Walking - Chepachet,RI

Don't worry about it. Some kids just take longer to walk. My son walked at 1, but his cousin did not walk until she was 18 months old. She had a better developed vocabulary at that age, however. Her sister did not walk until after her second birthday. The important thing is that he knows how to get around. If he crawling, he's OK.

Have you tried using music to get him to move around? I used to do this with my kids, just stand there with them and putting my hands under their arm pits. Then when the music comes on, I move him to the beat until I can do the walking steps to the beat. This took a while but it was a fun way to keep practicing. :-)

The other idea is to put certain toys he likes on the couch, to where he's forced to pull himself up and walk towards it. When he gets that one, put another toy at the opposite end for him to get it. Then slowly try puting it on a chair away from the couch to go get that toy. Toys are powerful motivators to do something if they want it bad enough, lol.

My son took his first steps at 13 months but didn't start walking until 15 months. He would take steps when no one was looking, but as soon as he noticed someone watching him, he would drop to his knees and crawl! He just didn't want to walk!! I think he just found it easier and quicker to get around by crawling. It was definitely more frustrating for me than for him! Just give it time. He'll be walking soon.

I am sure you have had multiple answers. My son didn't walk until he was 16 months old. He walked along furniture for about 6 months before that. I think every child is different and your son will take off running soon.

Hi,
We have a 28 month old girl Zoe and 4 month old girl. Zoe didn't walk till she was 17 months old. At our 15 month appointment I was concerned and brought it up to our pediatrician and she said, not to worry at all, every child goes at their own pace and she will probably be walking by the 18 month appointment. Thankfully she did. She was not a traditional crawler, but rather a scooter. She scooted (very efficiently and fast) on her bum and used one leg to pull forward. Since she was so good at this, this might have prevented her from walking sooner. Point being, I wouldn't worry and just let him do it at his own pace.

My 16 month old has only been walking about 1 month. We just kindof helped her or didn't, depending on her mood. She eventually figured it out on her own. Of course, she did that with alot of stuff so that could just be my daughter. I would maybe just step (no pun intended) back and let him try it alone. If that doesn't work, try helping again. Does that help? :)

T.

My little guy was cruising for forever, but wouldnt walk on his own. I think our reactions were what really motivated him to walk. We got excited (without getting overly loud) and clapped and cheered and gave him big hugs. That was great for him, but not enough to get him to do it regularly. I think what did it, was practice time with mom. I would sit on the floor in front of him with my legs spread open and stand him up at arms reach (my arms). Then I would tell him to come to me and continue to coax and encourage him with any move he made to walk over to me. If he did take a few steps, then he got a huge hug and cheers and we would do it all over again. It was a fun game for the both of us.

Good luck! Everyone told me to be patient and that once he started walking I would regret it, but my little guy is huge for a 1 yr old (30 lbs!) so I havent regretted a bit of his walking. My back thanks him every day! LOL

Hi -
I have a daughter that is 3 and a son that is 16 months and he just started really walking a few weeks ago. I was the same way as you and wanted him to walk quickly too (he took a few steps at 13 months, but that was it) and I would stand him up to try and get him to walk, but he would just kneel down and crawl all the time. One day I brought him to the playground and he didn't like the mulch on his knees, so he got up and started walking, and now he is running!!

Good Luck!

Well dont worry he is perfectly normal! I compared my second child to my first and found that was a huge mistake! My son walked and talked and did everything at a year old he was amazing! Then my daughter came along! She was so wonderful but she was so far off of what my son had accomplished at certain ages! She walked right before she turned 2 and started talking shortly after! Dont worry it will come soon! Good luck!

I do not know what to do about "speeding him up"... my son was about that age when he began walking. I have read studies, though, that suggest the longer children crawl the more proficient their language and arithmetic skills are.

J.

i have learned from my son that boys work on "boy time". My son took his first steps at 10 mos and then refused to walk till he was almost 18 months. I think boys are just more apt to do things exactly when they want and forget about everyone else. Don't try to rush him, when he decides his knees hurt from crawling he will get up and probably start running.

J.,

My son did this, too. And all of a sudden, he let go of the table, and walked away like he'd bewen doing it for months. No wobbling, to stumbling, just strolled away like it was second nature. He crawled and cruised on Sunday night, and walked exclusively from Monday morning on.

One of the things I did to encourage him was to stop carrying him whenever possible. I would hold his hands and have him walk to his room for a change, or walk him into the kitchen for lunch. Of course this is limited by where you are and your child's temperament, but it can't hurt (except your back!)

J., just let him do it , u may think he is ready even tho he may have taken a cpl steps but really he's just testing the waters so to speak. just be patient and give him time , boys r very stubborn;)

I have a son who is now 3 1/2. He is my only son and I was really concerned because he wasn't walking when he was 1 1/2. He started walking when he was about 2.
I was told by many, both mothers and specialists that, boys are slower than girls, some children just don't develop that area as fast as others, for example my son seemed to be very cognitevely advanced as well however as well as not walking he wasn't saying full sentences either.
He eventually started walking (and talking) when he was over 2 and I think some kids just need time. I tried not to push him as was suggested to me.
I think you might be a bit luckier than me since you have a 3 year old and your 15month old will try to copy him. I don't think you should worry.
Good luck

Hi J.,
All 3 of my kids were late to walk - the earliest was 16 months. They had more fun crawling and sliding. We have hardwood floors and oriental rugs in our house. I think it was harder for them to grip with their feet, so they felt safer and more confident crawling. I do have to warn you though, when they were ready to walk, they were really ready. They all skipped the walking stage and went straight to running.

Well, being that I am involved in some support groups with children with PDD and other disorders, my initial response would be to tell you to have an evaluation done. Talk to your pediatrician. He may just need a little PT, but I would definitely the evaluation done. You may even qualify for early intervention through the board of education, which goes from age 0 to 3 years.

Good luck.

J.,
my daughter was the same way. She started taking a few steps around a year, but would not actually walk until 15 months. She was much more comfortable with crawling and was really afraid to let go and walk. We knew she could do it, but she wouldn't. Unfortunately, I don't have any magic tricks to tell you about. I think you just have to wait it out and encourage him. Try to make him feel safe and make a huge deal about it when he does it. Needless to say, her personality is still much the same. She didn't go down slides herself or climb a whole lot until a little later. She likes to play it safe. Good Luck!
D.

Hi,

I would leave him alone, when he is ready he will walk. I am not an expert on children (have one 5 year old boy and 2 year old girl)but my belief is that they know the day. My daughter did not want to walk either, she was close to 22 months old when she finally felt good about it. Her balance is excellent, she actually walked in a very stable fashion once she did it. You can try to give him plastic mugs that you use yourself with a little water to carry to the coffe table. I did that with my son - he was proud using this mug and not his sippy cup. He walked proudly to the table and I told him not to spill (by this time all he wanted to fdrink from was coffe cups, glas, etc). He developed excellent balance through this activity. I did it with my daughter as well and it is working.

HI I have a 2year old son and he has been walking alot since he was around a year. When he was first starting out to walk I was going through some medical problems and i ended up having a surgical procedure to where lifting him was not possible. I know that was an extreme case but the idea is that if you are making food for him or doing something he wants to participate in than make it unreachable by crawling or any other means than walking. My grandmother wanted me to learn to walk across a kitchen to get a peach because she knew i loved food and fruit in particular. Use his favorite toy or food and stick to it. Also he may be doing it because he was getting alot of attention by crawling and having to be carried all the time. Make him see that his older brother is walking and able to do more with you because he doesnt have to crawl or be carried.There are many ways to get him to walk...now I just wish I could get mine to talk more !Good Luck!O and dont use a stroller that was a big helper in getting my son to walk more!
L.

Hi J.,

My first didn't walk until he was about 15 months old. The second started walking well before her 1st birthday. What really helped my son was the Radio Flyer walker wagon. It's got a great resistance mechanism so it didn't fly away from him each time he pulled himself up to standing position. He really had to make the effort to get it to push forward and it was steady enough that it didn't force him to "run or jump ship." I'm sure there are other products out there like this one, it's just the only one we've tried. I have also been super pleased with Radio Flyer as a company ~ they sent a replacement part for this wagon when my second started walking and a little piece of plastic came out of the bottom. No questions asked ~ they just sent a replacement part within 4 days.

By the time all these messages roll in I bet your little guy will be running ~ always happens that way!

Have fun & enjoy the rest of yoiur summer!!

B.

altho your son will really walk when he is good and ready, as im sure you already know (my son didn't walk until 18 months, i was anxious too, but not worried), we found that presenting him with toys that make him interested in standing (like the leap frog activity table) encouraged more standing and made him comfortable on his feet.

our kids were early walkers and i attribute this to dad doing "training" with them. he used that walker toy- with wheels that they cruise around with-. they all liked this and so as they could stand he would put it 1 or 2 steps away from them. gradually he would increase the distance, shaking it a bit to tempt them into it. eventually they had to walk a few steps to get to it.
they all will walk eventually but i know the feeling- it is exciting when they finally do it- good luck
E.
connor 5 , kyle 3 aubrey 18m

I wouldnt rush J.,I believe there are children that are just "CAUCIOUS" my daughter waited until she was sure of each step and hold until she walked full time and that was at 20 months,even though she was a preemie she would have still been caucious,I think. She is now 27 months and masters each task as if she plans each step into unknown territory. As all the other mothers mentioned all kids are different but I didnt see anyone mention this intention.I am sure you will see results soon.

Hi, J.!
Have you tried putting his favorite toy out of reach in a higher position that would force him to get up and reach? How about a toy with wheels and a handle so he can grip something while he's walking... maybe he's a little apprehensive about falling down. How about some fancy little walking shoes or non-skid socks? If you offer them to him as a reward when he walks he may be encouraged to start shuffling off! You are right though - all in due time ;)

Hi J.,

My son just turned a year old, and he is not walking either. He will walk if he has something with wheels to hold onto though. We got him for his birthday a plastic dumptruck toy that he holds onto the back of, and he pushes it and he walks all over with it. when his is a bit older, the haul part comes up, and it is a ride on toy, and then when he is bigger than that, the steering wheel pulls out, and he can fill the haul part with things, and pull it behind him. It cost $30 or so at Toys R Us. Maybe something like this will help your son.

I know it bugs me that William isn't walking yet, because my daughter was walking at 9 months. But I also know each child is different and will develop in his or her own time. I say, enjoy your son at this stage, cus once he is walking, you can't get it back.

talk to you soon!
LIz

My son too was a late walker and only walked when he really had to. We had him checked and were told as long as he gets around in his own way don't worry he will walk. At about 18 months my son was walking like he had been walking forever. My son is now 4 1/2 years old and he never sits, ever!! Try holding his hands and make him walk every where! He may realize that he can get places faster by walking. Ask your sons doctor about it but I wouldn't worry. Please let me know how he does. There is a good chance that since you are looking into the walking thing your son may just get up and go now. That is what happened with us. Good luck. T.

HI J. I HAVE FOUR KIDS AND THEY ALL WALKED AT DIFFERENT AGES. WHEN HES READY THERE WILL BE NO STOPPING HIM, ENJOY HIM HE WILL GROW SO FAST YOU WILL WISH HE HADNT STARTED TO WALK. MYOLDEST BABY IS 12 YEARS OLD AND I KNOW I WISH SHE WAS STILL JUST CRAWLING. STEPH

Most babies don't walk because they don't have to! My son is the same way! Just give him time and he'll do it without even realizing what he's doing. However, if he's not walking by 2, then I would have him checked by your doctor just to be sure that there isn't a reason for him not walking! My son is right on the verge. My daughter started walking about 15 months. Good luck! Once they take off its happy running for momma!!!

Hi J.!
I also have a 3 yr. old boy. He started walking at 13 months. Then I had a girl she started walking at 15 and a half months. Now she is 19 months and runs quite well. I bought her a doll stroller with a doll (babiesrus for $20) and she loved it. It offered not as much support as a walker, but helped her move along, plus it was more enjoyable for her then the walker. Plus, playing loud fun music seemed to help (I tried everything to speed things along), she would try to dance and "forget" that she can not walk yet. I hope it helps! I..

Hi- my son did not start walking until he was 18 months- he was being watched during the day by this nightmare of a daycare provider, who was also a pediatric nurse, and she told us he had CP. We took him for a physical evaulation at a hospital in NJ, and we told the doctor that my mother & also my brother did not walk until this age- he told us there was nothing wrong with David, that it was hereditary. Needless to say, we yanked David from this woman watching him and found alternative care. I remember one suggestion from the physical therapist was that when he stands, plant his legs in a stable standing position, with his feet pointing forward (ie: when he is standing at a table playing ) and that helps him gain stability to start walking. My son never crawled - he just got up at 17.5-18 months and started running around the room! Hang in there- it will happen!

Hi J.,

I only have this to add to the wonderful advice you've already gotten. My husband always says to me when I get frustrated or anxious about something with the kids to just wait two weeks and it will resolve itself. I know it sounds weird but it always seems to turn out that way for us. Good luck!

Hi, J.
My daughter, who is 16 mos. old now, really did well with those toys you can push & walk behind. She was cruising all around the house with that thing! Then, she started "cruising" from piece of furniture to piece of furniture. She was off & running in no time! So, I strongly recommend something he can hold on to & walk behind while pushing. It'll help him figure out how to keep his balance. Good Luck!

Hi J.,

My name is L. and I am a mother of 3. I don't think that you can really do anything more than you already are. Just make sure that you place him on the floor often. If you pick him up everytime he wants to go somewhere why should he walk?

Good luck,

L.

Hi J.,

My mom always tells the story of my 2 sisters. One was 4 and the other was 1. The 4 year old would always get things for the 1 year old. As a result, the 1 year old didn't speak or walk AT ALL! My mom was having her hearing checked and looking for developmental issues. It wasn't until the 4 year old went away for 2 weeks that the then 18 month old suddenly spoke and began walking to retrieve toys etc. that she wanted. It could have something to do with the family dynamic. Watch your kids interacting and see if this is the case. Good Luck!

I was exactly where you are just a short two years ago...

My first child, Maggie, walked at 10 months old. Charlie, however, had different plans. He didn't start til 15 months. We tried EVERYTHING to "push" him along, but, Charlie walks to the beat of his own drum for everything. Pun intended. Hopefully, my now 12 month old, won't wait so long - as you know, it's exasperating as a parent.

Wish I had some advice, but I think that - like potty training- the child will decide exactly when it's going to happen. Much to our dismay, as parents!

Good luck!
:-)
C.

I don't have any advice to speed things up a bit but just to let you know, my daughter was the same way. She wasn't really that interested in walking until way later.

Y.

Hi J.,

I feel your pain. My daughter started walking with aid & pulling herself up at 9 months. She would take a few steps alone when she felt like it. She refused to walk alone until 18 months. I just made her walk to the car, kitchen etc. holding my hand, then one day she took off running. He is perfectly normal and just has a mind of his own.

M.

Have you tried putting him in hard soled sneakers that have an arch support? I had my daughter in some flexible flat shoes, because that's what the books said to do. she would just toddle around the furniture and maybe a step here or there.

Then one day my husband bought her sneakers that he wanted, they were knock off Nikes that light up when she walks. The very first day we put them on her she took off,and hasn't stopped yet.

Good luck.
Meg

My son did not walk until 18 months and never crawled. He would walk a few steps, but had no desire then one day right after 18 months he came walking out of his bedroom! I tried physical therapy, which is available for free through the school district, we were in Utah at the time and it was called early intervention. The therapist would come to the house once a week and work with him and give me pointers, they even gave him a walker to use, it was really neat. He still has some coordination issues and is stiff when running (he just turned 5). I would suggest calling the school district and taking advantage of the program. I used it for occupational therapy, for motor skills, and also speech therapy. There was even a preschool class he could go to once a week for about an hour where they worked with him as well and taught sign language and other things. He probably will do it when he's ready, but it's worth looking in to.

My daughter is a very cautious girl. When she was ready to walk, she preferred not. I knew that she loves to listen to music. And one of the fathers I met in a mall recommended me a music table (I like the Fisher Price one). The good thing about the music table is that she had to stand up and play with it. At the beginning, her little feet was shaking while she stood there playing. But she loves to play with it, so she just stood there. Day after day, her legs became stronger. Then, we just wrapped her chest in a long cloth, and let her walk with this assistant. Not waived from side to side, but she walked with fun and suprises that she found on the road. It was a lot of fun for our family at that time. We walked together almost every evening after dinner. It was last summer, I can still feel the breeze on my face. Now, she is running around and wants to be held every time we go out.

J.

been there.my son was 15 and a half months when he started walking.he didn't crawl untill a year.there really isn't anything you can do when he wants to he won't stop.some boys just seem more laid back and content(lazy).i know other people that had the same problem.he's 2 now and won't sit still so don't worry.

well...I have a one yr old, and she is not walking yet, but I was a nanny for years, and how I got there 14 month to walk was to hold things out in front him, with me standing up, and facing him walking backwards with something he wasnt normally allowed to play with that he always wanted...Like a cell phone ringing. My pedatrican tells me tha my daughter will walk when she is ready...I wouldnt rush it, because once they walk the will never sit.LOL

Hi J.,
I understand your concern but don't worry sweetie your daughter is just fine.. I my self have two boys 2&3 years old.. And my oldest waited for no one, at six months he was sliding off the bed holding on to stuff making his way around..
But my youngest please he was not trying to hear it.. That boy did not crawl or attempt to walk .. He did not start crawling to the age of 7 months and as for walking he did not start walking until he was your daughters age.. What I noticed was he was just being lazy.. He was surrounded by people that would pick him up and carry him every where.. Including me.. So he felt no need to attempt to walk.. once I got hip to his game I stop carry him and did not allow any one else to..He cry and fussed but after three days that boy took off crawling across the room and all through the house.. And at nine months he started to stand up holding on to stuff, still refusing to walk.. But the less he got carried around the more he attempted to become mobile.. So trust me your girl is perfectly fine she just rather be carried.. Try to not pick her up and carry her every time she wants to get from one room to the other.. And you will see her start to take control and make a effort.. good luck and God bless..

Hi, I have four kids and the main thing to remember is each child is different. To speed up the walking project make it fun. Start with a short distance and offer a "prize". A cookie worked for me. Help him walk to the cookie which you place on a chair across from him. After you master that hold the cookie out to him. Most importantly remember that he'll accomplish this when he's ready and not when you are.
Good luck. God Bless

Be patient. He'll walk when he's ready. To speed things along a little bit, let him do as much for himself as is reasonable. For example, let him get toys that he wants to play with.

Hi J.... I'm not sure I have any advice, but just reassurance that it will come. My 3rd son didn't walk until he was 17 months and he just got up one day and did it! Good luck!

B.

My first walked at 9 month, very early, so when my second turned 1 and was not walking I thought "is there something I need to do" but she just wanted to crawl. By 14 months she finally started to walk on her own, so give him time. he'll do it when he's ready.

J.,
My son Jack was the same way. He didn't really walk until he was 16 months. My first son, Keegan, was walking at 8 months!! We would go to a pond every morning and he would feed the ducks and geese. He learned quickly to walk/run when he ran out of food and the geese came after him.
With Jack,we went on vacation to Maui and stayed on the first floor of the resort where birds were walking around everyday. One day he just got up and ran after them. Both boys learned from watching birds. If you have access to some place with ducks, try it out. I know it sounds odd, but it worked for us.

I wouldn't worry about it, personally. My son started walking at 10-11 months, and sometimes I wish he had waited a lot longer! :) My best friend's daughter is 12 months and isn't walking yet - in fact, she's just starting to crawl. She knows how to pull herself up and cruise a little, but she just doesn't seem to feel like walking.

It sounds like your son is equipped to start walking, so it's definitely not a concern for his development. If you want to encourage him, maybe start putting items he wants to get his hands on in a place only accessible by walking - like on the couch or on a low table?

My brother tells me that my niece crawled for a long time, until they brought her camping and she realized she would get dirt on her hands if she crawled. She stood up and has walked ever since :)

Good luck!

Hi Jenifer,
Have you tried a little chair, or one of those little push-type of toys. My daughter used a little chair to help with her balance. She would push the chair around the room, until one day I took one of her hands off the chair, then the next, and she stood their for a little while, then she fell right on her butt. But, then she got up and tried to do it herself, until she got the hang of it. As you know already being a mom, every child as their own timing. Best of luck!

J.,

Have you considered buying him a walking toy? If you buy something that he has to push in front of him, and if you make a big deal about it (it's his special toy, don't let big brother play with it, it's for him now that he's a big walking boy, etc.), maybe he'll be motivated to walk around the house with it. Hope this helps!

J.

Hi J.!

My very first post {and it's advice}. I hope it's well received. I understand this can be frustrating. Even though my [now 9 year old] son walked at ten months and my [almost 8 year old] daughter walked at nine months {they were both full term high-risk planned c-section babies, too}, my 17 year old daughter, who walked exactly at one year {when they said it probably would be severely delayed} had not ONE TOOTH. She was born at 27 weeks in 1989. Little froggie {and chicken} we called her lol. And, at 18 months ~ STILL, NO TEETH. I asked her pediatrician eventually, "Um, is she EVER gonna get them?" My girlfriend was getting concerned. He said "S., do YOU have teeth? Does your husband have teeth? Your entire family? Then she'll have teeth!" LOL I know kids who cut teeth at two months and those who don't walk until two years {and never crawl}. ALL THINGS IN *GOD'S* TIME. Nothing's wrong, Jen! Don't worry! He's just trying your patience a little early. Wait until high school! ;-) Bless you! Everything will be fine! WALK ON, LITTLE ONE! *SMILE* I hope this helped a little, at least!

PEACE and LOVE!
*~S. H.~*
Orchard Park, NY

hey J. my daughter was walking before is was one but at first she was scared but i was holding her hand and reaching out for hermaybe u should try that but...be patient give him time once he start walking he will never forget

What's the rush Mom,

Let baby be baby... God made each of us different and if your son wants to take his time walking, then i say enjoy it. He is not going to be like your 3 year old or any other baby for that matter.

Don't worry. My son didn't start walking until he was between 15-16 months. He had no interest in walking at all. Then one day, out of no where, he just started walking. Let me tell you that by the end of the day, he was running! It will probably happen when you least expect it. Be patient. When he's ready you'll know!

Honey, we spend the first two years teaching them to walk and talk, and the next 16 telling them to sit down and shut up. (I think Roseanne Barr said that) Rest assured, if there's no medical issue, he's going to do it when he is darn good and ready. Mother Nature and Father Time are always going to do it their way. :)

Hi
I have 2 boys ages 4 and 2. Both boys did not walk until they were at least 18 months old! No problems just happy crawling. Now I cant get them to stop running!

My daughter didn't start walking til 17 1/2 months, but she had been cruising around furniture before she was even 12 months. One day she finally got up & decided to walk & all she did for about 3 hours is get up walk a step & fall down. Once she finally made the decision to walk she did it. Something my sister said was, be comforted that your son won't be crawling in kindergarten :)

Take Care!

R.

Hi J.,
I couldn't resist responding to this. I am a mom of 3 (and a teacher) and my littlest one is 18 months. He also refused to walk for a while as did my four year old, so I can relate. All I can say is that they all have their own clocks!!! Your little one will walk when he is ready to and not a momment before!

As far as what you can do....I would say just give him as many opportunities as possible to walk. Encourage it when possible and reward him when he does walk....even if it is just with a "high five" or claps. :-)

At 15 months, not walking is not considered a delay yet, so don't let it bother you. He will walk and like you say, it will be on to a whole host of other things!! Try not to stress about it, which is easier said than done, I know! My little guy is walking/running like crazy now, but is now refusing to talk!!! ;-)

N.

Hi J.,

My oldest son didn't walk until he was 22 months! We ended up using the state's (VA) Early Intervention program. A lady came once a week for physical therapy. Basically, she tried to distract him with new & different toys while getting him to stand and try and strengthen his legs.

I don't really think he had a problem with his legs, he just didn't want to walk yet. He's the type that won't do it until he can do it just right. After 3 sessions, he met her at the door!

So, maybe get a few new & different items, and make him stand while he plays with them. I assume he cruises?

Good luck,
Katy