not talking or walking

[howiloveanicecupoftea]

DS is 21 months old and can only really say "daddy" and even that's not perfectly clear. He gabbled away but certainly has no actual words he can say. His eye contact is good and his understanding good, can follow instructions, can fetch what he's asked to etc.
With walking whilst he can walk he's certainly not a reliable walker, his feet both turn in and he often trips over, I pick him up and he walks again but still I feel most kids walk well by now?
I don't know if this is normal or whether I should get these things looked at and if so by whom?

I'm not an expert but these are both things I would be discussing with my health visitor

howiloveanicecupoftea, sorry to hear about your concerns. I think I would particularly be concerned about 1) the walking (and you can consult your GP on that and start from there as he really should be walking very comfortably at 21 months) and 2) whether your DS has social skills. Is he friendly and sociable? Does he seem to understand what you're saying? If it were me, I would go to GP for this just for my peace of mind, to clarify what's going on with milestones, in case there are things ...but of course there's great variation between kids.

How far should they be able to walk would you say?

howilove it really depends in terms of walking, but usually (with some variation) at 1 year most children start taking steps and by 21 months they should be fairly comfortable toddling around. But I really want to stress there is great variation in this within normality, it's just that it wouldn't hurt asking your GP just to have a third independent person assess the situation and your concerns.

The speech doesn't sound so worrying if his comprehension is good, which it sounds like it is. I have three DC ( one is still only 16 months). The middle one didn't have very clear speech actually until he was nearly 3. I remember the health visitor asking if we wanted a referral to speech and language but we said no as he understood everything we were saying and he babbled away and we could understand what he was trying to say. Going to preschool was the best thing for him and he is now in reception with perfect speech. I have a friend who is a speech and language therapist and at the time she told me they are reluctant to take referrals under 3 years due to how much they can vary in development up until then. Not sure about the walking though - I think that's something I would have a chat to the HV about. I don't think you should be too worried though.

Does he babble clearly apart from not having many actual words?
Are his legs strong- so does he crawl well, cruise, push up strongly on his legs?
If yes to the above, I wouldn't be too worried, but agree with pps that it's best to get developmental issues checked out, particularly if they occur in more than one area.

The walking with feet turned in might worry me a little, but other than that he's probably within the realms of normal, especially if he understands what you're saying and responds (in actions) appropriately. Some children reach their milestones much sooner or much later than average.

I would see the GP and ask if he needs a physio/chiro (or similar) referral just to check hips, legs and knees. Your HV won't be able to do these referrals so go straight to GP. GP may say wait a couple of months until he is more established and see how he is or might send you straight away.

Dd3 took her first step at 21 months so there's quite a variation! Do you getca 2-year check in your area? If so I'd wait for that personally. IME their talking often takes off around the 2 year mark so it may happen very soon but you could book a HV appointment if not.