Help with My 16 Month Old!

If I were you, I would set up an appoinment with her doc or ask some questions at her 18 month appointment. But I personally don't think there is anything wrong with her. Every kid is different. I know a couple that have an 18 month old that only walks on her knees. She is healthy and doing great, but absolutely does not want to walk on her feet...unless no one is watching. Everyone wants their child to develop normally, but every child has something that makes them different. Don't worry too much about it. Especially if she can stand and walk holding onto something. It sounds as if her feet and joints are working just fine.

Hi there,
My son didn't walk for a long time, and his speech was also slow. We got involved in Early Start, part of Head Start. There is a program called No Child Left Behind that has money dedicated to early intervention. I don't know how it would work for you, but some programs have therapists come to your home to provide services. I got speech, occupational and physical therapy at my home. Luke ramped up just great and now he runs, jumps and talks all the time. Good luck!
A.

Ultimately ask your doctor. I have worked with infants and toddlers for years and they all develop so differently. My guess is you have nothing to worry about. It is easy to get caught up in all of the hoopla of milestones and things but just try to look at it differently. Your child is mobile and chooses a different way to move about, a unique way. She is moving that is the important thing. Take lots of pictures and enjoy it while you can. In twenty years you will look back and wonder why you were worried. She may be one of those special tykes that thinks outside of the box.

Hope this helps:)
T.
p.s.
I didn't color inside the lines that worried my mom.

C.,
I am the mom of an almost 2 year old little girl, who started walking at 14 months of age--but I actually didn't walk until I was over the age of 2 years!! I am now a healthy 40 year old, and I also happen to be a pediatric nurse. If your child is reaching the other physical milestones--such as cruising, crawling, pulling herself up--then I wouldn't worry yet, as she is moving at her own pace and will likely start walking in a matter of months. All kids are different--some walk very early, many are walking by one year or so, and then others don't walk until late--like me!! Anyhow, without seeing her, it sounds like she is just setting her own pace. :) Hope this helps!

Hi C.-

This is getting close to the far end of the "normal" developmental range. I encourage you to talk to her doctor about it soon and he will check her out and give you some referrals if needed. There are also Birth to three or birth to five programs in many areas that help screen for developmental delays and then start occupational therapy or physical therapy if that is what your baby needs. You can contact you local school district, if they are not the ones who do that program, they can tell you who does. There is also the Volunteers of America referral line. They have people trained to talk to you and give you all the phone numbers you need to access assistance. You can get that number online or in the WA state phonebook.

Early intervention is really important for young kids, the sooner we get them back on track, the better they do. And if she doesn't need services, then you have you peace of mind and know you did everything you could- and you can patiently wait for those first steps. :)

Good luck.
M.

I've known several kids to not walk until after eighteen months. What does her doctor say? Crawling and scooting come in so many variations that I'm not sure there is a normal. If she just started crawling just before turning one she may not be ready to walk yet. I would consult her doctor. If the doctor doesn't see a problem then relax and enjoy your daughter and what she can do.

Hey C.-

So many moms worry about this! You are not alone. All babies walk when they're ready. If your daughter is moving (getting where she needs to go) and staying active, you're both doing what you need to. Many babies walk earlier than 16 months, but some just have their own clock. If she is engaging with you, makes eye contact, and seems otherwise developing on track, don't worry at all. Oh, and I didn't walk or talk until I was three! Everyone thought there was something wrong with me, but my parents gave me time to be myself, and it was a great gift.

I am 29, nanny of two (5 and 7) since 2002.

Hi C....I wouldn't worry. My daughter did the same thing. She didn't start walking until after she was 16 months old. I asked her doctor if I should be concerned and he said only if after 19 months and if she wasn't trying to walk at all. It sounds like your little girl is walking around hanging on to stuff. She sounds like she is just taking her time! Trust me...before long she will be running!!! :) Hope this helps!

Be patient! She'll take off when she's good and ready. My oldest child walked at 10 months. However, my youngest did not walk until 21 months. Yes, that's right - almost 2 years old! Not a thing wrong with her, she was just a very mellow baby. Now, she's a very busy, very active 3-year-old who runs and climbs just as well as her peers. Every baby is different. Hang in there!

Call your school district and ask about early intervention services (they are free) for physical therapy. Or, if you have insurance or the means, you could see a physical therapist in private practice - find one who specializes in pediatrics. They will do an evaluation and let you know whether your child needs therapy (or other help), or they might give you some recommendations of things to do at home. Perspective from other moms can help on things like this but this seems like a question for an expert.
(Likewise, moms out there, don't hesitate to ask a speech-language pathologist your questions about communication development!)

Hi C., There are so many normal reasons why your little girl isn't walking yet, so don't fret too much. If her fine motor skills are good, and she's scooting the way you describe, it could be that her "overly cautious" personality is the reason. My youngest child walked at 14 months, but he was SO cautious and still is at age 17. My first two walked at 10 months, but they were much more curious about the world. I mentioned to another mom on this site, my experience has been that my later walker was an expert when he finally did take off, while my early walkers were much more unstable for awhile. Give it a little more time, and at your next pediatrician visit, have him/her reassure you of your concerns. Bless you and your family. S.

I think that only a qualified pediatric specialist could answer this question for sure.... but FYI my son did not walk until 17 months and he's perfectly fine. However, he did start crawling at 8 mo, and for many months before he was waking, he was able to walk holding our hands. Have you already consulted with your pediatrician on this?

As a new mom sometimes I find my self worrying about if my daughters abilities only because other babies are doing things if you have no other concerns than timing, its part of the ajustment phase in getting to know your own child most likely she will work it out in her own time.

My sisters daughter didn't walk until she was 18mo and as a new parent she was very worried despite what friends/family told her about all kids developing at there own rate- for reassurance she did speak to her peditrician who refered her to a development specialist- after meeting with him he concluded the same but did tell her that rarely for some children there are reasons for delayed walking- including hearing loss or other factors- so if you feel you really need some answer, talk to your doctor, it may be she is focused on other developments, fine motor skills, language, or it may be a layed back personality or be a bit timid about taking the plunge but if your mom instinct is really screaming there is no harm in discussing it at your next appointment or by phone it might put your worries to rest but then again she could take off any day and then you will wish you had your little frog back!

My first son was the same. He started crawling shortly before his first birthday and didn't walk until he was 18 months. I thought he was never going to walk! But he's almost 4 now and he walks, runs, jumps, and is practicing hopping on one foot. In short, he's fine and she will be too. Some kids just like to take their time. :)

When did you last take her in for a well-child check? A pediatric nurse practitioner or physician can do a quick exam and give you reassurance about her developmental status.

Generally the little ones do things in their own good time, our worries notwithstanding!

I just wanted to let you know that my son did not start walking until he was 17 months old, and he is now a completely normal and healthy 5 year old! I was also worried about it, but was told by our pediatrician that they don't even start being concerned until 18 months, and even then, sometimes there is no problem (but they would do further testing at that point). When he did start walking, he was quite good at -- almost like he skipped the "practice" phase and just waited until he could do it! Hope this helps. If you see signs of any other developmental delays, then I would follow up on it. If it's just the walking thing, I have been there!

Hi C.,

OK, now this is something that happened to me. My daughter walked fairly late. My husband was very affraid of her walking and mentioned it to me one day. I told him, he would have to get excited about it, or she would pick up on it. He did, and soon after she began to walk. My daughter is 2 now and runs. LOL I can also say that when we worry, it makes things take longer. Try to just give her time, and she will do it. I bet she is a beautiful bright little girl. I agree with the many posts who say that kids do things on their time. But, my personal opinion is we do things on God's time. Blessings to you and your sweet family. Sounds like you are a very loving mommy. :)

K.S.

Hi C.,

I have to tell you that both of my boys did not walk until 17 months. They are perfectly normal and healthy. They are now ages 4 and 21 months. In my opinion, if she is crawling and pulling herself up on things that is completely normal. I learned long ago that every baby does things at their own pace and it is not a good idea to compare them to others. It is amazing the age range of when babies walk!

Please do not worry, just enjoy this sweet baby crawling stage because before you know it she will be running!!

Best,
J.

Hello- Don't worry. My oldest daughter was really behind the power curve when it came to doing anything. The doctor said that each child is different and they will do what they want when they want to. She was about 10 months when she started doing the army crawl thing. She didn't start crawling on hands and knees until she was 14 months. Finally, I gave up and made an appt for her to go to physcial theraphy at 19 months. She took her first step 2 days before the appointment. My son was 14 months when he took his first step and my youngest is 16 months and just took her first step yesterday. I would say to worry if she isn't pulling herself up or crawling at all.

She will walk when she is ready to and not a minute before. Hope this helps!

I suggest playing games with her that will build up her confidence to "let go" of the couch, table, etc. My son wasn't walking until he was 21 mo old, he cruised at about 16 mo, due to long hospital stays after heart surgery. What we did is entice him with a balloon so he'd want to stand and hit at it and started walking after it. Or blowing bubbles works too. My husband and I would take turns holding him and having him walk between us, after he could do 2-3 steps, we'd move back and he'd try 5-6 steps. Get creative, make it fun, and make it rewarding so she can see the immediate benefit of walking. Practice with her throughout the day, with what ever you're doing. Switch to pull up type diapers so she gets to stand and tell her "foot" so she puts her own foot into the hole. The more she uses her legs, the better her coordination and strength will build. Hope this helps.

Hi C.,

I hear your concern, and I would suggest an appointment with your pediatrician or pediatric nurse practitioner. He or she will be able to evaluate what is happening. And, you will have alerted them so they can follow up with you. It is quite possible that your child will be walking soon. However, if it were me, I would have this checked out--just to be sure.

P.

hi there,
Dont worry at all !! my Son is 19 months and just bearly started his first steps this month I thought it would never come and that there was something wrong with him and the doctors keep telling that he's fine and that he was a baby that dont fall in the line of the developmental stages of the other babies he didnt sit on his own till after his birthday !

just be patient and she'll get there and then when she does you'll be wishing she didnt I just enjoy my son even so much more that he's the way he is !!

My oldest daughter was born with congenital dislocation of the hips. They found out about it when they did the newborn exam. It's where the hip sockets never formed around the leg bones. They put her in a "Pavlik harness" for 6 months (looks like a parachute harness), and she was walking at 9 months. She has some problems now (she's 23) when the weather turns cold, but other than that she's fine. The doctors told me that they don't normally catch that until children try to crawl or walk. We were fortunate to have such good doctors.

You really should contact your doctor about this. I knew a family that had to put there daughter through extensive physical therapy because she couldn't walk. She does now, but it took a lot of time and patience. If untreated I think it can cause lifetime problems. Your doctor will tell you what to do. Good Luck!

every kid learns at there own time as long as she is progressing there is nothing to worry about A year from now you will be wishing she couldnt walk as she is running away from you in the grocery store and everyone is watching you chase down a 2 year old

Hi C.,
I have a practice in Structural Integration (I deal with the neural-fascial connective tissue of the body), much of my work deals with movement education. Thru studying this I learned that when children walk too soon, and don't crawl or scoot enough, those neural pathways of the brain are not developed all the way. It causes learning developments later on. Same with children who are encouraged to read too soon, etc. The goal is... for the first 5 years, a childs only job should be exploring their movement. Give her all the time she needs to scoot, crawl, walk, then really let her take her time expressing all her movement. Kids are constantly swinging their arms around, and being told not to. How many times do you hear someone say to their kids "sit still!" THEY'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO!
If it makes you feel better, take her in. But what are they going to do? Just cause you more worry. I don't have a whole lot of faith in the medical industry when it comes to "Diagnosis". How many kids are on medication for A.D.D.? Not to say it's not a real thing, it's just so over diagnosed.
Good luck! Don't worry, she's perfect!

C. -

I've got a whole bunch of kids. Each of them has developed at their own sweet, unique pace. Each of them has caused "alarm" in the pediatricians, who kept their nose in their "when babies do what" book, and didn't seem to see my child.

From all I've experienced and read, the "normal range" of starting to walk includes 9 months - 18 months. Some are earlier, and some are later. I believe babies do what they're ready to do, when they're ready to do it.

I'm a big believer in listening to your mama's intuition... you are worried that something may be 'wrong' with your daughter. And, it's possible that there is a developmental delay -- which, most of the time, is just a hurdle to get over, and not a sign of a permanent problem. Still, to be at peace, get her checked out. If you don't get reassuring answers from your doctor, get another opinion, and another. And, consider praying. I don't know your spiritual disposition, but if you believe in God, certainly prayers couldn't hurt (they couldn't hurt even if you don't believe in Him).

What does your pediatrician say?

My girlfriend had a asimilar situation and got it checked out. her daughter had short tendons in her ankles so it was uncomfortable to stand for long periods of time. her feet basically looked like a barbies foot. SHe got it check out and with a bit of therapy it all went well.
good luck
K.

My son did not start walking until he was 19 months old. He was doing the same thing as your daughter and I was worried also. Then one day he just took off. We work with him a lot on his walking toys daily, you might try that. Good luck and don't worry, she will walk when she is ready.

Don't worry, we have a neighbor who has a 19month and she just started to walk, some childern take there time it will come in her own time.There is no limit to when kids crawl or walk or start anything else for that matter.
If you want put something in front of her a ways away so she can go after it if you are worried , but let her take her time. lori

Dear C.,
My daughter, who is now 24 years old and has a 5 year old, didn't walk until she was 19 1/2 months old. I was also concerned especially since she was so heavy and I carried her everywhere. It is acutally better for a baby to crawl longer until 14-18 months old. I breast fed my daughter, but she weened herself at exactly 1 year so I gave her a treat of a soy milk once a day. We were vegetarian at the time so we also had a fair amount of tofu. I then read in a macrobiotic book for kids, written by one of the experts in the field that it was dangerous to feed kids soy milk and soy products. She said it could cause them not to be able to walk or talk until quite late and could cause retardation. She said to be cautious if people are saying how mellow your baby is. People were always telling me how mellow she was and I was always saying it too. She wasn't talking yet either. I immediately stopped feeding her any soy products and she started to walk and talk.
Your baby will probably start walking very soon. It is actually good for her brain to crawl because it develops both sides of the brain. Try bating her with a banana. But don't worry about it just yet. Please let me know when she takes her first step.
Sincerely,
C.

It may be that your child is a slow progressor. But, I have a friend who had the same issue and her son did have a problem. To avoid all this worry, talk to your doctor, they will run tests if there is a concern.

C.,

Babies walk at all ages! My daughter didn't walk until she was 14 mos and my son didn't walk until he was 17 mos old. My son could crawl REALLY fast which was funny to watch
Right now my sister has a 15 mos old who isn't crawling yet, he can pull himself up to standing and sort of cruises on furniture but mostly he scoots all over their house on his butt.

I'm sure your baby will be fine!!

Oh my! Don't worry. My baby who just turned one isn't walking yet either and really babies walk anywhere from 10 to 18 months. But to make a long story short, when you look at a five year old, you don't know if he/she started walking at 8 months or 12 months or 20 months. She WILL walk. Don't worry! ANd like I have heard...once they know how to walk...WATCH OUT!! :)

I understand your concern! My daughter didn't crawl until just after her first birthday. I was worried that she would never learn to walk but she finally took her first steps at about 16 1/2 months. Before she learned to walk we talked to our pediatrician about our concerns, which were more than just the walking issue, we also were concerned with her speech development. She referred us to a developmental specialist. My gut feeling was that she was just a late bloomer but we went ahead and had her see a developmental specialist. It turns out that she qualified for some special services. Since that appointment with the developmental specialist, it is amazing how much she has bloomed just on her own. Our appointments for services with the specialist haven't even started yet. At her 18 month check-up with a new DR (we moved) we told him all about her situation and he had copies of all the records from the past pediatrician and from the developmental specialist. After observing her and playing with her it was his opinion that she is just fine and that my gut feeling was right, she's just a late bloomer. He felt she'd probably catch up with other kids her age by the time she's two. My advice would be to talk to your pediatrician. It can't hurt to have her see a developmental specialist- you may qualify for some free services. But also keep in mind that many DR's (like the one we had before moving here) just want to be on the safe side so they will refer you to a specialist if there is any sign that your kid is not developing at the same speed as the "average" child. In my opinion, it's better to be safe than sorry and early intervention is key. Have you ever read the children's book Leo the Late Bloomer? There is a chance that you just have a late bloomer.