My 14 Month Old Will Not Walk

My son who is now going to be 3 in July did not walk until he was 16 months old. He refused to try. He just started doing it one evening all on his own. It is just his way and he wanted to do it on his terms. Don't worry, he will do it one day and you will wish he was still crawling! LOL

My first son was 15-months and my second son was 16-months before they walked at all! My girls both walked before age 1. So do not worry. My husband swore something was wrong, but it happened at its own time.

I don't think you have anything to worry about. As long as he is able to get on his feet and moves with somebody holding his hand he is fine. He just isn't ready to go solo yet. My daughter could have walked at 10 months but wouldn't until she was 15 months. Just wasn't ready. She's 4 now and fine.

My son (now 4 and running all over) did not roll or crawl until 14 mos and then walked at 16 mos. My pediatrician assured me he was fine and although I worried too... he was.

My son didn't walk until he was 16 months - he just didn't want to. We had a guest at the house for a month and he wanted to follow him around. The only way to do that was to walk, so he did. If he hadn't been for that he might not have decided to get moving for a couple more months. That's the good news. The bad: my nephew didn't walk either but it was because of this sight (he didn't have depth preception and needed surgery). Because of that he couldn't stand up and move. So it good be nothing, or something. Be safe and talk to your doctor.

Thanks for asking this question! I have a 12 1/2 month old that does similar things! I is all on his terms and I was getting worried. I am just sick of people asking if he is walking yet and then telling me that theirs walked at 7 months(i did have 1 tell me that...). Hang in there. I will too. It sounds like we have plenty of time to get this walking thing down!

my 13 month doesn't walk either. she cruises around furniture and will walk w/your hands, but that's about it. every now and then she will let go and take a few steps, but i'm not worried about it. every kid does there thing at there own time. i would ask my dr if he didn't pull himself up and stuff like that, but if he does, then don't worry yourself too much. they need 100,000 practice hours (or so your back would be telling you...lol) of walking before they try it themselves.

Unless the doctor has given you a medical reason to be concerned, I wouldn't worry at all. I have three kids who didn't walk when they were "supposed to be walking". All of them would cruise the furniture and walk with someone holding their hands but they just wouldn't do it on their own. One day they each just decided that they were ready and did it all on their own. Every child is unique and does things in their own time. My oldest started walking at 14 months, my baby at 15-16 months, and my middle child didn't start walking until he was 18 months old! It's hard not to be worried when it's your kid but I've lived it and believe me, when they start walking they don't stop! You will miss these days of not having to chase him around!

That's more than my son did at 14 months, LOL! One day, at 16 months, he let go and walked across the room on his own, and after that he was a walker. He's 2 1/2 now and perfectly normal. Your little guy will do it when he's ready, but I do remember how sick I was of everyone asking if he was walking yet. My MIL told me at least weekly that my husband was walking at 8 months...

don't worry about it. my son didn't walk until he was 17 months old. He is 2.5 now and developing completely normally. I remember when our pedatrician said that if he reached 18 months old and still wasn't walking that we could run some tests, but she wasn't worried about it either.

My daughter did not walk until she was 16 months old. Walking is still within the normal range until 18 months. I wouldn't worry. If he wasn't wanting to walk or put weight on his feet then I would worry. He probably just needs to gain more confidence.

Hi, I just want to let you know to not worry! I know quit a few kids that didn't walk until late! My nephew was 15 months, my good friends son was 16 months, and a fellow friend's son from the nursery at church was 15months also. I know my friend told me her doctor wasn't worried unti he was 18months and not walking. I will tell you that before my son (now 18months) walked, he loved to walk behind those push toys. Maybe give that a try =) Good luck.

R. L

My son was 15 months before he walked and walked on his knees from 9-15 months. He eventually took off on his own and just had his 13th birthday yesterday. He runs and walks and ride bikes and skiis and skateboards. Your son will take off soon (and you'll be off and running soon, too)! Hang in there!

my twins did not walk till 16 1/2 months and learnt to run within a week!! Don't panic just yet!

I would not worry. All kids are different. My older son did not walk till he was almost 18 months. He starting talking alot before he was one. Some people say they usually do one before the other. My other son walked at 14 months and didn't start talking until he was 2 years old. Your son will walk when he is ready. Any questions just let me know!

T.
SAHM of 2 adorable boys 5 years old and 29 months.

Be patient. Our little girl just started to walk and she will be 16 months at the end of the month. When expressing my concerns to friends and other moms, two of them said they themselves didn't walk until they were 18 months!

My daughter walked at 14 1/2 months.. Her dad gave her daily walking lessons for about a month before she actually walked. It did not help. they will walk when they want to and when they are ready..

She was an early talker.. a late walker.. In fact on the day she decided to walk.. she walked across the room and said "walk walk walk""

Do not worry.. all children will walk when they want to..

Hi K.,

Just to let you know that my 30 yr old son was the same way he could get where he wanted by crawling and he was fast.

He was never slow at any other things in his life. He is doing well for himself now and really did not have any problems when he was growing up.

When he did walk, he did it well, not a lot of accidents.

Hey, try not to worry about it! My daughter was the same way, would only walk holding my fingers and ultimately didn't walk until 18 months and even then she was still very wobbly. Now, she just turned two and is running everywhere! Talk with your ped to make sure, but kids just develop at different rates, and they all eventually "get there". But I do understand your concern, 'cause I was there and as a mom that's our job! My friend whose daughter is the same age as mine was walking at nine months! So I was freaking out a bit about how long it took, but now they run and play together. Hope my experience helps a little with your concerns. All the best!

Don't worry!!!! My son walked at 16 months--he has to be 100 precent sure of himself that he CAN do it before he even tries. Not working so well now trying to get rid of the training wheels. Give him time.
Tami

My daughter (now 14), didn't walk until she was 14 months old.
Just give him time. My Dad said it was because I never put her down.

Did your son start walking, then stop for no reason? If so, then you need to speak to your doctor, if not, don't worry too much, all kids start walking at their own pace. You can always talk to your doctor about development concerns, that is what they are there for ... but most babies (according to babycenter.com) don't start walking really well till around they're between 12-16 months.

I'm now 31 with a 4 month old, but I just wanted to let you know that I didn't start walking until I was 17 months old. I turned out to be the most athletic of all the kids in my family, where I played basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer, swimming, etc. So unless you truly sense that something is wrong, I wouldn't worry about his developmental pace.

My son walked a little late as well...same thing. I tied bells to his shoes hoping the noise would make him want to walk! haha does he walk around furniture (holding something)
if so...put his favorite toy, or a mylar balloon, just within a step or two from the couch. not too far though, because he'll see the shortest distance to it as a crawl. He'll figure it out....i wouldn't worry yet...
also...if he is walking holding a hand...make it a finger...only let him hold one finger. then you can slowly wriggle and finger loose, and have it at reaching distance, and he should walk to get it, to be able to hold it again.

Hi K.,
Don´t worry!! There is absolutely nothing wrong with your little one. Some kids start walking as early as 9 months - other kids are just not interested in walking (alone).
And 14 mo. is not even late. I know two little girls who waited even until 18mo. I can tell you - they are both fine and running around like crazy.
I know that moms are are always comparing - that can be hard because you don´t know what to say... My little one started walking when she was 14 mo. I always told people (asking me "what?! She is not walking yet?") that I can drive her to school if she cannot walk by then. ;-)
Just enjoy the rest of your not-running-time!
Have a great weekend! Mel

Hi

I know as a child I was a late walker. I am thinking that I didn't walk until about 16 or 18 months. My Mom tells me that I use to crawl across the gravel driveway. Is your son mobile or does he stay in one spot? If he is mobile in his own way, then I wouldn't worry about it. I know easier said than done.

K.

If he can walk holding on, he will walk soon. Some kids are slower at this and it has nothing to do with intelligence. It will happen. Don't worry, Mom. The kids in our family have walked anywhere from 9-15 1/2 months, and all do fine in school. Hang in there!

Don't worry because you are not at the point to worry. Is your little one where he needs to be developmentally everywhere else? I will save the spiel about all kids develop at a different rate because I tend to think most parents feel that is great comfort after the fact. (after theirs walked or talked or jumped or whatever). But when your the one waiting its not much comfort. Try not to over carry him. Put him on the floor as often as possible. It will happen. I have three kids my first two were really early but the last one was a little later than the first. She has had health issues so i think we held her more than the first two. Boy that sounded bad but i think you get what i mean. Well I started putting her on my bed in the center standing. Within a day or two she started walking on the bed. If i put her on the floor she sat right down and scooted. I just kept putting her on the bed and giving huge praise then i took my blanket off of my bed and laid it on the floor in the living room. Guess who never stopped going now. just a suggestion. I know its frustrating especially when you feel like the rest of the world has lost tact and they push buttons even if they dont realize it. Smile.

Hi K.! I have a 4 year old BOY and a 2 year old GIRL. My son didn't walk until he was 17 months old, and my daughter didn't walk until she was 16 months old. They both walk fine now and have no problems at all!! I know what it is like to feel like there is something wrong when they aren't walking, but try not to worry!! It will happen when he is ready!!! If you think there is something physically wrong and that is why he isn't walking, then i would have that checked out with his doctor, but if everything seems OK... then try to relax, and enjoy what he is doing right now :) Just remember, when he is ready, he will walk!!! Good luck! J.

K.,
He could be real close to it. I mean 14 mos. is just over a year and some kids just take their time for the gist of things to click in.
I don't think it's a need to panic. Maybe one of those scooter things where they push themselves around with their feet could be a thought. That might stimulate the 'independence' gene.
I would say if it goes on much longer, then make a consultation. But I would urge you to remember that all kids are different, think and develop at different paces. Consider that before you allow some doctor to label your child for life. My middle son had enurisis troubles. But despite all the pricey pads and programs, it turned out he just wasn't as developed at the same pace as other kids. He slept deeply too, which is a contributing factor.

Hi K.,
I am not a doctor, so this is just my opinion. I think that if he walks when he is holding someones hand, that walking alone will come in time. My sister was 15 month's old when she began walking, and she is 40 years old now, and doing great!:).
Take care, and God bless you!
K.

Mine was 15 1/2 months. Don't worry! All of a sudden it will just happen.

Hi K.! None of my 3 kids walked before the end of ther 15th month! Just enjoy these moments before you need to chase 2 down the street!

This is a lesson I learned with my NOW 6 year old son. ALL KIDS MOVE AT THEIR OWN PACE. My son did not walk until he was 20 months old. The hardest thing about this was all the nagging friends and realtives asking is he walking yet. I did have monthly checks with my doctor yet she was not worried and now you would never know he is a super fast runner on his way to running track in the future.

Good Luck

My best friend's son fell and hurt himself when he first stood up (head to the corner of the coffee table) at around 8 months. He didn't start walking ... he started running, at 16mo.

Unless you have some other reason to be concerned about his physical development, there isn't any reason to worry.

I would not be to worried. My son was the same way. He would crawl or take some steps holding your hands. He did not take his first independent steps till 16 mos. Once he did there was no stopping him. Enjoy the crawling stage while it lasts. Good luck!!!

My daughter took her sweet time before starting to walk! She was 15 1/2 months old before she decided to start walking, probably because she could crawl so fast. Talk to your pediatrician if you're concerned, but every little one is different. I remember being so upset because our friends' daughter, who is 8 months younger than my daughter, started walking BEFORE my daughter! Try not to get too upset, and don't hesitate to talk to your pediatrician if you are really worried.

Hi K.,
According to the Denver Developement Test, the normal age for walking is up to around 18 months. So don't worry about it, he'll walk when he's ready, and then you'll wish for the days he just stayed put!

K.,

I wouldn't worry too much at this point, he's only 14 months old.

My daughter didn't walk until she was 18 1/2 months old. She has a very laid back personality and didn't care that everyone else around her was walking, crawling, etc. She has actually met every milestone late but is now six years old happy and healthy.

Don't hesitate to seek advice or help from your doctor if you're really concerned. Our daughter has been delayed in fine and gross motor skills all of her life. We have been attending Occupational Therapy for her fine motor skills for the last 2 months and have seen great improvments (she has trouble pulling letters/shapes from memory and writing them down on request) and would definitely recommend it. I wish I had gotten her into therapy sooner as they can have great results.

Good luck and hang in there. He will get it.

Dear K., are there any other symptoms? Is he crawling okay? Sitting up okay? What does your doctor say? Has he always been slow to catch up with his gross motor and fine motor skills? If you feel you'd like an evaluation, you can call our agency's number (PSAP @ ###-###-####) and request a free screening and evaluation for Early On services and other referrals. Let us know what happens. K..

Every Child is different and every child progresses differently and at their own pace. Don't compare your child to any other and no need to worry. My one son waited until he knew he could do it. There was no practicing he just did it. My second son practiced and practiced every day. Standing and falling, taking steps and falling. Poor thing had so many bruises but he walked early. I learned that it all depends on the personality. Try not push, it will happen when he is good and ready. :) No worries my dear!!!