19 months… not walking?

[LilacPomPom]

Hello 👋🏻

Just a quick one… my son isn’t really walking independently and he’s 19 months old. He’ll take a few steps every now and then and he’ll walk whilst holding on to the TV unit or your hand but he much prefers crawling. He can stand independently and has good balance but just slams himself back down into a crawling position.

Both my partner and I didn’t walk until we were 18+ months (apparently) so I assumed he’d be a bit later than others however he just seems very uninterested. I am hyper mobile and over extend my knees, elbows etc.. and I can see some “extra-bendy” positions he finds himself comfortable in.

Anyone else have a late walker or similar situation? I don’t want to get a HV involved or anything as they jump into referrals and things which I think may be unnecessary at the moment.

Dgd1 didn't start walking until she was almost 18 months old and never crawled. She will be 20 months in 2 weeks and still can't manage to go up stairs. They're all different but I must admit I was getting worried. I still think she might benefit from physiotherapy but hopefully it's just a matter of time. Her fine motor skills are advanced and she speaks in sentences, knows all her colours etc. They were going to get her checked out if she wasn't walking by 18 months. There is nothing to lose!

Dd3 has been diagnosed as having hypermobility and ADHD (I suspect dd2 may also have hypermobility) but both were walking by 12 months and were supersonic crawlers.

My sons are now 20 and 18. Youngest walked at 17 months and DS1 at 19 months. The hv said doctors if not walking at 2 but also not to worry as they all get there eventually and you don't see adults crawling.

To add. Neither of my boys are hyper mobile, just late walkers. They both started walking randomly one day and stopped crawling straight away. They skipped the wobbly holding onto things phase completely.

Honestly get help now as referrals for anything are months if not years long. Hopefully he will be walking before your appointment

DS didn't get on his feet until 22 months - no issues, he obviously just felt he could get around faster by not getting on his feet.

I would speak to your GP and Health Visitor as per NHS guidelines. They are there to support you.
www.nhsggc.org.uk/kids/healthcare-professionals/paediatric-physiotherapy/early-years/when-to-seek-help/

Get a physio check.
Hypermobility can lead to late walking.
Sometimes orthotics can help or sturdy boots to support ankle
But see a physio for assessment to make sure no bad habits forming and get advicd on specifc stregthening exercises

As speech isn’t at expected level too I would defo recommend seeing GP as others have said waiting lists are long! My daughter was similar but no words other than mummy/daddy at 2. She’s autistic and has dyspraxia.

I wouldn't worry too much until he's two and not walking or talking. My neighbour's boy did neither. We were invited round for his second birthday party. He sat there quietly. Then suddenly started speaking normally in full sentences. He then stood up and walked. Both as if he'd been doing it for months. An afternoon I'll never forget. It seems he was just taking everything in and did these things on his own terms. If you don't want to involve HVs etc., wait a bit and if no progress, speak to someone if you think that there's definitely a problem by then.

For a doctor to say you don't see adults crawling is appalling- you don't see it because they use a wheelchair or other mobility aid.

Similar situation here. 23 month old not walking independently. We started the referral process months ago and the waiting lists are so long. Took months to be seen by the paediatrician. Not to be a doom-monger but they test for muscular dystrophy at this point, so there are some more serious reasons for late walking. We’re now waiting for an xray referral but the waiting lists are again really long so it’ll be months. I would definitely get on to your health visitor soon in the new year!

We were referred to Physio, and they gave her sturdy boots and splints and that was all she needed to get going. Went from not walking to walking in one go.

After a few years she didn’t need the extra support, but initially it was an immediate correction.

i dont think 19 months is late
he is attempting and is standing

wouldn't worry too much until he's two and not walking or talking.

Actually younger kids can be assessed eg bayley scale.
Sometimes delays can be identified liong before two.
It depends.
You take into account play understanding everything

For every "started walking and talking perfectly at three" there is another toddler who needs intervention

No harm in getting a referral
there can be lost time in delaying intervention

Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Third Edition) share.google/2TjZVYErjYHZI7Y2w

My son didnt walk till 20 months. He was just lazy

My daughter walked at 19 months. She’s 19 now and absolutely fine

betwehe the walking and talking it’s worth having him reviewed even if just to get him in the system, should he need intervention at any point because wait lists are so so long.