17 Month Old Will Not Walk

It sounds like he's just fine, just a little later to walk than the average, but still well within normal range. I wouldn't push him to walk, but you could help encourage him in that direction in small ways, like giving him something fun to hold onto, holding his hand, taking a couple of steps back and forth between you and somebody else, and walking with push toys. It really sounds like he's almost ready to take off on his own, but you trying to push him to do it before he's quite ready may be making it more difficult for him. This is not an important issue worth getting into a power struggle! I think it might help for you (and/or daddy - especially if daddy is more easygoing) to spend some fun time on the floor with him playing with getting around in different ways - army crawl, hands-and-knees crawl, walking on knees, walking (maybe even dancing!) holding hands, playing games like standup/falldown/laugh together (or ring around the rosie), making it a fun time. If he hasn't really done much hands and knees crawling, I might emphasize that at first rather than walking, as the cross-crawl is considered to be important for brain development. You might also check to see if there's anything he's been afraid of. My son held my hand for three months before he would let go and walk on his own, due I think to a rambunctious dog in the house and also a bigger kid who was sometimes rough with him. Or there could be something deeper about him not being ready to grow up as fast as you want him to. I do understand that it's becoming very frustrating for you, especially since he's heavy to carry, but it really sounds like he'll be fine and will be walking soon if you ease up and have some fun with him. It's so much easier for him (and feels safer too I'm sure) to get places faster by crawling, so it makes sense he would prefer that method for now. And the walking on the knees could be a good intermediate step he has discovered, where his center of balance is higher than in crawling but he still has more control and steadiness than he would in walking. Also, do you have soft places for him to land? You could spread out some blankets or something to make the floor softer, or lots of pillows for some fun standup/falldown time. I'd encourage you to enjoy him in his uniqueness, appreciating the creative ways he's discovered to get around in the world, while gently and with much fun encouraging him to discover other ways as well.

PS keep him barefoot as much as you can, bare feet are designed for walking - all the little muscles aid in balance. and for times when he needs to be wearing shoes, make sure you get good ones!

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Relax, as long as he's making progress towards the goal of walking he's fine. He's crawling, he's cruising, he's healthy, he's strong... Being a first time mom can be very nerve wracking, I worried about my son because he never crawled, he just scooted. He's 3 now, and he walks just like everyone else.
Your son will do what he needs to do when it's time for HIM to do it. He will not do it on your time table, or your neighbor's baby's timetable.
Before you know it, he will be walking, and you will wish you had to carry him everywhere again.
Take care,
T.

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It sounds to me like it is not the fact he can and won't walk, but the fact is he can't! ALL babies want to walk, but if they can't, they can't. Pushing a car and cruising furniture is not the same as walking. Continue to encourage him to walk with you, to you, and to watch other kids walking. You might want to even consider seeing a pediatric physical therapist for a short time to learn to walk (18 months is considered delayed!)

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I agree with what the majority of the posters said here--don't worry, some are just later walkers. I suppose for every early walker there's a late one, and you and I have the late ones!

There are more than a dozen recognized crawling styles and it always seems that the late walkers go for the oddest styles, drawing even more attention to themselves LOL!

My girl's 19.5 months and is just starting to wander a few feet at a time. She's big and strong and perfectly capable of walking, but for whatever reason feels better with a little support. She's been an "aggressive cruiser" for months now. I finally bought her a little walker toy so she can gain that last bit of confidence she needs, and she really enjoys that. Also, she does better barefoot or in one particular pair of shoes (high tops); children under 2 don't really need shoes, especially when learning to walk. And "no-slip socks" are no substitute for bare feet either.

I use positive reinforcement when she does succeed--which is easy for me, because it's thrilling to see her achieve this bit of independence. She gets excited and forgets her fear. Or a toy in her hand can help her forget, too. I went from a firm handhold when helping her walk to just a limp forefinger that she can clutch, and often she doesn't even lean on it.

Having her around other kids her age--who are walking, running, even climbing and having a great time--has been a big motivation for her.

Regarding physical therapy, it's not as scary as it sounds. Pediatric physical therapists can determine, in just a few minutes of watching your baby, what kind of manuevers will help them. We went to one at about 14 months who taught our baby a couple of good methods for pulling up and getting back down. It really was just a matter of simple mechanics--for example, keeping knees aligned under shoulders (instead of letting them slide apart) so that you can get up from a kneeling position. We're not talking about complicated exercises, therapy, braces, etc. but just showing them how to redistribute their weight so they can get up easily or whatever. Our ped and PT person both said--these bigger babies sometimes just have too much trouble hauling that big body up and down etc.--but since she's having no neurological trouble it'll come.

Bottom line, I wouldn't worry unless he's exhibiting any asymmetry in his movements or abilities. I know you're frustrated, but he knows it too and it's probably making him anxious...and resistant to even dealing with it. If walking is becoming an activity associated with tears and fear of abandonment, he's not going to be very motivated. Find something he can't resist and use it as a target for him, and cheer him every step of the way!

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Hi S.!

My daughter was the same way, perfectly capable of walking but wouldn't do it. She didn't walk until almost 17 months. On one hand I was worried about it, but on the other hand I was thankful that I didn't have to chase her all over the place. My doctor said it's normal for kids to not walk until 18+ months (especially if they have another way of getting around that works). If you're really worried about it they have those walking wing things (you can get them at Target) that make it so you can hold them up while not having to bend over. I had a friend that used them & her son was walking w/in a week. I think they're pretty cheap. I would say he'll walk when he's ready. My daughter is super cautious about everything-but when she decides to do "the task" she does it almost perfect. Maybe your son is the same way-he just has to make sure he can do it right before he tries. So get ready!!!

S.,

Hi, I have twin boys who are now 10. One of them walked at 12 months and one didn't walk until 19 months! I'll talk about the "late" walker. He was a very efficient crawler and it was just easier for him to get around quickly that way rather than slowly with learning how to walk. Your little boy sounds perfectly normal. He's cruising on the furniture and walking behind a wheeled toy. He's probably not being stubborn, he just doesn't have the confidence yet to go out on this own. He's probably crying out of frustration that he can't walk by himself yet...so both of you are frustrated. I took my son in for therapy sessions because I was so concerned about him and he really didn't need it, he started walking after two sessions...when he was ready. One thing that did help was to put a toy in one of his hands and hold his other hand. Then I let go of of the hand I was holding and the fact that he still had something in his other hand seemed to be "invisible" support. He could feel that he was holding onto something...it tricked his brain a bit. Your son will be walking SOON. Then it can drive you crazy having to watch his every move and keeping him safe. Enjoy! Babies don't "last" very long, they grow up so quickly. C. W.

Hi S.,
Patience is the key, and your love will provide it in abundance if you understand that every child is different, and there are no strict rules when something should or should not happen. Your son is taking his sweet time, and you just need to be patient since the pushing is not going to work, and he will just make conclusions that your love is conditional on him walking, or he will learn to use his behavior to manipulate you. Be patient, stay put, and let him grow out of crawling phase into walking in his own time. Don't worry, he'll do it. Don't judge him based on what's expected in our society. It is all statistics, and most of us fall out of statistical data in one area or other. Your boy is a beautiful, unique person, and let him do his own thing.
If you are interested in learning more about how to handle situations when you feel manipulated or angry, I would warmly recommend any book or tape by Love and Logic. They have a website, and I think their material is a must. The earlier you read it, the easier you life will be, in toddlerhood, as well as in adolescence of your son.
I hope this helps.
J.

Hi S. my dauther was a little slow with interest in walking as well. The one thing that I found would catch her attention was other children, her age, who were walking solo. She would stare at them and look at me like, Whats that? Do you take her to a park, or do you have a playgroup? That is the 1st thing I would suggest - increase your sons time with his peers - that may motivate him to try it on his own!
Good luck!

If he didn't crawl using right arm, left leg, then left arm, right leg etc. (I don't know if he did or not) then I would get him into special therapy. THere is something about the un-coordinated crawl that leads to behavior/learning problems down the road. So, if that's the case, I would pursue it to all ends. We've had personal experience in our family.

Now say he did crawl just fine. Do you think it may be uncomfortable for him to walk? Just a thought.

J.

Hi Steph,

My son was 15 1/2 months when he finally walked. He too was in the 95th percentile in weight and off the charts in height. I thought at the time it was because he was just bigger. He did crawl late too prob more around 10 months. My daughter walked at 11 months and crawled at 7. She too also low crawled. What we did with my son was just have him go back and forth between us. When hed get to us wed tickle him and carry on like crazy people and it seemed to inspire him to walk LOL. good luck!!

S.~
Maybe by making a big deal out of walking will help? Show him some fun things that he could do while walking, like playing a game of some sort. (Tag, Hide-n-seek, take him to the park to see other kids playing) I'm sure that it is frustrating to you that he is not walking, but it sounds like he can get around by crawling, knee walking etc, so don't give up! He'll get there. (my MIL says that my hubby didn't walk until he was 18 months) Don't carry him everywhere, if he wants to get somewhere, he will.

My son was a late walker and we later learned it was due to low muscle tone and a delay in gross motor development. After we referred him to our local ESD (Educational Service District) we received Early Intervention Services and they were wonderful. we also got physical therapy through our medical provider. Your son may or may not be delayed but it doesn't hurt to have an evaluation through your school district. The program is entirely free. My son caught up very quickly in this area and now he RUNS :) He's 3 now but didn't walk independently until he was 21 months. I would also encourage you to consider that although his not-walking is making you feel badly (I do know how that feels), don't forget that it's frustrating for him too. I would not treat this as a discipline problem, or that he's being stubborn. Kids naturally want to get to the next stage of development. They see what other kids are doing, they see what you're doing. He just might need some extra help. I don't know where you live (which would determine which ESD to call to find out more about Early Intervention) but you're more than welcome to email me and I'll get you the number and website if you'd like. My email: ____@____.com

Best of luck.
S.

S.

My son didn't walk until he was about 19 months (steadily by around 20)...many people told me to take him to physical therapy, the ped. said don't worry...i didn't and he is now 2.5 and walking just fine!

My son started walking at 10 months and BOY were we sorry! We tricked him with two wine corks as my husband and I were walking him back and forth between us. He thought he was holding on to our fingers, and instead we were holding on to the ends of the corks and would send him back and forth. Once he realized it, he knew he could do it on his own. I learned this and similar techniques years before when working with kids. You can also try wooden spoons, long dowels, etc. Good luck!

My 5th child would not walk!!! So at 18mo I took her to an orthopedic Dr. He had a little piece of leather put on the outside edge of her shoes to realign her ankles and knees and SHE WALKED!!! She finally wore regular shoes and is a mom of 3, grandma of 4 and is a CMA nurse in an orthopedic Drs.office. After seeing my #3 child walk alone at 7mo and my other 4 at 8 to 10mo I was really concerned too.A little help was all she needed..
Great G'ma C. H.

Have you tried putting a toy in each hand?? That always worked for us.

RELAX!! It will happen

I can only share by personal experience, but it may make you feel better. My son scooted on his bottom until he was 18 months old. He did figure out how to crawl at 17 months, but chose to continue to scoot. Others started to ask me if my Dr. Was concerned, but I just knew there wasn't anything wrong. (18 months is the cut off age for concern). At 18 months he just stood up and started walking. He was a big baby, and definately broke my back. He wore out the bottoms of his pants, and the sides of his lttle leather 1st walking shoes, which never actually walked in. Drove me nuts! Hang in there! It maybe just be something you look back on and laugh at as I do. My son is now seven and very athletic. Sometimes they just do things there own way, at their own pace:)

Good Day S.-
Keep up the good work and try hard not to get to frustrated. Sometimes easier said than done. If your son will cruise behind the walker, take it with you where ever you go. Most of them are compact and easy to pack up. If you go to the mall, bring it along. The more confidence your son has in his ability the easier it will be for him. Applaud his successes. Keep encouraging, loving, and your spirit up. This will help tremendously with the relationship between you and your child. I wish you the best. God Bless.

Is your son around other children of about his age? This is what finally convinced my oldest to start walking. Peer pressure isn't always a bad thing! I took him to some type of toddler class (can't remember if it was Gymboree or Kindermusic or what.) He saw other toddlers walking around and IMMEDIATELY started trying to walk.

With my twins, one of them was a very early crawler and walker. The other one was not at all interested in being mobile. He started crawling and walking out of pure self defense because his twin brother would take things from him and toddle away. I'm convinced that if it hadn't been for his brother taking his stuff, my easy going twin still wouldn't be walking today!

I'm sure your son will walk when he is ready. as long as the doctor doesn't see anything developmentally wrong with him you just need to give him time. you might want to try making things harder for him to get to so he has some incentive to get up off his knees. other than that it is just like anything else they do. we have no control over when they decide to do something and the more we push and stress over it the more they will resist. hang in there and be patient with him. he will walk when he is ready.

Be patient. I know if sounds hard, but he will walk when he's ready. My third son didn't walk until he was 17 1/2 months old. I think the hardest part, was everyone asking "isn't he walking yet?!". I think it's a lesson in humility! Anyway, he is 4 now, and is my most active, energetic, happy son of the three. We found out later, that there was a medical reason that probably kept him from walking earlier. But if your little guy is healthy, I wouldn't worry. There's actually quite a range in age for those first steps. He probably just doesn't feel confident enough yet. He's still a baby.

If he is not walking by 18 months, (18 months is considered delayed)then I would contact the early intervention program in your area. All services are free. Your child would be able to see a physical therapist for free! I am not suggesting that there is something "wrong" going on with your son. I just think the early intervention is a great resource for parents. And, many parents who have typically developing children are not even aware of the services available. They might be able to give him (and you) some pointers to get him going! Good luck, and relax, he will get there!

Make sure you discuss your concerns with your Doctor. How were his other milestones? If everything is fine - then just give him the time he needs. What is the rush? Ask yourself why you are hurrying him along. I only says this cause my daughter walked way too early (7 months) and after that - it was hard to hold her. It really all just goes too fast before the babies are school children - take this time and enjoy each min of it.

Hi S.,

Congrats on your son. You say he's a mix of you and his daddy, sounds like that stubborn streek is the same thing my own son had. He also didn't walk untill later. I would suggest that you not worry about it. The boy will walk eventually, and it sounds like it is causing you a lot of frustration. Don't make yourself crazy. All children develope at different rates, unless he starts having problems with his knees I wouldn't worry about it. Just relax and enjoy your son. A.

Hi S.,
I've never responded to a request before, but I could totally relate to this one. My oldest son (who is now 8-1/2) didn't walk till he was 19-1/2 months old!! It was so embarrassing! I'd take him to the park and I'd have to carry him to the baby swing then carry him back to the car. He was an excellent crawler starting at 9 months. I guess he saw no need to walk. He did it in his own time. You really can't force it. I know it's aggravating, but hang in there. It will happen. All kids are different. I know it's especially hard when it's your first because you're comparing your child to all your friends' kids. Try not to do that. A few years from now you'll laugh about this.
Take care,
J.

My nephew didn't start walking until he was 18 months old. Don't worry, He will be walking in no time!

Your son sounds a lot like my second son. My first walked by 13 months, but my second is now 16 months and has just started walking 'full-time' in the past month. He too has been standing since 11 months, and cruising, and walking if he was holding onto something or someone. It bothered my husband a lot. I think it embarrassed my husband, but there's no reason to be embarrassed or to put pressure on him. He will walk when he's ready. I would just be patient with him, and encourage him when he takes risks. He's more likely to toddle into your arms, while you smile and cheer him on than do anything he feels forced to do.

Have you tried getting him around other kids his age that do walk. Maybe seeing them walk will modivate him to try more. Don't feel too bad my son didn't walk until about 14 months. They all move and grow at their own pace.

Good luck!

You should try getting him a PT evaluation. He probably just needs a little boost to get him on track. You can search for Pediatric physical therapists in your area or you can contact your local infant learning program and they can either assess and treat him or they can point you in the right direction.

It sounds as if you are both struggling. Learning to walk is a very emotional milestone for kids and parents. I hope you are able to get some help.

Hey S.! I think it is just going to take some extra time on you and daddy's part to really work with him, in coaching him along. The things I can think of that may help are:
1. Not picking him up when he wants to be...like you already are.
2. Rewarding him with a treat or something each time he does walk on his own.
2. Do some exercises to help strenghthen his legs.
3. Find a playgroup where he can be around other toddlers that are walking! That peer pressure does wonders!
4. Lastly...if you have no luck I would check in with a doctor!
Good Luck to you!

My husband and i did this and it seemed to do the trick. one hold them, the other has there hand reached out, to start just make sure it is a couple steps, just say walk to mama or something. when we first started this they reached there hands out to hold on to mine. I let them for a couple days holding on to my hand and letting them walk to me, after that they had to take there step on there own. dont forget to give lots of love when they walk, with this they think it is a game and that we are playing with them.

My son was exactly the same way. He started walking (finally!!) at 17 1/2 months, 2 weeks to the day before my daughter was born. The only advise I can give you is to be patient. I had some horrible experiences with complete strangers making rude comments. I hope you're not going through that. All you can do is either stare at them when they say something (they'll feel stupid and usually apologize) or tell them very sarcastically that you prefer him not walking. It's easier. You actually shove him down when he tries.

Anyway, there is nothing wrong with your little guy. He'll figure it and do it when he's ready. My son is very cautious, whish I think was his problem. You would never know that it took so long for him to walk!

Good luck!! It'll happen!

K.

I have two boys that have both been developmentally delayed a bit. My almost 3 yr old has been in speech therapy for 9 months now. My youngest (almost 15 months) didn't crawl until 11 months and has just started walking this last week (not very well:)). I have felt very frustrated and discouraged, especially because we are around many other children there ages that are well ahead of where they should be (developmentally). I have sometimes wondered what I am doing wrong. But I have really been trying to realize that each child has their strengths and weeknesses. My 3 yr old is talking great now. Still behind, but doing so much better. I feel like he is so busy playing and being a boy that he just wasn't ready to focus on his verbal skills. My youngest has a large head:) I am convinced that it really slowed him down with crawling and walking. Imagine trying to balance a big noggin while your walkin along:)

I would definately talk to your pediatrician if you're worried. There may be another issue. But don't rule out personality differences. Some kids are just more motivated to do certain things than others. I'm sure he'll be walking by preschool:)

some boys don't walk untill they are 2 or more years old. I would have his doctor look at his feet and lower leg bones. If all is good then look when he is trying to walk does he use right foot and left arm swing, does he use his same arm and foot togther. he should use the oppsit arm and leg. crawling teaches that. you can try teaching him to crawl make a game out of it. Walking around holding on to everything is a start but does he do most of that buy walking sideways? or does he only hold on with one hand and walk forword with a regular steep. He may just not be ready mom. and thats ok two. I have five grandsons and one did not get off his bottom till he was 2 1/2 and oh boy did he make up for lost time. He is 11 now and doing great.
Good luck Nana (C.) PS. I'm bad at spelling but I know that you can get it

You may want to enlist help from a physical therapist. You can get free evaluations at several neurodevelopmental programs in the area. Don't let this scare you- they can help put your mind at ease and get your little guy headed in the right direction.

Childrens Therapy Center of Kent ###-###-#### (area code is 253 I think)

The Kindering Center in Bellevue (google it or look in phone book)

Boyer in Seattle.

Hi there!

I had this same issue with my daughter. And we were due with our second baby when the first was 17 months, so I really needed her to walk. My first child did everything you are saying. She got everywhere by walking on her knees. She finally started walking 3 weeks before we delivered our second baby/ So she was almost 17 months. It turns out that she is slower to do motor skill activities. But when she finally does them, it's as though she has been doing it forever. And, interestingly, our second baby is 1 year old today and only started crawling 2 weeks ago. I think I have the slow moving babies. I know it is frustrating for you, but I think he is perfectly fine. He will likely do it any day now.

However, if you are truly concerned, you should definitely talk to your pediatrician.

Good luck!

have you spoken to the doctor? There may be something wrong.

I've not read the other responses, so if I'm repeating what's already been said, I apologize. First off, relax. Enjoy what he's not gotten into yet because he isn't walking/running away from you. He will in time. There's nothing wrong with his delayed walking. You descibed my son to a "T". He commando crawled until he was about 15 months old, then as he was reaching for furniture to pull himself up on, he realized he was crawling on all 4's about two feet out from the sofa. When he found the added mobility and speed of a 4 point crawl it was like he found this new freedom of movement. He could literally RUN on all 4's! He did this for another 6 weeks before he decided walking was going to get him places even faster. He's 10 now, and no one knows/cares that he was a slow to walk kid.

Don't make this a power struggle. There's no need. He'll walk when he's ready. It's not a developmental delay, it's mobility choice. If he weren't walking with aids, and cruising around the furniture I'd be concerned, but he is. He's just using the most stable form of transportation he is comfortable with. Continue to hold his hands and walk with him, and before you know it, he'll be bolting away from you at every opportunity. Then you'll wish he was back to crawling! Pick your battles S.. Struggle with him when the outcome 10 years down the road will truly matter. You'll ALL be much happier.

this is strictly my personal opinion, but i'd just let him take his time. if it's an issue of you not being able carry him, than don't. the crawling and knee walking will get him where he needs to go...when he realizes it's not getting him there as fast as he'd like he'll switch to walking. it seems like now walking has become a power struggle, and one that's rightfully his (just like eating and potty training). take the steam out of his will, by not pushing the issue. you can continue to try and help him practice, but even let that be his decision (for example, if he's able to shake his head/answer yes and no, just ask him if he'd like to). power struggles can become an ineffective interaction cycle, so just be aware of the dynamics that are developing between the two of you...

good luck!

Have you had him evaluated? I would be concerned not that he's being stubborn, but that there may be an underlying developmental disorder. I know that some children with I think its autism are slow to develop skills like walking and speaking. Don't feel bad for being impatient, but realize that it may be something beyond his control, so with that in mind, talk to your doctor and do some checking. It will at least let you know whether it's him being stubborn, or something else altogether.

hi S., do not worry and let him creep and crawl as long as he needs to ,these are developmental movement patterns that build the deep parts of the brain.It is a very precious time for kids to go at their own rythm.Spend time with him on the floor and relax. C. Demange

When My boys were in the walking stages, what I did was put something in their hands that represented the size and roundness of a finger(ie like a marker or a dowel) and then let go. Their confidence was boosted as they still had a hold of something and slowly but surly they started to realize that they could walk on their own. If it is a matter of confidence then this should work. Good luck. I know it can be a "pain" to carry your children when they are that old and heavy.

I'm going through this right now too my 15 month old doesn't want to walk either she also only walks while holding onto furniture or holding onto my hands. my 5 year old was 15 months when she finally walked also. I'm definately curious to seeresponses you get. Hang in there I know it gets frustating, just keep trying he will walk eventually, maybe your doctor could suggest something if your really worried.
H. T.

My daughter was on the same schedule! She crawled at 11 months and didn't take her first steps until 18 1/2 months. She finally started walking well at 19-20 months. I know it's frustrating (and, yes, a little embarrassing when everyone else's kids are walking much earlier). But he's still within the normal range. If he's walking behind toys that's good practice. I'd suggest that you stop trying to convince him to walk and just let him get around to it in his own time. If he's stubborn, then not doing what you want may be his way of reacting to you and getting more attention. He'll get there eventually! (And then you'll wish he couldn't move quite so fast LOL) Of course if you're really worried, talk it over with his pediatrician to make sure there's no medical reason for him not walking. Good luck!

I know it's frustrating but try to be patient. Our son had an enormous head and crawling and walking were hard for him because he was off balance. I know that you can feel pressure when people ask questions and give advice. Enjoy this time because once he does start walking then you'll be on the run and will wonder if perhaps he could just sit down and rest a while. :)

All the current responses are great so here's another suggestion that will be fun for your son and at the same time may help encourage him to walk a little more independently. Look into buying a walker, for instance, search online for a classic walker wagon- radio flyer. My daughter stands very independently and cruises along the furniture like she's been doing it forever but will do the same thing your son does, get on her knees and starts crawling. She turns 1 next month and I'm getting this walker wagon delivered next week and can't wait for her to try it out. Every one says that after they use the walker, they'll start walking in no time. Your patience is golden and you're a great mom with all the support you've been giving so give yourself some credit. Good luck!!

I wonder if he has balance issues due to inner ear stuff. I had a friend who's boy was just starting to walk and then he had a string of mild ear infections that threw off his balance and he resorted back to crawling. Has he had a lot of ear infections in his life?
Is he a heavier baby? My experience is the chunkier they are the longer it takes to crawl and walk. (personally, I think healthy-chunky is good in babies!)Is he otherwise developing normally? Is your doctor concerned?

I hear ya about lugging big babies around. It is a killer on the back. He'll be running for the street, though, before you know it and you'll be wishing for the crawling days again!

I had a friend who's child didn't walk until she was 2. The more they forced it the more she would refuse. I would take a break and not make too big a deal out of it. I have found that my 18mo old son is most likely to refuse to do something when he is feeling forced, he is really good at using that "no" word. :) When I relax about what I want him to do, he usually goes along and does it.

A few things that may help:
Sit with your husband or partner facing each other a few feet apart and try to have him walk between the two of you.
Have him "help" carry something to the car or table, if his hands are full and he is thinking he is helping then he won't have as much time to think about what his feet are doing.

Good luck and don't give up hope, he'll be cruising along soon and you'll be running to keep up!

S.,

Be glad he's not walking!! Both of mine were fully mobile on their own two feet before their 1st birthdays! It sounds like he's getting close to walking independently. Have a little more patience, and enjoy the slower mobility that he has now. Once he starts walking on his feet he'll be running and then the panic level goes up as he just disappears on you.

Hope this helps,
M.

My daughter was a late walker - my personal theory on late walkers is that they don't walk until they can do it perfect. So she just got up one day and walked out the of the room - she squealed and turned down the hallway.

Also be really careful on forcing the issue - that is just a power struggle waiting to happen.

Do check to make sure there isn't anything physical - but don't worry too much.

Also - just because they walk doesn't mean you suddenly stop carrying them - Pick me up Mommy - will become a new phase. But maybe that's just me.

I've been going through the same thing with our 15mo girl. Her older sister walked at 14 mo's, and so I've been expecting it, but lately getting impatient too. However, even what your baby is doing is within the normal range, and it's just a power struggle. Try not to get frustrated, and just bend down and be with him and let him be. He won't make it a power struggle if he sees it can't get to you.He will walk, and then it's for the rest of his life. So, enjoy this little remnant of babyhood.

My daughter didnt walk until almost 19 months. It was frustrating, sometimes embarrasing and very tiring from carrying her around. She was like your son and didnt crawl until later on the scale. But believe me, it will happen soon and it will happen fast. I figured out with my daughter that she is just on the late side for becoming independent. I knew she had all the skills, but just didnt want to do it without my hands or someones hands to guide her.

There are helpful items now available that willprevent your back from breaking. I think I saw them on One Step Ahead website- I guarantee once you buy one of these things he will be walking. Look at the bright side, he isnt running away from you yet!

I know many adults now, me included, that didnt walk until 18 months and are very independent people. He will get there and he will be walking before he goes off to school. Sorry I dont have any suggestions, just sympathy and understanding.

Your son will start walking when he is ready, but do not give in and carry him for any reason if he could walk to where you are going. It is not good for your back or his development to carry him.

My son walked finally when he was 15 months old, but I kept it silly and blamed his 95th percentile-sized head for throwing him off balance so much. Just for fun, any odd proportions with your son?

Otherwise, if you've been to the doctor for all those well-child checkups and have not found any symptoms of physical issues that really would affect walking ability (the doctors usually check if you've mentioned walking only happens assisted), it really could be a power issue. My son turned three almost 3 months ago, and still isn't potty trained although he could easily do it if he didn't fight back. Daycare works fine, but at home he insists he can't do it. Perhaps he would've taken longer to walk if my then-boyfriend hadn't helped work with him... there's something about moms that makes a kid more likely to say "no" to us than they would to a man or any other woman.

Ask either his dad or a friend, male or female, to help with the walking attempts. Otherwise, ask the doctor to verify that nothing is possibly going on with joints, bone growth, etc, that may not even be visible, regardless of his actual height/weight. Oh, and I noticed when I held his hand and blew bubbles with my other hand, he suddenly got thrilled about walking off to catch them. Try that!

Why do you feel silly? The age that your son starts to walk or any other milestone has nothing to do with you. How are his well baby checks? As long as he's making progress for him that's all you need to think about. This constant "My child did this at this age" contest hurts our children. He's crawling, scooting around furniture and holding on to things to walk. He's just not ready to walk on his own. If you make it a battle, you're going to loose. E.

Hey, don't worry, he will start walking. I know that your back hurts and you can't wait, but it will happen, he is just taking his time. You sad he is heavy, heavier kids start walking later, they just need more effort to do it and more weight to carry. My son didn't do any of the pre-walking stages, just one day took off and than a week later started running and he is still running and it is really hard to keep up with him. Try to get him standing and stand in front of him, like couple of steps away. Hold a drink or treat in your hands and encourage him to make the steps to take it, smile and laugh for him... The point is the little guy to take off thinking about the drink or the treat he will get (not walking). Another way is to get him a walker. I know it is not a recommended tool but in your case will easy his effort to carry his weight. If there isn't any medical reason (make sure you check that with your ped), he will start walking very soon. Let him do it when is his time! Don't compare him with the other kids his age, may be his is just too busy mastering another milestone at this moment. Good luck!

Our youngest did not start walking until she was almost 19 months old. When she started walking she did not just walk, but started to run almost immediately.

I suggest that you talk with your pediatrician to ensure that he is on track. Our pediatrician assured us and never felt that it was an issue for her to take so long to start walking.

As much as you want him to walk you can't force him to. He will walk on him own time and every child is different. If you have medical concerns talk to your doctor. My first son who has low muscle tone, didn't walk until around 19 months. My second child walked around 10 months. our little neighbor walked around 18 months. All these children are fine:) I know what it's like to really want your child to hit this milestone but unless there is a medical reason why he is not walking you just have to wait for him to figure it out and he will:) All I can say is you just have to be patient and enjoy him how he is currently because they grow so fast and he will walk soon enough..