One-year-old freezes on carpet and lacks confidence walking independently

[MysteriousCherry]

Hi all,
so my daughter has been standing now for a few months and can walk but just doesn’t have the confidence in herself she turned one in April. I thought instead of doing it downstairs where I have laminate flooring I would try to get her doing it upstairs on carpeted area as it worked with my eldest child. When I put her down on the carpet she gets very weirded out by the feeling of it she won’t walk just freezes. Is this normal? Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can build her confidence within walking independently as she always checks if someone is behind her which causes her to fall down it would be much appreciated. 😊

If you’re worried talk to the health visitor. I know in my area they have physio drop in sessions at eg the library where you can just go and chat to them if you are worried.

It doesn’t sound that unusual to be nervous and wobbly at age one though?

My kid didn’t walk at all until 18 months and everyone kept telling me it was fine (child is autistic, and very cautious, and was also prem). A paediatrician told me they don’t really worry until age two which surprised me.

Child is four now and walks like any other child.

Yeah I totally understand all babies achieve milestones at different paces. I get worried when she falls over as she doesn’t parachute she’ll just plank instead. I will give health visitor a call definitely!

No harm in getting her looked at if it puts your mind at rest!

You can't rush babies/ toddlers. They all have different risk appetites and this is what you're seeing in action! My two didn't even take a step until 15 months, and don't choose walking over crawling until 16 months.

She'll do it in her own time :)