My 16 month old son WILL NOT walk on his own. He can stand up from a sitting position on his own. He cruises along the furniture like an expert. He will walk while pushing something. He will walk when holding his hand (sometimes). He has taken a few steps on his own, most notably five steps from a standing position last Sunday. But NOTHING since then. He has the ability to walk, but he just won't do it. Our pediatirican is not concerned. Has anybody else had a baby who has been this old and not walked (without having other physical limitiations)? It just seems weird to me...
Do you have something that he can hold onto while he is walking like a play shopping cart or a walker? This may give him a little bit of something to balance on while he is trying out his independent walking skills.
He knows how but he wants to make sure he doesnt make a fool of himself so he is waiting until he can do it perfectly. Don't worry, it will be any day now.
My first son walked at 12 months, my second son at 16 months and my daughter at 13 months. In other words, babies start walking a different times.
With that said, watch your late walker closely. My second son ended up qualifying for speech therapy and Occupational Therapy. His gross and fine motor skills were behind and so was his speech.
He is now seven and above grade level in school so just because they need therapy at an early age does not mean that their IQ is low and is not an indication of future skills and successes.
Good luck!
I never had this problem (my son walked at 9 months, he is now 20 months) but a close family friend had this problem with their son. Their doctor told them at his 16 month check up that if he didnt start walking they would want to look into physical therapy for him. Their son was also 2 months older than my son. So one day we brought my son to their house and their son saw my son walking and started walking the next day. Maybe he just needs to see some one his age walking and will start doing it.
Oh yes. My younger daughter walked about 16-1/2 months - two weeks before her younger brother was born. Her older brother and sister walked much earlier. But this girl was just easygoing - did everything later on because that's the way she felt like doing it. If your doctor isn't concerned, just love your boy and encourage him in everything. One day before long he will surprise you and take off walking - or maybe running....
Some kids just walk later than others. He is cautious. When he does,
you will come back and say help, he won't stop running lol. Sounds like
he is getting ready and will take off soon.
I wouldn't worry at all about this. I have several friends whose children didn't walk until that age or even later. It sounds like he is perfectly normal and is going to start walking soon. He is just working on his skills and pretty soon he'll be running circles around you! :)
My son was the same. He did not really walk until about 18 months. HIs sisters walked at 12 month, 2 weeks apart. My youngest walked at 10 months. Every child is different. If he seems to be moving fine, I wouldn't worry about it. He will take off when he is ready.
My youngest daughter didn't start walking until she was 17 months old. She is now 4 1/2 and loves to run and jump. No problems. Sounds like your little guy is perfectly capable. Maybe he has a cautious personality or is waiting until he can get it just right. Keep doing what you're doing and he will be walking when he's ready.
