14 month old not walking- Just had a scary visit to the paediatrician. Any advice?!

[MrsDonnieDarko]

We just got back from paediatrician at hospital. We are under them because of DS2's milk intolerance anyway so this was just a check up to see how he was doing and how his growth is on dairy free diet etc. Basically all fine. Anyway at one of the previous appointments when DS2 was 10 months old I mentioned I was concerned as he wasn't crawling yet but the doctor didn't seem too concerned as he was still very young and was rolling, sitting etc.

At his 12 month check up I said he STILL wasn't crawling though had learned to just roll everywhere. We were refered for an xray of his legs and pelvis to make sure there were no problems with joints and all came back fine.

Today had his 14 month check up and I mentioned he was still roling every where, not crawling properly (just sort of drags himself along like commando crawling but still prefers to roll). He's not pulling up and although he can weight bare, he is very wobbly so no where near walking.

Suddenly now the doctor seems to have sprung into action and referred us for physiotherapy which is a good thing but he has also said that DS has to go for a blood test to rule out some syndrome or other but wouldn't really go into specifics becasue it was unlikely and he'll discuss it with us if needed. Anyway, he then started talking about brain scans and other scary things and I have no idea now if there's a problem or what it is. I am so worried about DS2 and deep down since he was born I have known there is something'not quite right' with him but I can't really put my finger on it. He is lovely one minute, whinging and crying the next. Never really seems fully settled or happy. Never been a content baby but then neither was DS1 and he's fine now so it could be nothing. I have no idea. Just all this talk of brain scans has got me worried as to what they could be looking for.

Anyone got any experience of a non walking 14 month old? I know 14 months for walking isn't actually delayed but it's the lack of crawling and pulling up or even lack of bum shuffling which seems to worry me and the doctor more. Any ideas on what I can do to assist him in being better on his legs?

It's hard not to worry, but remember that doctors will sometimes run tests not to find stuff, but to rule certain things out. Certain situations (like the one you are in now) trigger this response.

To them it is just a test, they forget how this affects the parents and your worry levels!

My DS is now 23 months, and really only started walking properly about a month ago. He didn't crawl properly and bottom shuffled with one leg tucked under him.

He also has a milk protein allergy, and is also delayed in speech and language, and also been late with lots of physical things. But no diagnosis or cause yet confirmed. So I know about the worry!

They really are pretty good at picking stuff up, I would maybe keep a note of things that you observe, to help build a fuller picture. And try to keep away from googling everything.. It can cause even more worry!

Thank you for your response MrsFrisbyMouse I am steering clear of google because I know I will find worse case senario and run with it. I just can't help but feel worried and sad for our little boy. He's already had so many challenges to over come. He had very bad silent reflux as a baby, terrible excema due to the milk intolerance. He just seems to have so many issues and the walking thing is just another one of the many hurdles I feel like he has to jump. Poor little boy. His brother was a grumpy baby, terribly sensitive and cried no end but gradually settled down and became a wonderful child. He walked at 11 months and was running and climbing by the time he was DS2's age! I just feel like I must be doing something wrong. both my babies have been terribly unsettled and have earned a reputation for crying and screaming! At least with DS1 he didn't need quite so much carrying around by now as he was walking competantly. DS2's physical development I would say is average for that of an 8 month old. Just commando crawling, dragging one leg, sitting, rolling etc but making no effort to stand. He is waving, clapping, pointing, babbling etc but he doesn't seem at all like a toddler of 14 months. It is just so worrying isn't it?

Sorry to hear you've been through something similar. It is good to know I'm not alone. Have you had any referrals for his speech or is it coming along on it's own now? I often feel like DS2 will basically be delayed with everything. I know I shouldn't compare but DS1 at this age could point to body parts, point to mummy, point to daddy, point to the lights, the clock, the dog etc. DS2 can point but only when he wants to know what something is. If I ask him 'where's the doggy?' 'Where's Daddy?' he just stares at me and sometimes laughs! I don't really know how good his understanding is but I suppose it's early days.

Thank you for telling me your story. I am hopeful that DS2 wil eventually catch up but it is so worrying when you don't know that cause of the delay isn't it?

I can understand you worry but please don't stress! Some kids just take more time...that's it!
My Ds only started crawling at 12 months and walking at 17 months...and all was ok and normal...he was just lazy or slower if you want.
My Dd is now 7 months, just started sitting up and is not rolling or crawling at all, she's actually quite far from it...guess she's following her brother's steps, taking her time!

Please try not to worry, although I know it's hard.

My DD wasn't walking or crawling by 14 months. She was referred for an ultrasound and x rays, she had blood tests for muscular dystrophy and a few other things, she had been going to physio for a year without anything improving, and lots of people said 'don't worry, one day you'll just turn around and she'll be walking!' Which seemed ridiculous as she wouldn't even bear weight, let alone walk.

They diagnosed her with hypermobility just before her second birthday and she started taking a few steps a couple of months ago.

A remember feeling horribly isolated and different, when all my friends children were literally running and climbing and she would just sit still. I would go home and cry to my DH and my mum and when people said 'Poor little girl, she looks so bored!' It would absolutely break me.

But she's caught up so quickly, and that long period of sitting and developing her brain has been amazing. She is a super intelligent, amazingly calm toddler. She can count to 40 and knows the alphabet and phonics, I have complete conversations with her and she has an amazing attention span.

The consultant told me you're either a talker or a walker and that she was working on all this other stuff while she couldn't get around.

I hope you get some good news soon x

That is nonsense advice from the hospital, making you worry. I'm a GP and my husband is an Orthopaedic Surgeon (the guy we refer a child to with concerns about delayed walking). He rarely sees children under the age of 2 years, as it is quite acceptable for a child to still not be walking at 18 months. Some children will walk very early, others will start late. Provided your child doesn't have other developmental or motor concerns, don't worry at all. The physio may scratch his / her head and wonder why your child was referred to them!

Meant to say, my brother and I both started walking at 18 months, after never crawling or bum shuffling. My lucky mum!

I'm surprised they're concerned by lack of crawling. I didn't think that was a developmental milestone? Our paed told us they wouldn't be concerned by no walking until 30 months.

DS crawled at 15 months and HV/paed never seemed concerned by this either.

DD never crawled just bum shuffling. She walked at 17 months which was late compared to others but she walked easily and hardly fell. She didn't really talk until 3, but her speech was clear and concise when she did. I was never that concerned at the time though.

Thank you everyone who has taken the time to reply. I just reread my firt post and realised how garbled and anxious I seemed! I have had a bit of a tearful afternoon (DS2 and me!) but I am processing all that the docotr said and coming to terms with the fact that I can't do anything either way. Just have to let DS take his time and get to where ever he wants in his own way. I think the doctor was concerned due to DS not pulling up or cruising rather than just the crawling. He asked if he bum shuffled and I said no which is when he seemed more concerned. He examined his legs again and DS cried the whole time which I think confused the doctor. I know he wasn't crying in pain, he is normally fine with having his legs touched and stretched etc but it was just because he was tired and isn't really fond of strangers poking about with him. I tried to explain as I thought it was normal to be wary of strangers and strange environment at this age but the doctor kept saying he cried when he did it so there must be a problem.....DS2 cries such a lot that I am so confused and torn to what is actually a cause for concern and what is just normal grouchiness.

Anyway, I'm rambling again but thank you to all of you who have tried to reassure me and given me your stories of hope!

My DS didn't walk until 18mo either! I was frantic as I had hip dysplasia as a baby and worried constantly that they had missed diagnosing him despite forcing about five different doctors and midwives to do hip checks on him .

One day he just got up, took a few cautious steps, and started running. And that was that!

Thank you for the reassurance. I know all children walk at different ages... in my head I know this but in my heart I can't help but worry. I know he's only 14 months but it just seems like he is sooooo far behind that unless he gets up and walks tomorrow (unlikely!!!) then he will continue to get further and further behind physically. He is just so frustrated and miserable such a lot of the time that I have no idea how to entertain a baby like him. It's such hard work. He is like a toddler but in the body of a 7 month old baby. Surely that can't be good for his brain development. I worry he will be behind in all aspects of his development such as speech, learning etc. BUT one again, I am aware I am getting ahead of myself and I am worrying over things that haven't happened. It just seems so severe to think about my little boy having to have brain scans and supports on his legs. He just is so so beautifull and I want so much for him to be happy and have a healthy 'normal' life which I know it's what we all want for our children.

My DD2, now 21 months, walked at 18 months and 3 weeks. She was bum-shuffling, but she was really really reluctant to bear weight on her legs - you couldn't bounce her standing up on your lap as her legs just slid from under her, and she wasn't pulling up or cruising.

The GP really wasn't worried and said they would only even think about possibly referring her at 18 months. I'm surprised yours has. She does have almost hyper-mobile joints, and her ankles were noticeably wobbly / flexible. Apparently hyer-mobility is associated with late walking. Do you think your DS might have very flexible joints? My DD is within the bounds of "normal" with her joints, and it's not causing any problems, they are just very very flexible.

My DD didn't walk until nearly 19 months. I did think she was a little low toned (within normal limits) but all I ever noticed was she was a little behind her peers at her gym class (between ages 2 1/2 and 4) and she wasn't the most able runner. Now, aged 9, she is a fantastic dancer, is equal to her peers in all other aspects, and I have no issues. Good luck!

I would concentrate on the skills dc has now, so lots of games and reaching etc in that position. Eg if dc can stand supported, try that and hold a picture book/favourite item for them to concentrate on instead.

Also movements in water can often come first, eg being happy in a crawl position in water but not land. Try the pool out of you can.

Lots of time on dc tummy with toys close by but just beyond reach in front/in the edge of reach to get the idea of shuFfling forward on belly.

I know you think that's unlikely but I believe the later they start the more chance there is that's exactly what he will do!

As a baby, dd had hidden reflux, terrible digestion problems, screamed constantly and didn't walk until 19 months (although she did talk in full sentences at 12 months). She crawled, but didn't turn over and missed many of the "normal" physical milestones. dd is now 10 years old and physically extremely capable and coordinated. She can sprint in 6 inch heels (did Nicky Minaj for Purim) and is beyond perfectly healthy. I only wish she would get sick and slow down occasionally and give me a break.

I had a similar experience to you with my DS. He didn't walk until 22 months, altho from 12 he was motivated to try, endless stooped over holding his fingers. He kindof commando crawled and cruised his wobbly way around his first year. When he did start to walk he was very wobbly, and has never firmed up. He's now nearly four and still falls over a dozen or more times a day and walks as if he's drunk.

The doctors wouldn't refer him until he was 18 months, and after that there's been years of test that have yielded no results so far. No diagnosis, just a likely genetic muscle disorder.

No answers for you, just sympathy. I get the feeling sad and jealous about other children running and climbing everywhere. It's difficult. Big empathy!

DD is 13 1/2 months. She only started crawling properly a couple of weeks ago and pulling herself to standing last week. She doesn't cruise yet.

It is very worrying waiting for answers or progress and I've been in the situation where everyone else's dc are running around and my daughter couldn't stand let alone walk!

Dd sat at 8 months, rolled at 18 months, crawled at 19 months, diagnosed with hypermobility and hypotonia at 23 months, first pair of Piedro boots at 2.3 years. The boots allowed dd to stand but that's all. At 2.6years dd got leg splints. Walked at 2.10years! Yay.

Now at 4.1 years dd is in her first pair of "normal" shoes from a shop (no splints anymore). She can't do everything her peers can yet but is still improving.

We also had blood tests to rule out various muscle conditions, hip X-rays and the physio did wonder about cerebral palsy for a while, but then ruled that out.

Hopefully you get some answers quickly to put your mind at rest.

Thanks agasin to all of you who have posted. It's almost comforting to know I am not the only one going or having gone through it! So many reassuring posts of children who were fine in later toddler years. I think I just worry that because he is so discontent so often (not screaming, inconsolable of ten but generally whingy and hard work) that his lack of mobility is adding to that frustration. The thought of him not walking til over 2 is very scary as he already weighs 29lbs and I don't know how much more carrying him around I can physically do! He's on 98th centile for height aswell as weight though so the doctors aren't concerned about his weight slowing him down particularly as he was 10lbs when he was born! His brother was also a big baby and was on 91st centile for weight and height but that didn't seem to stop him from walking!

Anyway I think my biggest concerns are less about hypermobility (although I have no idea how I would know if he has this) but I am more worried about muscular dystrophy and things which will get worse rather than things we can work on getting better. It's a worrying time but I am trying to stay hopeful.

DS2 has started trying to climb up my legs now so if I am sat on the floor with him he will pull himself up to be stood on his knees but not in a kneeling position, more like just standing up straight but on his knees if that maked sense. He's only started doing it today but it's the first time he's made any effort to be vertical so I am happy for the moment that it is at least progress!

Does anyone know how long roughly physio referral will take? I expect it varies nationwide but I don't want to leave things until he's so far behind it feels like he's never going to catch up! Sorry I must sound like a pushy mum! It's not that, if he was happy sitting and watching the world go by then I would be fine with it and let him take his time but the fact that he is so grumpy all the time makes me think there is another issue here or he is very frustrated at not being able to get about.

Nah, he won't get further and further behind, I don't think.

DS, now 4, walked at 19, nearly 20, months. He isn't a very good runner (yet-those West African genes will kick in sometime) but he can dribble a football like Ryan Giggs, and shake his booty like Beyonce.

Hypermobility: is your DS just very bendy? Eg if my DD is sitting on the floor with her legs out in front of her, she has been known to bend forward and lie with her cheek on the ground, but her legs still out n front of her (now by her ears). Her ankles are noticeably bendy. She sleeps on her tummy with her thighs going out at right angles to her torso. She can almost do the splits (well, she sits with her legs in a very wide V in front of her). The GP and HV have both wiggled her legs and arms and think she's on the hypermobile side of things. But no problems for her whatsoever at the moment, apart from the late walking.

Apparently it is often hereditary. This is one of the ways adults are diagnosed with hypermobile joints (I score 5 - above 4 means your joints are considered hypermobile). But it doesn't cause me any problems or pain at all, probably because I am only just on the cusp.

My ds didn't walk till 20 months - I can't remember when he started pulling up but it was certainly well after he was a year old. He basically sat and watched, when all the other children were zooming around. I was exactly the same as him as a baby though, didn't walk till I was nearly 2, so I kind of expected it - I was more shocked when my daughter started walking much earlier and I wasn't prepared!

He caught up very quickly when he started to walk though. In his case late walking might (just might) be linked to mild Aspergers and / or sensory issues, or it might be unrelated; but it certainly wasn't anything really worrying. I hope the doctors can reassure you soon!