken a few steps alone ONCE!! and she just started walking holding my hands about a month ago... dont worry yet and enjoy it while you can!

You asked, "What can I do to get him to walk all the time." The answer is, "Just wait, he'll walk soon enough all the time." I know because I was in your shoes 6 years ago. My son started walking at 15 months when I had given up trying to make him. He would do all the things your son was doing. Like holding the furniture and holding my hand, taking a few steps here and there but just wouldn't let go for long periods of time. One day while watching TV he was walking around the coffee table--round and round. And then a commercial came on that fascinated him--he walked to the TV. Me and his dad just looked at each other but didn't say anything to see if he'll walk back to the coffee table and lo and behold he did it. Then he realized he could do it so he he kept doing it and proceeded to go other rooms. Moral of the story: When I stop trying to make him, he decided to do it on his own". Happy walking because it's just around the corner. Get ready because you're going to get your exercise on getting him out of stuff. :)

"What can I do to get him to walk all the time?"

Wait until he feels like it. Children walk at different ages. My 3rd walked at 7 months, and my 7th didn't walk until 18 months.

When we want to encourage a child to walk, my husband and I will sit a few steps apart on the floor. I get the baby balanced on his feet, and then say, "Walk to Daddy!" and give him a nudge. The baby walks (or staggers, or falls, or crawls) to Daddy, and gets a hug. Then he goes the other way. Once he can walk three steps, we move back and try five.

It sounds like your son is uncertain about his balance. Giving him practice in a positive environment should help him to develop more confidence.

Sincerely,
C.

Just be patient. He's clearly on his way to being a walker, so there's nothing to worry about. There's a pretty wide range for walking--nine to 18 months! If your son isn't walking on his own by 18 months, then talk to his doctor, but my guess is that he'll be a full-fledged walker within the next month. Good luck!

Please don't worry. There's a pretty wide range of ages at which children start to walk. I had a 9 month old, an 11 month old and a 16 month old, and others I know have had children that were older than that. From your description he's advancing just fine.

Hi,While he is walking holding the future.Have in your hands his car & firetruck walk backwards with your hands out(toys in left & right hand) Do not put the toys down.Do not let him get close enough to touch.He will walk to them. Sounds mean. Think of it this away he will be a man one day & will go after what he wants not what a female wants him to do.:-) Have Fun & Play.Holding the toys or what ever higher walking backwards.Play lets pick up your toys & put them Up,Smiling, laughing & try not to make it work & boring.GOOD LUCK I wished I still had those days with my son.

Hi T.
I've read a few of the responses. Everyone knows what they know from their own experience. That's the beauty of Mamasource... so much experience!

What I offer is from my training as a CranioSacral Therapist (www.upledger.com) and in Visceral Manipulation (www.barralinstitute.com).

While on the outside babies can look perfectly "normal" on the inside there may be tensions, restrictions or trauma that interfere with the functioning of organs, tissues, bones and the nervous system.

I think the suggestion of a physical therapist is good. I also think an Occupational Therapist is good also - they are trained to work with children and understand what to look for in developmental aspects.

Please look at the Upledger website and read some of the testimonials about parents who have seen wonderful changes in their children (and themselves) after a few sessions of CST or of Visceral Manipulation.

CST and VM are very light touch, non-invasive body work by a trained therapist to support the body to release the tensions or trauma that are preventing the normal functioning within the body. These tensions can enter into the baby's body in utero or during birth. It's a difficult trip through the birth canal, requiring much twisting and turning, pressure (that is good for the baby but if the baby is not in the optimal position, can cause trauma), etc.

On the Upledger website, click on Find a Practitioner. Enter your city/state or the closest one to you. Take the time to find someone who has experience with children. Call him or her first to get a sense over the phone. If you decide to go, please do not expect a miracle after one treatment. The therapist does not "fix" the body, he/she supports the body to heal itself.

And I also agree with many of the moms, please do not worry. I used to say to myself when my boys were young - "They won't be doing this by the time they go to college!"

Best wishes
P. Y

When my daughter wa 13 months old she took three steps all on her own. Then another day another step. But then she stopped walking on her own. She would push things and walk behind them. She would push her stroller from one end of the mall to the other. But was scared to let go and do it on her own. She would hold on to the wall and walk down the hall way. I went to babies r us and bought Walking Wings. It is like a harness you put under thier arms an=round thier chest and you have handles to help balance them. It made it possible for Ashley to let go of things and not be afraid to fall. She was walking a month later all on her own and very steady.

Does he have a history of ear infections, sometimes when they start to walk if there ears have fluid on them, it can make them feel sort of dizzy and off balance. stand close to him when he takes steps so he knows your there to catch him if he falls. Take it slow, He will walk.

Hi, He will walk in time. Try having him hold a little stuff animal that he likes really well. Sometimes if they are just holding onto something it helps. Some children are just slower walkers then others. May God Be with you.
A mother of 8. M. B

My son was the same way ! One day he stood up on his own and took off from there. It will happen when HE is ready ! I know how frustrating it is to see other kids walking at very young ages. Just remember that when he does start walking on his own it will be a whole other world trying to keep up ! My son is now 6 and we smile about the days when had to have his 'walker'. Try to enjoy the baby days they go so fast.

all i can tell you is to be patient! my oldest son who is almost 15 now, took forever!! i was pregnant with his brother and almost ready to give birth when he finally decided to start walking at 19 months. he could do it, but i think it was fear that was keeping him from letting go. all kids are different. my daughter started walking at 8 months and was potty trained at 14 months, and both are just as smart as each other....too smart i think!!! anyway, good luck and just enjoy not having to run after him quite as much until he does decide that he can do it!!

Your child will walk when he's ready. Its not something you can force (or should force) Its not like he is going to hold onto you or your husband his whole life!

Sounds like he is doing just fine and is getting around to it in his own time, my eldest daughter walked on her own on her first birthday, my youngest was 12months and one week. one of my nephews was only 9 months and was off like a shot another was doing everything that your Son is doing now and did not walk on his own till 18 months. So no need to worry.

A friend of mine who is a physician had a son that did not walk alone until he was 2 1/2. Nothing was wrong, he just didn't want to I guess. I think your son is definately young enough that you should not be worried. As long as he doesn't act like it hurts him to stand or walk, just keep encouraging him. He will take off before long and you will wish you could keep up, begging for the days before he could walk!!
Try not to worry, many kids aren't walking at this age, he sounds normal.
Jessi

You should call and get early intervention services for your son. It is a free service offered through the county. It will consist of a physical therapy evalation and then treatment. Or you can go directly to the pediatrician and get a PT Rx. I would strongly recomend First Steps Pediatric Inc located in charlotte. Ask for the owner Rosemary DeMillo. If you son does not have any underlying diagnosis I would suspect that it will be a issue easily resolved by alittle physical therapy.
Hope this helps.

T.,

We struggled with this in my home too. My husband and I tried everything to coax our son into taking a few steps at this age. Nothing worked. Our pediatrician wanted to do some tests and brain scans if he wasn't walking by 18 months old and we were worried. Our little one was happy, energetic, and smart but not motivated to walk. Then literally the day after he was 18 months old, he walked - on his own, without coaching - and has been running ever since. Try not to worry too much unless not walking is accompanied by other developmental struggles. And remember that there have been studies showing that the children that walk later often excel academically - must be all that time we spent sitting and reading. :)

Try giving him symmetrical objects in each hand---I used pretzel sticks, cylinder shaped blocks. The object is to make him think he's holding on to "something" just like momma's/daddy's fingers. This helps him develop his own balance. Hold his favorite toy, a nibble of food, etc.. and encourage him to walk for it. Bribery in a sense. When he walks, give him the reward.
Make a game out of it. Don't sweat it too much, when he's ready he may start running. Then you'll be running to keep up with him.
God Bless!

Give him time girl!!! He will walk when he feels confident enough in himself to walk. You can't rush these things. Not all babies walk at the same age. I've seen babies as young as 9 months walk; I've seen 18 months old still not walking, just "cruising". He will walk in due time; just keep encouraging him and be ready with that video camera when he does!!!!

He does NOT need therapy. Pediatricians dont even become concerned about walking until around 18 months. He will walk when he is ready, and based on your description it wont be long. Relax, let him do his thing and before you know it he's going to be walking everywhere.

I would just let him take his time, maybe encouraging him to walk to you from time to time. You might be making him uneasy if you're feeling anxious. Your pediatrician would be a good one to ask about this. I think a lot of toddlers don't walk until 15 months or older.

Don't stress over it. Some children are late walkers.
One of my daughters walked at 17 months, the other at 18 months, and my son at 21 months. He may have poor trunk tone, so when he has built up his muscle tone, he will be able to carry his own weight. You may want to consult with your pediatrician, and see if they think you need referral to a physical therapist.

your babe is learning about being brave. Hold onto the top of a pencil or long ago a clothes pin and when the babe is not watching you let go...it will take a few times and encouragement from you and away the babe will go....all by theirself...and then it will be I can do it by myself...enjoy the journey
Betty

Dear T.,

Don't worry, he will walk when he is ready. If he walks while holding your hand, he feels safe and will soon start doing it alone. You could stand out in front of him with a cookie or other thing that he might like and let him hold onto a coffee table, etc, then just get a couple of steps away from him and hold out the cookie. He will reach for it and usually let go taking a step or two. He will soon figure out it's ok to let go. Don't worry, he is ok.

One of my grandbabies didn't crawl until about ll months and then walked at 12 months. She is super smart and in excellerated classes, etc..., so don't worry, your baby is fine.

K. A.

the wooden spoon trick works!

T.,

I used to be a preschool director and I've seen this several times before!! Don't panic! You need to contact a pediatric physical therapist and have your son seen for an assessment. Most times your insurance will pay for this, and any therapy your child may need.
I've seen children go from not walking at all to running down the hallway in less than 6 months!

Good luck!

K.

As long as he is doing those things, he's normal! I work at a Mother's Day Out program, and we're seeing quite a few babies who don't walk until well after their first birthday. My oldest didn't seem to want to walk - she cruised like your son, but didn't walk. We moved when she was fifteen and a half months old, and when we opened the door to our apartment she took off running! Give him a few more months - as long as he's doing the other things, he's not showing signs of physical or mental impairment. He'll get comfortable with it very soon.

T.,

Sounds like he will be taking off on his own any day. My advice is be patient. My daughter did not walk until 15 months too. She would walk behind her toys or holding on to us and she would "cruise" on the furniture but we could not even get her to stand on her own or attempt any steps. One day we set her down and she walked across the room and that was it. So I would not worry and I bet he will be walking in no time!

Holly

Your story sounds like mine, except my son just turned 1. My daughter started walking at 11 months. My son acts like he could care less if he walks or not. My pediatrician said that if they are expert crawlers, walking may be delayed, but she also said that if a child isn't walking by 16 months, you should be a little concerned. Hope this helps.