[kisagotami]

I know it's not cool to compare your child with others but my DS s almost 16 mo old and not only does he not walk, but he won't even stand on his own. He can, he just won't even try to. I try to help him out as much as I can but I don't want to push too hard.

I'm just wondering if I should be concerned, because it doesn't seem like he'll be walking any time soon.

Should I try harder to get him to walk? And if I should how can I encourage him?

 

[LynnS6]

Does he pull himself up on his own? Does he cruise furniture? If so, I wouldn't worry for a bit. Some kids are just on the 'cautious' side of walking. You really can't do much to help, as far as I know. Definitely don't use 'walkers' or even the exersaucers, as they don't give kids the muscles they need.

If he's not pulling himself up yet, I would be concerned. It could indicate a lack of muscle tone or balance. I think 18 mos. is the time when most doctors become a bit concerned about not walking.

 

[lnitti]

my dd didn't stand on her own until 16 months and didn't walk until 19 months.

 

[anabellee]

my ds didn't do anything until he was around other toddlers. then, all the sudden he just started walking like he'd been doing it forever. i wouldn't worry. my friends ds didnt walk until 18mths and he's just fine

 

[Chalex]

My son didn't crawl until he was 12 months and didn't walk until he was almost 18 months.

He could cruise the furniture and walk when you held his hands but just wouldn't walk. One day, he stood up alone and start to march in one spot. So, I took that as a good sign. He would fall into my arms if I tried to get him to walk a few steps on his own. Then, I put him about 8 steps from our bed and said, "try walking to the bed" and I stood up. So, he walks passed the bed and to the window to look out. (some 40 steps!!) I just had to shake my head and laugh!

He still didn't really want to walk on his own a lot. It took time, I started walking to the corner for the paper in the morning with him and slowly he walked more and more of the distance.

 

[AEZMama]

My ds is now 16 mos and like pp's ds, he didn't crawl until 12 mos. He stands for quite a bit on his own (even on the couch while clapping!) and finally the other day took 2 steps to his godmother, and that was it. Ds is in physical therapy for torticollis, but the therapist gave me some pointers on how to get him to take a few steps independently (or encourage him to). Since ds cruises around our coffee table and likes to go back & forth between it and the couch, she suggested to move the table away from the couch gradually and it will encourage him more. She also suggested getting a toy that he can push (just cautioned to make sure that it is heavy enough not to get away from him too fast!). He was doing really well and LOVES walking holding our hands, and has even gotten to feeling comfortable holding 1 hand and walking.

I wouldn't worry-just keep encouraging him and letting him do it in his own time. I know it's tough as my ds is a little "behind" what others his age are doing, but it's ok because he's an AP Babe...he doesn't do what most mainstream kids do anyway!

 

[kisagotami]

Thanks fot the tips guys. I guess he's just not ready, he was a real heavy baby up untill a few months ago, he's finally growing into a lot of fat he's had (and I mean a lot! He was 22 lbs at his 6 mo check up!)

 

[lindberg99]

My son didn't walk until 16 months. He was on the late side for doing a lot of gross motor skills. He didn't roll over until 8 months, didn't pull up until 12 months and never crawled, just scooted around on his bottom. He turned 16 months old and still wasn't walking and I was getting worried. But honestly, within 2 or 3 days after turning 16 months, he went from maybe taking 1 or 2 steps to literally walking everywhere all the time. I think he's just the type who waits until he's sure he can do it.

 

[Mrs.BlackFrancis]

My guy is a chubby one too, I really think the bigger babies take a little longer, I also hear some where that babies who crawl longer have higher IQ's. Don't quote me though, it's just some thing I heard from my physical therapist, she said that crawling actually takes more brain work than walking, something to do with the left and right sides of the brain having to work harder when you crawl.

 

[SamuraiEarthMama]

checking in with another baby who didn't walk until 18 months... and he didn't really talk until 2! he just takes his time to do stuff, and when he does decide to do it, he usually does it very well. but there's nothing i can do to push him to go any faster... now he's 18 and traveling in Japan, but until he decided to go, he was the biggest homebody you ever saw.

the next baby, dd16, was walking AND talking before age 1, and potty trained, on her own initiative, by 16 months (ds was 3 1/2). if i'd had her first, then ds, i would have definitely thought he was brain damaged or something! but they're both perfect for who they are.

so be patient. if your mama alarm bells aren't going off, then he's probably just fine!

 

[kisagotami]

You guys are right, he's got plenty of time to walk, I guess I'm just a nervous first mom!

 

[wifty]

Just another here that didn't walk until she was 16 months. She could get around so fast by scooting and crawling, that she just didn't walk. In fact, the day I got a call from a physical therapist to arrange to see her and make sure she was ok.....she walked.

She is a big child and I have heard that big kids sometimes do the gross motor things later. Not sure why since she wasn't fat....just big (she is 42 inches at 32 months).

Now, she climbs, walks, jumps, balances, and does everything like it was never even a big deal.

Good luck!

 

[Bad Mama Jama]

Every child is different and your little one will walk whenever he decides it is time. Hugs to you, mama. We do get soooo nervous...