16 month old not walking yet. Feeling down.

[jess2345]

I want to ask whether this is okay. My ds is 16 month old, and walks only with a walker. He can turn it around corners, but I constantly get. “Is he not walking yet” kinda comments and others are just highlighting how theirs was walking at 10 months. it’s really upsetting me. I feel like every gross motor milestone has been about 4-5 months out and tbh it’s been a massive pain and frustrating for all of us.

My ds didn’t start walking until 17 months, and even then it was only because we were on holiday with a little boy his same age and he was desperate to keep up. If it wasn’t for her, I’m fairly sure he would have just sat and watched the world for a few more months. I think he was putting all his energy into developing his language skills and was able to talk earlier than most his peers so he sounds just like you little one.

My dd started walking at 10 months old but was less articulate so I just think it’s all down to the individual child.

I don’t blame you for worrying, it’s difficult not to if you are made to feel like your child is behind by others. You know he is healthy and happy and before long you will be chasing around! x

My DD walked 2 days before she hit 18 months.

I had an appointment ready in case she didn't walk by 18 months.

It was nice that she wasn't rushing around like a crazed toddler.

Oh gosh I really would try not to worry, my now 12 year old didn't walk until she was 17/18 months, she is now a champion cross country runner and soccer player so it definitely didn't mean anything sinister. My MIL used to make all sorts of 'helpful' suggestions about what might be wrong with her though so I did stress about it a lot

I walked at 18 months, op.

But I was taking in sentences by 18 months - kids can't do both!!

Your ds is probably ahead on another area. And if not, he will catch up!! Don't worry.

DS1 walked at 14 months, DS2 walked at 9 months as was a massive PITA. I would prefer a late walker any day of the week!

He s talking.
That will get him far.
No one will care what age he walked.
And he is within normal range.

Only one of my 3 children was walking by 16 months

My ds2 didnt walk by himself until 18/19 months. I was getting very worried, had him seen by a physiotherapist. He was a big baby, and I think he just found it hard. Hes over two now and flying around. He started walking about 2 weeks into lockdown actually. Just suddenly he could do it.

My daughter was 18 months.

None of mine walked until they were eighteen months but talked early. Dgs is seventeen months and cruising and he talks well so think it must run in the family.

DD walked at 16 months, DS at 19 months. DD never crawled, DS did a little bit. Both bum-shuffled a bit. I initially felt like you with DD, but then I realised that unlike others who were constantly chasing after their DC and having to babyproof their homes, she just sat where I'd left her. By the time I got to DS, I enjoyed it even more, given I spent most of my time chasing after DD by then! Within a few weeks of them starting to walk, you wouldn't have known they had started late and certainly no ongoing physical issues. So definitely don't worry at this stage - if you were saying the same when DS is 2 then time to worry a little but definitely not now.

Ds didn’t walk until almost 17 months but was an early talker and stringing words together before he could talk. He’s an incredibly athletic child now.

DD didn’t walk until almost 18 months and is not an early talker either (still on single words at 2 and those are limited) however her social skills are quite advanced in way I haven’t seen in other children her age. They certainly all develop at their own rate and in their own ways.

Don't worry I've looked after children for years and had a few who were old than your son before they walked. It's not they can't they just can be a bit lazy and prefer to crawl or shuffle around on their bottom. He will just do it one day and surprise you. X

My DS didn’t walk til he was 18mo, he never crawled either, just bum shuffled.

DD was 16 months. She a competitive gymnast now.

I think when they get used to the walker it can delay things. DS was only 7 months when he started cruising and we expected him to walk early but at 11 months he’s not showing any interest. I think it’s because we got him a push walker and he’s mastered it to the point where he can go over obstacles / turn corners / balance toys on it and so there’s no need for him to walk. We’re going to try putting it away for a bit to see if it helps things along

I have twins

One walked at 14 months, by 15 months he was pushing her round in a bubble car, he fetch her toys to play.

She was in no rush to walk until 18 months! Lazy toad.

She’s a A* candidate, he’s going to fail all his GCSEs due to disability and lack of help in school.

I doubt the two are even related

Mine were all late walkers. First was 17 months. Don’t worry about it. I think sometimes if the child is tall or long bodied it can take longer too.

Yes there's a bit of research around suggesting the use of baby walkers can delay independent walking, maybe take that away and give him the motivation to try a bit harder

@jess2345

Yes he’s saying lots of words. Absolutely loves books. Gets them out and says words from them.

At 16 months? Holy crap. DD was just about walking but much happier with a push trolley walking thing. Ffing bricks everywhere. Books though? Words? Not until 2.5 Don't stress, life is too short

DD walked at 10 months, DS at 18 months after a whole lot of bum shuffling. He didnt talk till after 2 either. Hes in y1 now and showing signs of being a very bright boy! Comparison is the thief of joy, he is weight bearing and cruising around so he will walk soon and itll be a distant memory.

My Dd wouldn’t put her feet to the floor until 16 months. It turns out she has hyper mobile joints so maybe that has something to do with it. She was a great talker though.

My GD was also a late Walker and talker, but had really good fine motor skills. I guess they all go at their own pace.

My 18mo was walking at 11 months but is yet to use any real words, so they’re all so different! Try not to feel bad or compare

@jess2345

I want to ask whether this is okay. My ds is 16 month old, and walks only with a walker. He can turn it around corners, but I constantly get. “Is he not walking yet” kinda comments and others are just highlighting how theirs was walking at 10 months. it’s really upsetting me. I feel like every gross motor milestone has been about 4-5 months out and tbh it’s been a massive pain and frustrating for all of us.

I say this with kindness, you have to be patient. Get rid of the walker, they don't help with actual walking at all, in fact probably hinder.

My 2 walked at 16 months and 21 months. The 2nd got a bit heavy lugging her around everywhere but no concerns other than that. Anything under 18 months doesn't raise a professional concern and not until 2 does it become a major issue.