Help with My 16 Month Old!

Ultimately ask your doctor. I have worked with infants and toddlers for years and they all develop so differently. My guess is you have nothing to worry about. It is easy to get caught up in all of the hoopla of milestones and things but just try to look at it differently. Your child is mobile and chooses a different way to move about, a unique way. She is moving that is the important thing. Take lots of pictures and enjoy it while you can. In twenty years you will look back and wonder why you were worried. She may be one of those special tykes that thinks outside of the box.

Hope this helps:)
T.
p.s.
I didn't color inside the lines that worried my mom.

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C.,
I am the mom of an almost 2 year old little girl, who started walking at 14 months of age--but I actually didn't walk until I was over the age of 2 years!! I am now a healthy 40 year old, and I also happen to be a pediatric nurse. If your child is reaching the other physical milestones--such as cruising, crawling, pulling herself up--then I wouldn't worry yet, as she is moving at her own pace and will likely start walking in a matter of months. All kids are different--some walk very early, many are walking by one year or so, and then others don't walk until late--like me!! Anyhow, without seeing her, it sounds like she is just setting her own pace. :) Hope this helps!

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Hi C.-

This is getting close to the far end of the "normal" developmental range. I encourage you to talk to her doctor about it soon and he will check her out and give you some referrals if needed. There are also Birth to three or birth to five programs in many areas that help screen for developmental delays and then start occupational therapy or physical therapy if that is what your baby needs. You can contact you local school district, if they are not the ones who do that program, they can tell you who does. There is also the Volunteers of America referral line. They have people trained to talk to you and give you all the phone numbers you need to access assistance. You can get that number online or in the WA state phonebook.

Early intervention is really important for young kids, the sooner we get them back on track, the better they do. And if she doesn't need services, then you have you peace of mind and know you did everything you could- and you can patiently wait for those first steps. :)

Good luck.
M.

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I've known several kids to not walk until after eighteen months. What does her doctor say? Crawling and scooting come in so many variations that I'm not sure there is a normal. If she just started crawling just before turning one she may not be ready to walk yet. I would consult her doctor. If the doctor doesn't see a problem then relax and enjoy your daughter and what she can do.

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Hey C.-

So many moms worry about this! You are not alone. All babies walk when they're ready. If your daughter is moving (getting where she needs to go) and staying active, you're both doing what you need to. Many babies walk earlier than 16 months, but some just have their own clock. If she is engaging with you, makes eye contact, and seems otherwise developing on track, don't worry at all. Oh, and I didn't walk or talk until I was three! Everyone thought there was something wrong with me, but my parents gave me time to be myself, and it was a great gift.

I am 29, nanny of two (5 and 7) since 2002.

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Hi C....I wouldn't worry. My daughter did the same thing. She didn't start walking until after she was 16 months old. I asked her doctor if I should be concerned and he said only if after 19 months and if she wasn't trying to walk at all. It sounds like your little girl is walking around hanging on to stuff. She sounds like she is just taking her time! Trust me...before long she will be running!!! :) Hope this helps!

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Be patient! She'll take off when she's good and ready. My oldest child walked at 10 months. However, my youngest did not walk until 21 months. Yes, that's right - almost 2 years old! Not a thing wrong with her, she was just a very mellow baby. Now, she's a very busy, very active 3-year-old who runs and climbs just as well as her peers. Every baby is different. Hang in there!

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Call your school district and ask about early intervention services (they are free) for physical therapy. Or, if you have insurance or the means, you could see a physical therapist in private practice - find one who specializes in pediatrics. They will do an evaluation and let you know whether your child needs therapy (or other help), or they might give you some recommendations of things to do at home. Perspective from other moms can help on things like this but this seems like a question for an expert.
(Likewise, moms out there, don't hesitate to ask a speech-language pathologist your questions about communication development!)

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Hi C., There are so many normal reasons why your little girl isn't walking yet, so don't fret too much. If her fine motor skills are good, and she's scooting the way you describe, it could be that her "overly cautious" personality is the reason. My youngest child walked at 14 months, but he was SO cautious and still is at age 17. My first two walked at 10 months, but they were much more curious about the world. I mentioned to another mom on this site, my experience has been that my later walker was an expert when he finally did take off, while my early walkers were much more unstable for awhile. Give it a little more time, and at your next pediatrician visit, have him/her reassure you of your concerns. Bless you and your family. S.

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I think that only a qualified pediatric specialist could answer this question for sure.... but FYI my son did not walk until 17 months and he's perfectly fine. However, he did start crawling at 8 mo, and for many months before he was waking, he was able to walk holding our hands. Have you already consulted with your pediatrician on this?

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When did you last take her in for a well-child check? A pediatric nurse practitioner or physician can do a quick exam and give you reassurance about her developmental status.

Generally the little ones do things in their own good time, our worries notwithstanding!

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My first son was the same. He started crawling shortly before his first birthday and didn't walk until he was 18 months. I thought he was never going to walk! But he's almost 4 now and he walks, runs, jumps, and is practicing hopping on one foot. In short, he's fine and she will be too. Some kids just like to take their time. :)

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As a new mom sometimes I find my self worrying about if my daughters abilities only because other babies are doing things if you have no other concerns than timing, its part of the ajustment phase in getting to know your own child most likely she will work it out in her own time.

My sisters daughter didn't walk until she was 18mo and as a new parent she was very worried despite what friends/family told her about all kids developing at there own rate- for reassurance she did speak to her peditrician who refered her to a development specialist- after meeting with him he concluded the same but did tell her that rarely for some children there are reasons for delayed walking- including hearing loss or other factors- so if you feel you really need some answer, talk to your doctor, it may be she is focused on other developments, fine motor skills, language, or it may be a layed back personality or be a bit timid about taking the plunge but if your mom instinct is really screaming there is no harm in discussing it at your next appointment or by phone it might put your worries to rest but then again she could take off any day and then you will wish you had your little frog back!

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If I were you, I would set up an appoinment with her doc or ask some questions at her 18 month appointment. But I personally don't think there is anything wrong with her. Every kid is different. I know a couple that have an 18 month old that only walks on her knees. She is healthy and doing great, but absolutely does not want to walk on her feet...unless no one is watching. Everyone wants their child to develop normally, but every child has something that makes them different. Don't worry too much about it. Especially if she can stand and walk holding onto something. It sounds as if her feet and joints are working just fine.

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Hi there,
My son didn't walk for a long time, and his speech was also slow. We got involved in Early Start, part of Head Start. There is a program called No Child Left Behind that has money dedicated to early intervention. I don't know how it would work for you, but some programs have therapists come to your home to provide services. I got speech, occupational and physical therapy at my home. Luke ramped up just great and now he runs, jumps and talks all the time. Good luck!
A.

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