Please help me ,my back may never recover.

[Mamalade]

Hi All,
DD3(almost 20 mths!)has absolutely no confidence when it comes to walking.

She is very healthy.Her legs are fine.She cruises around furniture without a problem,but when it comes to taking a step unaided she flops down and flat refuses.

If you have any tips on how to get her started,please share.

My DS cruised for months and months. He finally took steps solo when he was distracted...I gave him a flashing ball (size of a golf ball) and he was so mesmerised that he walked without realising!

One of mine used one of those flimsy giving no support doll buggies for about 2 months - worth a try?

What worked for my SIL was harnessing her DD's naturally competitive edge. They went on holiday with friends who had a little girl of the same age who was walking confidently; my little niece, who had refused to let go of hands/the furniture for months, was walking independently within a day.

Not quite the same thing but my DS took ages to learn to crawl - he was stuck in reverse for months and got very frustrated at ending up wedged under sofas etc. I finally managed to tempt him forwards by waving my toast in front of his face.

Conclusion: know your opponent and strategise accordingly

Thank you for all your ideas.

I have tried coaxing her with food,new waybuloo bouncing ball and a mini buggy.She was nearly tempted by the ball but not quite.

I am ready to harness the power of her extremely jealous streak by possibly cooing over every other walking baby I see.
I am getting desperate!

If she is healthy and strong don't worry and certainly don't be desperate!

Just hold her hand lots, give her things to push along and let her do it when she is ready. Don't set her targets at such an early age. If she feels insecure she won't let go. She'll get there when she feels confident enough and not before.

Once she's been walking for a while you'll wonder what you were worried about.