13 Months Old Doesn't Walk Yet

Hi M.!
THe "normal" range for walking is huge (ranges from 10 to 17 months). If he's doing all the other stuff he's supposed to be doing, I wouldn't worry about it. My son started to walk at about 12 and a half months and friend's son started at 17 months and the 2 boys are now both going a mile a minute. Hope this helps.

he's definitely not lazy! My son walked at 13.5 months, my best friends son at 14 months and another friend of mine didn't walk until about 16 months. It's true when they say all kids are different

I think children commonly walk between 9 - 15 months so I wouldn't worry yet. You're still on track.

In all liklihood - he's just plain NORMAL!!! The average age for walking is around a year. That means that some walk earlier, and some later. Some walk much later! All three of mine didn't fully walk until they were 16 - 17 months old and they're all perfectly fine. My ped. told me that kids typically cruise for three months before they walk.

Don't rush your little guy. He'll get up and go when he's good and ready. Crawling is wonderful for development and has a strong link to reading readiness.

Here's a cute saying to end with - for the first two years you're begging them to walk and talk. For the next twenty you're wishing that they'd sit down and be quiet!!!

All kids are different. You should check with the pedi if you think you should - mother's instinct - but if he does take a couple of steps and appears to be able, it's likely nothing to worry about it. Does he have a large head? Kids with large heads simply have a much harder time balancing - my kids didn't walk until they were 16 months old - both with head sizes off the charts. Good luck.

Kids focus on one thing at a time. My youngest wanted to run run run so he was walking before he turned 1 but didn't talk until 20 months. If you are concerned call early intervention they will come to your house and do a free evaluation and even if everything is a okay which it sounds like it is they will give you strageties on how to encourage him to walk.

my daughter started walking at 15 months and has not looked back since! i think some just take their time. when she finally did walk there was very little falling. she pretty much took off running! must have just waited until she could really do it.

Firstly children develope on their own timetable. Some are early, some are late.
There is a doctor at in our church family, he has three sons...none of whom crawled, they hitched along on their butts.
These boys did not walk until they were eighteen months old, the youngest at 16 months.
Doc did not seem worried, either about the lack of crawling nor the late walking.
Boys are smart, clever, do not seem to have any negative residuals from either issue.
Dont borrow trouble honey...Mums have enough on their plates without borrowing troubles, yes?
Tincture of time and this, too, shall pass.
Best wishes and God bless
Grandmother Lowell

It's too early to worry. Well, I understand that you're worried :) My daughter was and is very cautious by nature, so she wouldn't take steps on her own for a long time. She didn't walk independently until 15 months, but when she finally did, she was a pro overnight.
All kids are different, and I think it is too early to consider intervention. I don't think therapy is considered until 18 months. But I'm sure he's fine, just taking his time. It's hard to be patient, I know :)

I wouldn't worry about it. All kids are different. My daughter didn't walk until 14 months...my son on the other hand took his first steps at 8 1/2 months and was practically running at 9 months!

You do not need to contact the MD and your son is not lazy...he is completely normal. Many children don't walk until after a year; please don't pressure him too much or think that he is lazy - every child is different.

Both my daughters did not walk until 15 months, and they went from the "commando crawl" (arm over arm slithering on the belly) to getting up and walking in about a 2 week period. Every child develops at their own pace. Check with the doctor to make sure all else is well, but otherwise, ENJOY the freedom of not having to chase him everywhere just yet or having to walk bent over holding hands!

M.,

Like pretty much everyone has said, nothing is wrong! I have had the same worries about my son, who is a little over 14 mos old and still not walking! As long as there are no other muscular or strength issues (Jake climbs up on everything, I couldn't keep him still if I wanted to!), then he's fine. Did he start crawling early? Jake crawled at 6 mos, so he's used to it and it's the easiest way for him to get around. He pulls up and cruises fine, but has just in the last week even tried to take a few tentative steps. I know it's hard not to worry and compare, especially when everyone (even strangers at the grocery store!) are saying that he "should" be walking by now....but try not to stress about it. If you want to mention it to your Dr, then do, maybe he or she knows of some exercises you could try with him. Ours just said to try to give him plenty of opportuntity to stand and move around. I know that somedays I feel like Jake goes from high chair to carseat to stroller and back around again, so I try to carve out time every day for him to just crawl, climb or walk around the house and explore. Try not to worry too much, and don't think that he's lazy or there's something wrong with him, he's just developing at his own pace!

I'm sure I won't be the only one to say this, give hime time! Every child is different and many children don't walk right away. Just as a precaution mention it at his 15 month apt. Until then provide table top toys (low table toys or just toys on the coffee table) and push walkers. Sometimes while he standing try putting a small toy in his hands. They often forget they are standing and stand there to play with it. This will help to strengthen his legs and find his balance. Good luck.

Not to worry--your little guy will walk at the right time for him. Children seem to vary quite a bit with these different levels that they take. I wouldn't be concerned unless he doesn't walk for several more months.

Hope this encourages you!

H.

Although it never hurts to call the doctor (better safe than sorry), generally if a child's not walking independantly by 18 months, as long as everything else about the child is developing typically, there may be cause for concern. If there are other aspects where you feel your son is somehow developmentally delayed (other than walking, that is), a call or visit to the doctor is probably a good idea. If not, I wouldn't worry too much. And NO, he is not just 'lazy'. All children develop at different rates and these 'developmental milestones' that are 'suposed' to happen at certain times vary from child to child.

He is just fine! Developmentally they consider walking by 18 months just fine. Every child is different. He's just a little more cautious than your other two. My 18 month old didn't start walking until 15 months. When he did it though he did it perfectly. Hardly fell like my older two who started at 12 and 13 months. Continue encouraging him to walk and give him opportunity to try. One day he'll surprise you when he really wants something and he doesn't even notice he's doing it. My 18 month old took his first steps when we were vacationing in TN in a hotel room trying to get to me to get a donut! They'll do it when they are ready and if he's taking a few steps he's almost there. You don't want to push it too much because when they realize they can fall and get hurt they'll revert back.

Don't worry about it! Like all of the ladies have said - all children develop at a different pace. My son did not start walking until 16 months and my daughter is 13 months and started walking a few weeks ago.

Hi M., I am the bio mom of 2 boys, age 13 & 5 and have parented over 17 other children and have seen them all do things differently and on there own timeline. We could say you should appreciate this prewalking time though I'm sure he's plenty mobile anyway and probably getting pretty heavy riding on your hip. That said... you could check with your Dr if you are concerned but it's likely that he's doing things his own way in his own time.
Best wishes to you all,
J. T.
MamaDoula
Poastpartum Doula

It is not laziness - it is his process of development. My daughter didn't walk until 14 months and my son at 12 months. Just keep encouraging him to coast holding onto the couch or table and one day he will just take off. If you have real concerns about his motor skills then you should tell your pediatrician -

My daughter didn't walk on her own until a week before she turned 18 months. She would walk if we held her hand (even though we weren't supporting her weight, she just liked the comfort of us being there with her). Her pediatrician said they would use Early Intervention if she reached 19 months not walking, and would do neurological testing if she still wasn't walking by 20 months. She started walking within a week of that dr visit! ALL my nieces and nephews (4 of them) didn't walk until 16, 17 and 18 months. It can also depend on their personalities - some toddlers are happy to sit and watch others, rather than walk over to be "amongst the noise". Don't worry, he'll be zooming around before you know it.

My friend's daughter is 14 months old and is not walking yet either. She is also the 3rd child. It doesn't seem to be an issue for them. I have heard that it's okay for children to start walking at 18 months.
I think this delay is more common with youngest children. They have helpers to get them what they want and just don't have the motivation that first or even second children have to walk!
-S.

My daughter didn't walk until 15-16 months... from what I understand, the milestone is 18 months for walking. He's probably just busy developing other skills right now - he'll be walking soon enough and then you'll really have to keep up with him!

As far as i have been told kids will walk anywhere between 10 - 18 months so at 13 months i would not worry some kids just are a little more afraid than others. you could mention it to your dr but They will most likley say not to worry as long as he is hitting other mile stones my friends son did not walk till he was 17 months old.

I wouldn't worry yet -- my son was 14 months before he walked. He is now 2 and RUNNING all over the place...

My 2nd son didn't walk until 15 months (the first was 12 months). I'm sure you've heard it quite a bit - but every child does develop differently. I wouldn't be so concerned with it unless there are other issues we may not be aware of. I would assume your pediatrician has been checking on him at all his well visits. Unless the pediatrician has indicated there is reason for concern, i'd just give your little one the time he needs - it'll happen.....

My daugther started taking steps at 12 months, but did the same exact thing your son does (stop to crawl). I think she was more interested in getting to her chosen destination, and she knew that she could get there quickly by crawling. She is now 15 months old and she walks a lot, but mostly only when holding my hands. We have to encourage her a lot to get her to walk alone. I think for some kids it just takes a little longer for this milestone to fully arrive. I wouldn't worry about it if I were you!

Hi M.,
I don't think a dr's visit is needed.All kids go at their own pace.I run a daycare and I had one little girl who didn't start walking until she was 17 months old.One little boy was walking at 9 months.Maybe he just isn't ready.

M.

My son just started walking a week before he turned 14 months. My daughter also walked at 10 mos. My son scooted much faster than he walks so I think that decreased his motivation to walk. Each child develops at his/her own speed. Developmentally they say that most children walk by 15 mos. so no need for alarm, I am sure he will do it in time on his own. Good luck!!

Don't stress it mamma.. My daughter started wanting to walk at 9 months. She had it down by 10 1/2 months. We were amazed. My son how ever is 16 months now and just barely wants to stand. I have been told by doctors that boys can be different. And also every child is different. There is nothing to worry about. He will walk when he's ready. As a mother of two I understand. I still find myself going come on what's up. But then I remind myself he is his own person and just isn't ready to walk yet. I am sure your little guy is fine.

He's probably working on some other area of development! My son was an early walker but a very late talker. My stepdaughter was a very late walker. Don't worry - they all catch up at some point - they just "do" things in a different order from the next kid. Don't let anyone criticize you or your child either, or suggest that you're doing something wrong. Leave him alone - you can take him into situations where he WANTS to get from one place to another but just let it happen.

He probably stops walking with you and crawls because he knows the crawling gets him where he wants to go, and pretty quickly, I'm sure. My oldest daughter didn't walk unassisted until she was 18 months, no joke... we were worried but she was just content to do her thing and not move into another stage that was more challenging. Knowing her the way I now do (she is almost four) it is SO her personality to be that way!! She was also late for all physical milestones, like rolling and crawling. But she is perfectly fine now and has had no issues. Some kids are just later. My youngest was walking at 10 months, and I honestly wished I had a little more time before it turned into chasing her everywhere and childproofing like mad! Don't worry, I'm sure he is just fine. Enjoy!

I wouldn't worry about it at this point. My son had just started hands and knees crawling by 13 months. He had been crawling on his belly before then. He was cruising around 15 months and didn't actually start walking until he was 17 months old. I was told if they don't start walking by the time they are 18 months old, then the doctor can take a closer look at what could be going on.

He's not lazy... some kids don't walk until much later. Don't worry about it. He'll walk when he's ready.

He's not lazy, he's normal. Some kids don't even walk until 18 months, so let him go at his own pace.

Hi M.,

Neither. Your son will walk on his own schedule. If he is crawling around he simple isn't motivated to walk yet. Did you know some children never crawl. These children usually walk earlier. Give him lot's of free time out of carriage, etc. to practice pulling up, reaching and talking those first tentative steps.

If he is overweight that might slow him down some too. If your son is not walking at age 16 months or so you can contact your pediatrician then, but if he is alert, interested and crawling around, I don't think you have any worries. Best Wishes.

J. L.

Hi M.,
I can relate to how you're feeling. My son who is now 20 months didn't walk until he was almost 14 months. My daughter walked at 10 months so I was really concerned when he didn't walk by his first birthday. I found out from my pediatrician and other mom's that it was ok. The doc said he wouldn't start to get concerned until around 16 months. Luckily he walked before then. I heard too from other moms that some of their kids didn't walk until 15 months! My son is perfectly healthy and running all over getting into everything! It's fun to watch him go! Good luck! I'm sure he'll be on the go soon!

My daughter was 14 months when she started walking....

He is certainly not lazy! He is probably working on other developmental tasks. I think the average age for walking is around 14 months. My daughter was nearly 17 months before she walked, and now (at nearly 3) is perfectly normal, if precocious. She was busy developing language skills instead. You're other two children were just early walkers. Let your son be himself and develop in his own unique way.

Hi-
My daughter didn't started offically walking on her own until 15 months. I was worried too but then realized all babies do things in there own time. Now my daughter is full out running and you would never know she walked at 15 months. The actual timeline kids begin to walk is anywhere from 9 months- 18 month
Don't worry he will start walking soon!
Hope this helps.
KL

I don't think he is lazy, just cautious. My son walked at 13 months. Some walk at 14 months. If he can take a few steps then don't worry about it. Girls are notoriously earlier walkers than boys. He'll probably start walking in the next couple of weeks. Just encourage him.

I have two boys. The first one didn't walk until 15 months and my younger one didn't walk until 14 months. The each walked for about a week and then started running! Every child does their own thing, but if you're really concerned you can check with the pediatrician. I think it's great you have a little extra time without chasing them around :)

Good luck!
L.

My first born had us all worried. His cousins and he were 4 days apart and the other cousin 2 months apart. They were running circles around him by 12 months... He didn't walk until he was 16 months old. He cawled late too.
BUT by 12 months, he was putting 3 words together and by 18 months he spoke clearly and could hold a conversation while my neice and nephew weren't speaking but a word here and there.

My second walked/ran/climbed the furniture at 10 months but didn't speak until almost 2!
My 3rd walked by 12 months and by 15 months was talking 2/3 word sentences... They all went to kindergarten walking, talking and potty trained :)

I agree with the majorty here. My oldest a girl started to scoot around at 3 months, crawling at 4 months. Our pediatrician advised a 3 months to start child proofing. All my friends and their moms were telling me, she would be walking by 9 months. 9 months came and left and I was disappointed. She walked 2 weeks before my son was born; they are 15 1/2 months apart. Someone told me, babies who crawl longer, seeing more of the floor, are also good readers. My son also walked at 15 months and they are very good readers.

Consider it a blessing in disquise, because once they start walking, they are into everything. :) Because mine were late walkers, it also gave me a chance to potty train early, because I could sit them on the potty when they woke up dry, after a meal, before a nap and they were both potty trained before they could walk on their own.

So whether the crawling made them better readers or not, I don't know, but they were both A students, college grads and higher degrees.

Now my spouses kids were just the opposite; walked early and only 1 of 4 went to college.

This is an interesting discussion. I really wish some of the other moms, if the kids are older would share their kids educational skills since they too were late walkers. I wish I had the research my sister-in-law found when I was concerned.

My son was a very very late walker so I learned that Dr.s start worrying if they are not walking by 18 months. The benchmark is if they can sit unassisted by two then they will walk. This is what I remember and now my son is 7 and walking just fine.

Hi M.,
Not to worry, my son was 17 months before he started to walk. His sister is 15 months older than he so needless to say I did compare. She would do everything for him so there was no need to walk. However, not long after he learned to walk he started playing hockey and he's our most skilled skater..go figure.

My son also wasn't potty trained until he was 4, my pediatrician told me he'd never seen a kindergartener in diapers so I shouldn't worry! I didn't worry and my son never had an accident, he had full control over the situation when he was ready. On another note...he was talking in full sentences at 12 months. My daughter was 3 before she did that..so they are all different and will get there at their own pace

Enjoy the freedom of not walking yet..lol:)!
-K.

Hi M.,
I wouldn't worry. My son did not walk until 14 1/2 months. He is now 4 1/2 and is perfectly fine. You will be chasing after him soon enough!

L.