18 month old - can walk but won't walk when out

[boo64]

Our 18 month old ds has been walking ages and is very competent at it etc but when outside often won't walk and prefers to be carried or in the pram/ back pack.

We are trying to encourage him to walk for himself more but mostly he just arches his back and cries. I've tried putting him on the floor anyway and he just stands and cries more.

He will happily walk around at home, in cafes or at other people's houses.

Anyone got any tips?

he is quite a cautious little boy and maybe he worries he will fall over?

boo, I don't think it is particularly unusual for an 18 month old to not walk a lot when outside. They will walk more once they are ready and IMO taller.

My dd 3.3 (short) hardly walks despite our encouragement but her cousin 3.6 (tall) has not been in a buggy for 6 months now. Personally, if dd were to walk, it takes a lot longer, so sometimes I am grateful I can just strap her into a buggy.

I'm sure you are about to have an influx of mums of 18 month olds who wish they wouldn't walk outside the house My ds only started walking about 4 months ago (is 18 months) and for ages wouldn't do it in front of people he didn't know, even if we were there.

If I had to guess, I would say he probably doesn't want to be apart from you in an environment he isn't comfortable with, perhaps where you could get separated. Sounds quite normal, I wouldn't stress it. Trust me, although you want to hit that milestone, you don't really want a toddler who insists on going off to look at everything Would definitely prefer one who would sit in the trolley at Sainsburys!

Hi
I totally do see the upside - it is much easier to have a toddler clinging to your leg than one running towards the road/ duck pond etc!

And he doesn't mind being in the buggy either BUT I just don't want to end yo carrying him round when he is 15 or something (slight exageration!!)

Good to hear this is pretty normal as I imagined all other kids this age running round outside happily!

Blueshoes - he is short so maybe yes that's playign a part

Also Trib - think you are spot on re wanting to stay close and he especially refuses to walk eg. if there are lots of people around

He's completely normal. Actually Desmond Morris (anthropologist) says that this is normal primate behaviour. If the mother walks off, the baby monkey stays where it is and asks to be carried. Walking outside is dangerous as the child could get lost. I would never expect an 18month old to walk in the street (though my dd did a bit). They'll get plenty of practise at home and will eventually and quite suddenly get the confidence to walk outside.

hi-jack

hello aloha!

Agreed Aloha - I don't take ds anywhere and expect him to walk, just release him for a few minutes in Sainsburys so he can satisfy his desire to inspect every pack of washing powder they sell I think he likes to think he's quite independent, but (despite not putting it to the test) he wouldn't really go very far.

Aloha - love the baby monkey comparison! I think I have one of those sometimes rather than a baby human!

Have you tried taking him somewhere outside thats fun for him to walk, like the park or the beach? Thats where dd started walking outside (she's 19mths) and she'll now walk anywhere, but is very slow and doesn't want to go in her buggy anymore, which of course she has to when we go shopping etc. so I wouldn't hurry it too much .

Aloha you are worrying me now...

I was actually thinking of starting a thread myself about my not-yet-15-months-old who wants to walk everywhere and any attemt to strap him in the buggy results in the mother of all tantrums.

Boo, I wish I had your problem