My Daughter Isn't Walking and She Is Almost 15 Months

Hi A.,

I have two children, my 5 year old daughter and my 14 month old son. My daughter took her first step at 15 months and 2 days old and my son took his first step at 12 months. Each child develops at a different rate. My daughter walked later than all her little friends but she got in her own time. Be patient, and she'll start motoring the day she decides it would be worth while. :)

Typical walking age ranges from 9-19 mos. It's frustrating when other kids are walking already but she'll do it on her terms. I was frustrated too when my daughter was the last among her friends to walk. Try not to worry too much about it.

Someone told me once that Einstein didn't walk until he was 2 1/2 years old. I wouldn't worry... :-)

Hello There, just to give you some reassurance...my son was exactly the same! He is now 16months old and walking all over the place! Your little one will be on her way very shortly and then there will be no stopping her! E.

As long as the doctors haven't noticed anything medically wrong with why she isn't walking, I wouldn't worry. All three of my kids walked at different ages and my youngest was pigeon toed so she kept tripping herself. The doctors told me not to worry until after 18 months and that it wasn't unusual for kids to take that long to take off. Maybe she's waiting to perfect the motion before she shows you she can do it and she'll take off running. lol

My daughter took her first independent steps shortly after 14 months. She didn't start crawling until 10 months. Keep trying, it really does seem to happen overnight, one day, they just get it. Good luck.

My daughter did the same exact thing. She wouldn't even hold our hands, if we tried she would immediately stop. She finally started walking completely @ 18 months. My doctor said that it was fine as long as they are crusing, which is holding onto stuff and walking. Don't worry she'll be walking before you know it.

A. she is fine, my daughter didn't start walking until about 14 months and it should happen in the next few weeks. She took her first step with her dad, but her twin brother didn't walk until he was 16 months and still can't run or keep up with her and he walked with me but only when my mom was in the room and then it took him a couple of weeks to really figure it out. think of it this way every time she gets up and uses a chair as her guide she is practicing and it may surprise you but she may walk when no one is in the room that is how my daughter was she was all about practicing.

I will guess no more than 6 weeks and she should start walking like a pro.

best of luck
K.

My second son also didn't walk until well into his 15th month. All checkups were normal and he's very healthy. My pediatrician said he probably "didn't feel like walking". I wouldn't worry, A.. Talk to your pediatrician, by all means, but it sounds like your daughter is just fine. :)

While all kids develop at their own speed, it is a good idea to watch your child's development especially when they are getting to the higher end of typical development. It sounds like your girl is doing good in other areas (social and active), so the not walking on her own is probably not a big deal.

It is a good idea to keep your pediatrician in the loop. If you would like to learn more about development, PBS.ORG is a good resource. I like it bcse it gives a lot of good ideas as well as the milestones.

It is great to see a mom and dad that are so supportive of their child.

I wouldnt worry to much. I have two kids and each of them learned to walk on their own time. My daughter was the slow one she would walk with assistance only for the longest time and then one day she just took off. I think kids like the safe feeling of a hand holding them up at times and when they feel safe they just let go one day. Now that my kids are 6 and7 i wish they still needed a hand. I am sure your child will walk in time when she gets good and ready i wouldnt worry at all.

I am 47 and the mom of two. I myself didn't walk until I was 22 months old. I think kids do everything when they are good and ready: potty training, walking, talking, etc. I wouldn't worry, but for assurance I would see her pediatrician for a quick visit.

Leave her alone...my first daughter didn't walk til 17 months...now is is 15 and a beautiful dancer...she will walk when shes ready...is she your first? My first did the same, my other 2 walked before 1 yr. She probably is very bright, my late walker is a 4.0 student and talked early....she is a brain.....let her do it when she's ready....
hope this helps.
A. R

My son was only 12 mos when he started walking, but we were starting to wonder if he ever would-he had no interest in it at all. We got a Fisher Price walker thing & he started walking that same day!
My sister was an "old" walker & she needed a "magic feather" just like Dumbo. When she had her red ribbon in her hands she could do it just fine, but when she dropped the ribbon, down she went. I don't know how to attach a picture, but I did find a link for it online, just not the FP link. http://jxn.craigslist.org/bab/768164895.html It's in the shape of a triangle & has 4 wheels. It'll fold flat too.
She'll walk when she's ready. Now I wish my 'slow' walker would stop moving now & then!

All of my kids walked late - and were right in the 14-15 month range when they began to walk. What helped us was the push-type toys (or even letting them push a stroller) as it helps them gain stability, strength, and confidence. The fact that she is crusing the furniture is a good sign that she's very close. If she was late to roll-over, sit up, crawl, etc she may be just late in the physical tasks. IF she is a big baby, that can sometimes make them slower to progress too. Your pediatrician can help ensure that it's not related to poor muscle tone, a motor-skill delay, or something more serious, but likely it is just something she is a little slower at ;)

My kids are now fine - and even more advanced than many kids their age academically, so there wasn't any kind of correlation between a physical delay and intelligence...which some parents may worry about happening. I bet she'll be RUNNING before you know it!

Good luck!

My daughter is 14 months old as of today. She too is not walking on her own. She will cruise around furniture and will walk while holding our hands. Yesterday, she just took a couple of steps on her own, but that was only due to enticement from her dad. I really think my daughter is a more cautious child and just needs to gain more confidence. We figure she will walk when she wants to walk. While I understand your concern, I really wouldn't worry about it. Children walk on their own time table. The normal range for a child to take their first steps is 9-18 months. I am a nurse and worked with pediatrics before I became a SAHM. Let me assure you that there is no correlation between when a child walks and intelligence, coordination, etc. I know it's frustrating to read that children should be walking by 12 months, but that's just an average. I also know that it can be frustrating to have other people ask if they are walking or why aren't they walking, but just ignore them because your child sounds completely normal. I have an older daughter who walked on her first birthday. I'm not sure if you have any other children, but if you don't let me tell you that it's not a bad thing for them to walk later. Once they start walking, there is no turning back and it's not always easy chasing after a child who is walking. Just remember that children grow up so fast as it is. Cherish every moment and try not to get so caught up in the milestones. Hope this helps.

Hi A.,

My youngest daughter didn't begin walking until she was 16 months old. It worried us because we were comparing her to our oldest daughter who began walking at the typical 12 months. Your daughter will get there, don't worry. Don't let the doctors freak you out either, ours recommended therapy and everything, which when I look back on it now I find ridiculous. There is such a thing as a late walker, and it doesn't mean they are developmentally delayed in any other way. As long as she is active and developing normally in every other way I would not worry about it. Our daughter is a very happy, smart, and active little girl now. Just be patient!
Best wishes,
C. H.

My daughter walked at 13 months, but that was only once we moved into our house, and she had more space! We use to live in a third story apartment, and we had to carry her up and down the three flights of stairs, so she refused to walk! We went on vacation to my parents' house, and they have a large house, so my daughter started walking a little there, but didn't really take off until we got into our house, and then we wouldn't carry her at all! We would hold her hand and have her walk with us! But all babies develop at their own speed, so I wouldn't be too worried about it!

Good Luck,
C., SAHM of 15 month old daughter!

Hi, A.. My son didn't walk until just a few months ago, right before turning 15 months old. Don't worry, I'm sure your daughter will walk when she's ready. Our pediatrician told us not to worry until at least my son was 2 yrs. old, and if he wasn't walking then, she'd look into it. Like others have said, your daughter will walk when she's ready...and you'll be wondering why you ever wanted her to do so:-) I love it that K'Sai can walk, but sometimes, it would be nice if he just sat still for 30 seconds:-) Take care.

My son only walked at 15 months old when we got a lab puppy and the puppy was constantly in his face. As with your daughter he only walked when he felt like it and he was a very tall and heavy child. My back was killing me. That puppy was a lot of work but well worth it.

YES YES YES - My daughter was 15 months old when she took her first steps. She had been cruising for quite a while, but wouldn't venture beyond. We were out of town at a funeral without Daddy :( & my family (about 7 of them enclosed her in a circle & stood her up without something to hold on to & watched her try to balance herself. She absolutely HATED it, but by the time we got situated back at home about a week later, she started taking steps back & forth between my husband & me (with something she really wanted like a toy). For her - I think it was fear of doing something new. She's almost 3 now & we have had to coax her to do almost everything new that might be scary for her. And if she fell I was always one of those moms that told her she was ok & didn't baby her. Was your child late doing other things as well? My daughter was. I have heard kids either concentrate more on their motor skills or their mental skills. This was so true for my daughter - she said her first word at 9 months. I have also heard that avg age around the world is 16 months. Don't worry - she won't be still crawling in college ; )

My oldest (now 5) didn't walk until 17 months and 4 days. She was just like your daughter--would walk fine with assistance but not on her own. To this day she will not do anything until she is fully confident she can do it. In a way it's been great because she's not a daredevil and hasn't gotten hurt doing something beyond her ability. I recall speaking with her pediatrician at her 15-month and he said if children aren't walking by 18 months, that's when they'll look into it. Until then it's no cause for concern. Hope this helps. My guess is she'll be walking before you know it, and walking well, too.

A.,
I have two boys two and three and my youngest didn't walk until he was 19 months. Give it time and just use lots of stand up toys and encourage her as much as you can. Hope this makes you feel better.

Some of these responses make me feel so much better. My son is 16 months old and just cruises. He actually just started crawling normally about 2 months ago, before that he would commando crawl everywhere. If we try to get him to walk he just sits down. He doesn't stand up by himself yet either.

I had a friend who's daughter didn't walk until she was 22 months old. She was more content crawling or walking around furniture. I do know that she consulted with her pediatrician for testing, etc. and everything turned out fine. I wouldn't worry quite yet, but seek advice from a doctor if she still isn't walking in a few months.

My son did the same thing! He would walk if you held his hands at 12 mos. Then at about 14 mos he would walk if you held 1 hand. Then at 16 mos, he just woke up one day and decided he could run! He was up util midnight that day just running everywhere! He would fall, get back up and run some more. He had more energy than he knew what to do with! Your daughter will do it to...and whe she does you will dream of the days when she stayed in one place!
K.

My first son walked at 1 year but my second son didn't walk until he was almost 16 months. I think that was Lesson #345 in "Reasons not to compare my children"! LOL! I have known of babies who needed a good massage therapy session (especially Cranio-Sacral) or even a Chiropractic adjustment to walk, but I don't think you need to worry just yet. Your daughter may be busy learning something else right now, and she will have to go through her developmental steps at her own pace, which you are learning. In the end, parenting seems to be a lot about learning to let go and just being there for our children. You will most likely have a toddling toddler on your hands soon. Then you will wonder why you were so anxious for her to walk! Enjoy the journey!

I have a nephew that didnt walk till 16 months. They all do things at their own time. I'm sure she's capable maybe she doesnt feel ready yet. She will walk soon don't worry! And once she does she will be up and running. There will be no stopping her!!

My daughter didn't walk until she was about that age. Do not fret. She will when she is ready. My daughter did. Now she won't sit down. I have the day she kept trying and trying to do it on her own on video tape. She finally did. If you are still feeling unsure as her dr.

Blessings to you and yours!

My son did not walk until about 15.5 months. ALL of his younger friends were walking. He would cruise furniture and walk behind his walker wagon but he would not freestand and he would not walk holding onto our hands. THEN one day we were at Starbucks and he was cruising their chairs, he let go and walked across the entire store. He had NEVER taken one step and there he was walking. He didn't really crawl again after that day. She will walk in her own time!

My oldest was 14 1/2 months before she ever walked. As long as your daughter is crawling by now do not worry. She is just being herself and it is alright. No need to rush it. When she starts you will treasure it just as much as your treasured her crawling. Just try to remember that she can sense and even feel what you feel. She is use to feeling your emotions with you, she grew in you. You do not want her to feel like she should be doing something she is not doing, or rushed.

My now alomst 17 year old daughter was 19 months old when she learned how to walk. Two weeks later...she was running. She is now in track. Milestones are guidlines...She will catch up. Let your concerns be known to her pediatrician, they will know what to watch for.

T.

Hi A.-
No need to worry, my son was 15 1/2 months before he walked. He was just an excellent crawler and I don't think he saw the need to walk. It is perfectly normal and there are kids that start walking even later than that. Believe me, once she is running around like crazy you will look back and be thankful that you had a late walker!!! : )

So did I, but it takes time, just walk with them and slowly but surley they will start walking

p.s that is how i got 15 month to start walking

Hello A.!
My daughter is 18 months now, but she too didn't start walking until she was over the 15 month mark. She began walking about two weeks after her 15 months. And how she is a little speed demon! Have you tried a push toy? That is how my daughter started walking. She loved her toy and enjoyed pushing it around. One day she walked from our recliner to the couch and after she figured out that she was safe walking that short distance, she started going all over the place by herself. Before she started walking on her own, she went through a faze where she liked to walk all over the house holding my hand. Then after the "couch walk" she was fine.

L. R.

frustrating huh? my second born refused to walk till she was 18months she did the same thing syour daughter did but i tried not to worry too much.I knew there wasnt anything medically wrong since she could pull herself up and walk along things or walk holding OUr hands.But one day she just got up and walked thank god.She's now a VERY active 7 year old who enjoys riding her bike and skooter and skips everywhere

my daughter didn't walk until she was 18 months old. we took her to a physical therapist, paid for orthodics etc... she wore the orthodics for one day and was off and running. i think she just needed to figure out how to balance herself. she has tiny feet (she is now 13 and still wears a 4) - they feel like that had a lot to do with it. i'm sure you'll be chasing your daughter around in no time at all!

Hello A.,
My suggestion is to get a johnny jumper, it gives a since of stabiity and helps to build the leg muscles, my kids loved it!

My first son walked at 15.5 months and the second at 15 and both are happy and healthy. My oldest is now 4.5 and what I have learned is that they will learn when they are ready--walking, ABCs, potty training, etc. It is much easier to teach them something when they are ready to learn it.