Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

12 month old not standing or weight-bearing

10 replies

goldilocks8 · 10/03/2026 20:31

Looking for some advice or reassurance from other parents.

My baby has just turned 12 months. He’s only started bum shuffling in the last couple of weeks and he doesn’t bear weight on his legs or stand at all yet. When I hold him under his arms he usually lifts his legs up rather than putting them down and he isn’t pulling to stand at furniture.

I spoke to the health visitor because I was worried but she was quite dismissive and just said that the physio referral guidelines have changed and they won’t refer unless a child isn’t weight-bearing until 18 months so there’s nothing she can do. She also said they now tend to only refer for walking if a child isn’t walking by 2 years. I’m not overly worried about walking yet as my eldest didn’t walk until 17 months, but it still feels like a long time to wait when he isn’t bearing weight at all.

A few other things I’ve noticed – he isn’t waving, pointing or clapping at the moment (he did clap a few times before and was so pleased with himself but seems to have stopped), and he doesn’t really babble much yet like mama/dada.

He does have good eye contact, smiles and laughs when we interact and looks at me when I’m talking to him.

I know babies all develop at different speeds but I’m finding it hard not to worry about specifically The not standing or weight-bearing. Has anyone else had a baby similar at 12 months or have any advice? The health visit at all me it’s pointless getting in touch with a GP because they won’t be able to do much either until 18 months anyway.

OP posts:
goldilocks8 · 10/03/2026 20:33

Sorry the end bet should’ve said the Health Visitor told me*

OP posts:
Davros · 10/03/2026 20:35

Mine didn’t walk until 16 and 19 months 😱
They didn’t do weight bearing much before that. I think 12 months is on the early end

Reachforthestars00 · 10/03/2026 20:38

Mine were late crawlers (11.5 months) and walkers (18 months). It's too soon to worry at the moment. They turned out just fine.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

HandfulOfMoths · 10/03/2026 20:40

Mine didn’t weight bear until at least 18 months, maybe longer. She was an excellent bum shuffler and only started walking at nearly 2. There was nothing wrong with her. She was extremely early to talk though. They really do all develop at different rates and in different ways. Try not to worry.

goldilocks8 · 10/03/2026 20:41

My eldest didn’t crawl until 11 months either and then walked at 17 months, but he was definitely standing around this age not independently but on furniture/toys like an activity table. I just know he’s going to be a bit later at walking maybe more so than my eldest But he just seemed so visibly behind other babies his age whenever we go to groups and I’ve never seen a baby of his age not weight bare/stand which is my main concern the work and I’m really not bothered about at the moment as I know he’s got plenty of time for that.

OP posts:
goldilocks8 · 10/03/2026 20:42

HandfulOfMoths · 10/03/2026 20:40

Mine didn’t weight bear until at least 18 months, maybe longer. She was an excellent bum shuffler and only started walking at nearly 2. There was nothing wrong with her. She was extremely early to talk though. They really do all develop at different rates and in different ways. Try not to worry.

This is really reassuring and what I was hoping to hear from this post!

OP posts:
WhatAMarvelousTune · 10/03/2026 20:43

I’d ignore the HV. Maybe the GP will tell you the same thing, but I think it’s worth checking. This NHS paediatric physiotherapy site says not taking any weight on their legs at 9 months is an area of concern. Of course for many babies they’ll be fine. But I’d want to have it checked. https://cambspborochildrenshealth.nhs.uk/services/cambridgeshire-childrens-physiotherapy-service/developmental-delay-guidance/

Developmental delay guidance

Explore different areas of developmental delay concerns by age range. Learn when to seek help and discover practical advice to encourage development.

https://cambspborochildrenshealth.nhs.uk/services/cambridgeshire-childrens-physiotherapy-service/developmental-delay-guidance/

youalright · 10/03/2026 20:45

One of mine was a bum shuffler and late walker I've heard this a lot with bum shufflers she was nearly 20 months when she learnt to walk. Then one of my other one walked at just before 10 months they're all so different but they catch up in the end

AnnaQuayRules · 10/03/2026 20:46

DS1 didnt crawl until he was 13 months. He started weight bearing around that age but didn't walk until he was 18 months.

DS2 started crawling at 7 months. He didn't weight bear until he was 12 months and didn't walk until he was 19 months.

They are now in their 20s and very physically fit and able!

tutugogo · 10/03/2026 20:47

It’s not uncommon to be at the stage your child is and not weightbearing, wait a couple more months and see if they start, by 15 months the vast majority are

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread