Tips to help with baby walking?

[usernamechanged1]

My 16m old son is hitting all milestones - some in advance - but isn’t bloody walking yet.

He can take about 1 and a half steps before falling. We’ve done the encouragement and praise, stood him at the wall/couch and beckoned him over, held only one hand when walking. He can stand independently but usually only for 5-10 seconds.

No medical issues - his legs and core are strong, he’s a chunky guy.

Every time he takes that little one and a half steps I’m certain that that’s the time he’ll walk, but no.

So please, give me ideas to push him over the final hurdle. We’re getting to the stage where I’m worrying he’ll be referred for further investigations and although I don’t think there’s anything wrong, I’d rather avoid it.

Thanks!

16 months isn't that late for walking, don't worry! It's quite normal. You can't really do anything, just give him lots of opportunities to practice moving around, he'll get there. 1-2 steps is good.

Health visitor will only be interested if he passes 18 months and still isn't taking steps (and he is taking steps, so he's fine. Don't worry.)

Surely the only reason he'd be referred for investigation is if you raise the red flags yourself. It sounds like there's no reason why he isn't walking other than he's not quite there yet. I wouldn't be worried at all, see how he's doing in a couple of months.

Thanks, both.

I do know deep down that he’s not lagging behind or giving any cause for concern. I’d just love him to overcome this little milestone and have the freedom to move around better.

Of course I’ll regret this when I’m chasing him down the street one day!

He'll suddenly do it when you're not looking 😊

Anything that you can push, eg the old fashioned wooden kids trolleys. Baby jumpers. Trikes you have to paddle with your feet (not balance bikes, proper trikes)

Swimming, fountains and paddling pools

Guess who bloody walked today? 😂

Why do you want him to walk? So much easier when they stay put, don't follow you to the loo whining etc!

My boy walked at 18 / 19 months. He is a lot steadier and rarely falls, I attribute this to walking later. I was worried at one point then he just decided to walk. He preferred crawling as he was faster looking back.

My son walked the day after I bought an expensive baby walker 🤦🏻‍♀️ the nursery shop did give me a refund though and thought it was funny . Never bought a walker for my second child though .
Glad your child is getting moving , playpark will be fun 😁.

Whoo hoo good for him.

My dd1 walked at 15 months and ds at 18 months, both were above average height/weight and I think it just took them longer to get up and going. Once they got up it was only days until they were almost running about the garden. Dd2 was 13 months but she was bang on 50th centile.

Now they're all young adults and only dh and I remember when they walked!