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Behaviour/development

learning to walk

4 replies

hillsy27 · 03/01/2014 16:23

My lo is 22 months. He is able to sofa surf and stand unaided but doesn't seem interested in walking. He has taken 4 tentative steps between myself and his dad but that's it. he is very fast at crawling and loves to climb. unfortunately im an early years professional and although ive tried really hard I still find myself comparing him to the development milestones. Although i know each child developes at own rate I would love to hear about others who have experienced the disapproving looks and the same old question still not walking then ?

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lljkk · 03/01/2014 19:25

Why are you so sure people disapprove?
Really must have a thick skin when it comes to parenting.
"Yes, bless, he's taking his time!" is a nice reply. There is no problem to explain.

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StickChildrenTwo · 04/01/2014 14:20

Please stop comparing (practically impossible I know!) but they are all so different. DS1 walked at 11 months. DS2 walked at 20 months! I was worried and felt like everyone was looking at him or me thinking we'd failed. It's ridiculous the pressure we put on ourselves!

Is there any reason for him not walking? Is he hypermobile? My DS had loose ligaments in his ankles and mild hypermobility syndrome so this slowed him down a bit. 10 sessions of physiotherapy between 15 months and 20 months and he was walking. He still has little support boots but they look like normal shoes, just heavier and stiffer to give his ankles the support they need.

Bottom line is, they all get there eventually but some are less confident than others. Does he seem happy or is he frustrated by his lack of walking?

Please try not to worry and don't let people make you feel like they are judging you.

DS2 is now 2 years old, and you'd never be able to tell the difference between him and a child who started walking at 10 months!

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kelda · 04/01/2014 14:23

Have you asked your health visiter? How have all of his check ups been? Has the doctor/health visitor ever suggested there is a reason to be concerned?

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hillsy27 · 05/01/2014 21:45

Thanks everyone its very reassuring! Since my first post he has walked the width of the living room between myself and husband. he finally seems excited about walking and is keen to keep trying on his own Although when playing he still prefers to crawl as its much quicker. I don't think it will be long now until he is running around !