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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

When to get nervous about not walking?

19 replies

JoyS · 19/09/2007 11:09

My 16mo DD walks holding on with both hands (won't try with one hand), can just about stand by herself but only does it when she's distracted, and seems to have no interest in trying to walk alone. She didn't crawl until 11 mos, and she just seems so nervous about walking.

She's been talking a lot more lately, so maybe she's been working on that instead of walking? Also, she's quite slim and long-limbed, with tiny feet, could it be a balance issue?

How long should I wait before I see the health visitor?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

wheelybug · 19/09/2007 11:12

A friend's 2 dds were dd1 - 19 month, dd2 - virtually 2 (she has tiny feet so maybe a correlation ?). They just weren't interested. I think that as long as they're showing progress not to worry. It sounds like, if she didn't crawl till 11 months, she's just a bit later doing those things.

LilRedWG · 19/09/2007 11:13

If you are worried, mention it now to put your mind at rest.

My DD is 16 months old and only started walking holding onto our hands a week ago, she only started bum shuffling two weeks ago and can't crawl or stand without holding onto something. Like your DD, she is talking well and ahead with her dexterity. She sees a physio, who is happy with just keeping an eye on her, but has provided Piedro boots to help with stability.

HTH and do try not to worry.

LilRedWG · 19/09/2007 11:13

DD also has tiny feet - in 6-12 month socks still.

NAB3 · 19/09/2007 11:13

Still within the "normal" range of it not being a problem yet. Give her opportunities but don't force the issue. She will do it when she is ready. I don't think her small feet will be the probelm, if there is one. Is there anything else worrying you about her?

Soph73 · 19/09/2007 11:21

Hi there. Our DS didn´t walk until he was 16/17 months, then off he went. He used a little trolley with wheels which held blocks to balance himself. I didn´t walk, crawl or shuffle at all. At 2 and a half years old I just got up & walked .... am still a lazy beggar Don´t think you have anything to worry about just yet.

Original poster

JoyS · 19/09/2007 11:26

Thanks for all the replies! I know she is within normal range but her reluctance to try has been worrying me. She has a few push toys but will only use them on her knees, even the really sturdy walker. And all her little friends are running by now!

OP posts:

TheQueenOfQuotes · 19/09/2007 11:34

DS1 cruised furniture from about 12 months, but never crawled, and also until he was cruising the furniture couldh't really move around - apart from rolling in one direction - and then back again. He finally decided to walk when he was about 18 1/2 months.

MrsMarvel · 19/09/2007 11:35

If it's worrying you it won't hurt to get an assessment. It will put your mind at rest. God knows we've all been there.

GrumpyOldHorsewoman · 19/09/2007 11:51

DD1 walked everywhere at 11 months. DD2 didn't walk until 18 months - very tentative. I wouldn't worry too much - my neice still had pillows propping her upright when sitting at 18 months and then just walked when she felt ready. They are all different.

LilRedWG · 19/09/2007 11:59

Onething I really liked about DD being assessed by a physio was that when 'well-meaning' relatives/friends/strangers said, "Isn't it strange that she's not walking/standing/dancing the fandango yet?" I could happily reply that, no it wasn't strange at all and her physio has said DD'll do it when she wants!

mawbroon · 19/09/2007 12:03

JoyS - no harm in mentioning it the the HV if you're worried about it. But if you're not worried then don't bother.

My ds didn't crawl until 11 months, didn't pull up until 15 months and refused to stand unaided until one day at almost 20 months, he took two little steps. Then the next day he was walking up and down the kitchen. Now he's almost 2 and is just as steady on his feet as his contemporaries.

WendyWeber · 19/09/2007 12:04

DD2 didn't crawl until 12 months or walk until 18 months and I can't remember her even cruising much. She just stood up one day and walked (with her arms out as if to start flying, they took a long time to come down )

I was a very late walker myself (19 months apparently), it's very reassuring if there's a family history like that - any late walkers in your families?

LilianGish · 19/09/2007 12:08

Sounds just like my dd who eventually walked at around 22 months - and never stopped. She never got back in a pushchair and never needed one - she could literally walk miles (and still can). In fact her first hands free steps were along the entire length of the rue du Cherche Midi in Paris where we were living at the time (tripping up the then Prime Minister Lionel Jospin who got in her way) a distance of around half a mile I'd say!. She's a much better walker than her brother who walked at 16 months and was still in and out of his pushcair at 4 (we finally ditched it when he learned to ride a bike!). How old were you and dh when you walked? My dh was also a late walker and our paediatrician at the time told us these things are usually hereditary. I don't think you've got anything to worry about.

katierocket · 19/09/2007 12:11

DS1 (now 6) didn't crawl until 10 months and didn't walk until 18months. I think it is hereditary.

hifi · 19/09/2007 12:22

dd 22 months, paid £150 to see paediation and she walked the next day! he did say her hips were loose and she would take longer, shes fine now.

thehairybabysmum · 19/09/2007 12:26

my ds is 21 months and only been walking for 7 weeks now...v. much as you describe for your dd..didnt crawl til 12 months but would walk holding on, couldnt stand v. well. I dont think he was really standing on his own much at 16 months either.

Once he did start he was off though...doesnt seem to have had the wobbly stage that a lot of his peers had. Also he says a lot of words and so i decided that bit of his brain must have developed before the walking bit.

I mentioned to HV and she said not to worry especially if weight bearing etc.

prettybird · 19/09/2007 12:27

Ds - commando crawling at 11 months, cruising at 12 months, "ordniary" crawling at 13 months, walking at 17 months.

Now an energetic (and fast! ) 7 year old.

They all progress at their own rates.

seeker · 19/09/2007 12:31

My dd walked at 19 months - but she talked at 10 months. I think they often do one thing at once - sounds like your dd's doing the same!

Clary · 19/09/2007 12:34

If she's taking the weight on her feet (which she cleatrly is) then that's fine at this stage.

The parameters for walking for an NT child (ie without special needs) are 9mo to 20mo IIRC.
It's wise to be alert, yes; I know a child who was very late to take the weight on her feet and she had a hip joint problem; she's totally fine now, but the parents were well advised and she was under a paed for a while. Interesting that her speech was much further ahead at 18mo than my DS2 (same age, walked at 9mo)

However yr DD sounds fine. Just keep an eye on her progress.

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