Want a General Idea of When Other Toddlers Did These Milestones.

Hi A.,
I am a mother of two and my daughter is now 4 yrs old but she didnt start walking till around a year old. And she probably didnt really get the hang of it all the way till she was around 13 to 14 months. I really dont think that you have anything to worry about. And every child is different. Good luck with the walking.

My son didn't walk until 14 months. I wouldn't worry about it. He will walk when he is ready...and then you will wish he wasn't mobile!!! :0)

Hey A., All kids are different and you have to be patient! My oldest son (now 8) didn't walk fully on his own until he was 15 months old. He also took FOREVER to talk clearly. We even had to have him evaluated a couple of times. Eventually he came around on his own. He is now a very bright, active boy. Hang in there...he'll make it!

My son was 10 monhts before he started crawling at all and 15 before walking at all....but at six monhts he started signing and by a year could sign sentences and had the vocabulary of a 2 year old....by two it was the vocab of a kindergartener.....

I believe boys tend to walk later than girls....but they're always working on something. If he's building his vocab or acute motor skills his walking is going to suffer. If he's trying to learn to crawl up and down stairs, everything else will be forgotten for awhile. If he's working on one thing, other skills are put on hold or even seem to regress a bit while he focuses on that particular skill- and will continue to do so, typically, until it is mastered. Right now, we're working on going to a cup and walking simultaneously and neither is progressing quickly, but my daughter has completely stopped using words since we've been pushing the cup, because she's learning a new, major skill....

In other words, don't worry about it!! Cherish the time you have before he starts walking because it's a whole new ballgame after and you'll think,"Why did I want him to walk?!" :)

Have a great week!

i haven't read all of the responses but i agree with the few i did read, boys do, on average develop their motor skills later on than girls. the milestone marker averages are just that. I am alomost done with my bach. in child dev. and the one thing that is stressed is that they are averages! you can add or subtract a full SIX MONTHS to those averages and still be in the normal area. don't worry. to get his vocab up just practice with him, he might be saying more than you think, ask yourself this: does he say something and then get mad if you can't figure it out? then he is saying something you just have to figure it out! baby's make up words to use in the place of the real ones that they just don't know yet.

my first son walked at 13.5 months my second son was 15 months before he was walking. I think every kid is different. My boys are both big so the Dr said that it takes them longer to build up enough muscle to walk to support their bigger bodies (my youngest is 21 months now and 35pounds 35 inches tall)

i would not worry, my son is 20 months he did not walk till i think 15 months. and it seemed like it was over night. i have one that did not walk till two but he has low muscle tone. the difference is when you lay my one son on the ground and move his legs he fights the other is like a bowl ful of jelly. and as far as talking. they do at there own time. my four year old is also deaf. my 20 month old is just now really talking. and still alot is uh uh uh when he wants something. he signs more than talking and i swear he talks a different language. and if something is wrong you will see when you are supposed to see. but from what you say he seems like a typically child. i think my 20 month only said cookie and ma ma at 12 months. and also it helps ( i don't know about other moms, i know what my child wants so i give) to wait for them to tell you so it forces them to use more words. and if you are really worried see a speech therepist just to calm your nerves.

I can relate to how you feel. I have an 18 month old son who is still only saying about 5 or 6 words that we can understand. I was worried that he would never really say much especially since he has playmates that talk much more than he. What helped me to stop worrying is that everyhting I have read says that boys often start talking much later than girls. They do however seem to take in a lot of what is going on around them. My son is great at recognizing things in his environment though and that does help. I know it is tough, but try not to worry too much about it. Good luck.

My son started walking right after his first birthday, but that means nothing to you or your baby. Believe when your friends tell you not to worry because they are right, my little brother did not walk until he was almost 16 mos. As far as the speech goes, i have read that we may bot see bg results until closer to the age of two. My son is just now started to say a couple words but not on a regular basis. WHat is important is that he is babbeling and making sounds whether we understand them or not. Honestly though dont worry every child is different and by the age of three they will all be caught up to eachother my m om always says.

Thank you so much for your question! I'm in the same boat, right now. My son will be 17 months in just a few days, and though he's been cruising around furniture for a long time, he's still very hesitant about taking unsupported steps away from anything or anyone. As soon as he knows he's not holding onto anything, he goes right to the floor and crawls as fast as he can! It's only been this last week or two that he's started standing on his own unsupported for a minute or two. Also, he's only saying a few recognizable words right now, like "momma" and "yeah" and "hi". I know exactly how you're feeling and worry a bit about his development, too. However, everyone tells me the same thing everyone has said here. Every child is different and develops at a different rate. I guess our boys will do the walking and talking thing when they're good and ready! ;) Thanks again, though, for bringing the issue up because I'm sure there are other moms like us who are wondering about the same thing.

My son is almost 16 months and just started to walk without holding on to furniture about 2 weeks ago. He says dada and mama and night but thats it that we can understand. He does however talk baby talk till hes blue in the face lol. My daughter started walking around 14 1/2 months.

I know its hard, but dont worry. Your son is fine. My daughter did everything early, except talking and i was so scared something was wrong. She will be 2 in March and she is just now starting to say words I can understand! I swear, every day is something new. Its like she awakes and says/does something new, so just give it some time. I know, i was really worried and impatient, but he will get there! I always assumed since she was a girl she would be very verbal early on, but that was not the case. She started her first steps around 9 months (she never really crawled) but didnt become steady on her feet until about 14 months or so. Only now is she saying more than a few words. I figured she would be talking in sentences by now (didnt help that my neice was speaking in sentences by 16 months!) but, honestly, every child is different. Especially with boys, it may take a little longer with major milestones. Your son will be fine and soon you will wish he would sit still once in a while lol.

A., I subscribe to a couple baby newsletters, and the one today says that babies walk anytime between 7 mos. and 16-17 mos. My Kaitlin is 7 1/2 mos. old and is trying to stand DESPARATELY! One thing the newsletter said was that they sometimes learn to stand and then walk but can't figure out how to sit down! Never thought about that one :) Also, I have laminate floors, so she can't get around very well on them but does just great at crawling at "carpeted" houses. I'm sure he'll be just fine! One old wives' tale that my mother-in-law keeps harping on is that babies won't walk until you put shoes on them...I don't believe that because Kaitlin doesn't wear shoes but is trying her darnedest to walk!

worry, be it with the first or twentieth baby is perfectly normal.. I agree with the ped. though. Not every baby is alike and he'll reach these milestones when he's ready. My 3 YO can only say a few words now,, but like I've said to my own Mother who'se freaking out about her speech, " she'l talk when she has something to say" If you're worried about future development maybe educational, just read this.

My oldest is 12. I gently coaxed him to walk, talk, etc... but in the end I didn't stress when he was almost 18 Mo. Old and stil had no desire to walk. Everyone I knew told me to get him evaluated. Turned out just fine,, just didn't wanna walk just yet. He's currently in 7th grd. but taking 9th grd. courses in anatomy, botany, and algebra II.
My third child was born with Gulf War Syndrome. She wasn't supposed to even roll over... ever in her life. She's a member of "special runners" now, and jumps, plays, writes, draws pictures, etc.. you get the idea. She exceeded the standards for her. Like I said, my youngest is 3, yet hardly says a thig.. Fluent in signing though,, why?? Her sister has VERY limited speech and signs to communicate.
They all develop when they're ready. Just enjoy this phaise as long as you can. Soon he'll be in EVERYTHING when he gets a bit more mobile. haha
God bless,
A.

My daughter will be 17 months on the 16th of Jan. and she is still not walking. She can but she chooses not too. She will take a step or two if you aren't watching and she walks with her butt to the wall (no other support) but she won't just let go and walk. I am not worried and you should be either. He knows how to walk he is just scarred. My son walked around 15 months. Children who walk later are usually more cautious. My son was talking in full sentences at 18 months so walking has NOTHING to do with intelligence. He is fine. Give him love and space he will walk when he is ready. If you suspect a learning disability or other handicap then you should check into that but if he is just scared then there is nothing to worry about. He will walk and talk before it's time to go to preschool or Kindergarten.

-M.

The Majority of toddlers walk between 9 and 15 months. No need to worry, especially since your son is "cruising" a bit around furniture and taking a few steps. I'd just take his hand and encourage him to walk beside you frequently, then a couple times a day, urge him a bit, by putting a desired object (toy or snack) within a few feet of him whiile standing. Encourage him to walk to the object. Relax!

A. I personally think it has to do with shoes or the lack of them. At least that's the way it was with my two boys.

My oldest developed so early on everything but walking I was afraid there was something wrong. He didn't walk until 13 months. He wore shoes including hard sole ones. That's what my mom said he needed. Being a new young (18yr old) mom I basically did what was told to me.

When my youngest came along (7.5 yrs later) I basically did what seemed right to me and our finances which were low- husband was laid off). He wore booties the thick kind. He was born in March and honestly walked at 10 months. (I walked at 9 months)

My son's dr did not have a problem with no shoes. She said some times they do walk earlier because they can feel the floor better with their feet. Their feet actually grip the floor.

Basically they will walk when they want.

I thought my daughter would never walk. I always tell my girlfriends who have kids that she didn't walk till she was 14 months she did the samething your son does. one day we bought her a pair of dora shoes. She took off the minute we put them on her. Maybe try that. good luck

Hi I am the mom to a wonderful baby boy name Zachary. Well Zachary started walking at 8mths and I was scared because everyone was saying that was way to early but, he had a little help by being around my then 1yr old niece. I figured out babies do what they want when they want so dont worry.

Hello....well I figured I would write to this and let you know I know where you are coming from....but really don't worry. My son is now 3 yrs old but he didn't crawl....army crawl only... and didn't start walking until 3 days before his 18 month check up. Now my daughter who is 19 months....she started walking about 11 months...maybe a little sooner. So please don't worry. He will walk when he is ready, just encourage him and be there for him. I know it can be upsetting and worrism, but all kids do things at their own pace. Good luck and if you need anything don't hesitate to email!

A friend's daughter didn't walk until 16 months and now runs with all the rest of the 3 y.o.

My son's first real word was "woof", yes like the sound a dog makes. He didn't really say true words until almost 2. And once again, at 3, you Can't keep him quiet (especially in church . . . LOL).

Every child is different. It's okay to worry, but it's also okay to just enjoy the moment!

Hi, A.!

From what I can gather, not walking by 13 months is still well within the normal range for kid development. My daughter started walking around 9 months, but her contemporary, who's only a day older, didn't really start 'til 13-15 months.

I definitely think it's nothing to worry about, but I want to mention one thing. Our close friend's son started scooting on his butt and was still not walking (or really even standing or cruising) at all by 18 months. We were concerned about this because we could see he'd developed scooting as a habit, but our friends didn't want to think anything was abnormal. Unfortunately, their pediatrician didn't caution them at all prior to that point but then strongly cautioned them once he saw the boy at his 18 month appointment... He continued to scoot until nearly 2 years old and had to have physical therapy to strengthen his legs and unlearn that easy mode of transport. He's fine now, still a little weaker, maybe, but he's making progress and keeps up with other kids his age just fine (He's not quite 3).

So, what I'd say is DEFINITELY don't stress out! But do make sure your son is getting up and putting some weight on those little legs so he gets used to being upright and liking it. They have terrific stationary bouncers now (some people are afraid of the ones that hang from the door jam -- we weren't, but we know others are). That could definitely add fun and strenghtening for little legs.

As for the talking... that's another thing to not worry about, I'd say. Our daughter didn't say much 'til around 15 months, and by 18 months had about a 300+ word vocab! Now she never STOPS talking and speaks in paragraphs of properly formulated sentences. I think, with kids, it's progress that matters, not necessarily particular milestones at prescribed intervals. You know if he's comprehending -- so just keep challenging him and he'll rise to the challenge, I'm sure :)!

My son is 28 months old and runs and climbs like crazy. However, he didn't really walk on his own until he was at least sixteen or seventeen months old. As for the talking, it all comes at once usually. At least it did with both my children. You think they will never speak; then, all of a sudden around 18-20 months they will start using words you had no idea they even knew existed.

Whenever they are trying to achieve a milestone, for example, walking -- the other areas seem to lag behind (speech). So generally, if he is trying to learn to walk, all his energy is going to that. Not much is left to focus on learning words. Once he masters walking, then his vocabulary will take off.

I have also found with my two children that you can never have enough books. Books, books, books. They help with developing all sorts of skills.

Your little boy sounds adorable and perfectly normal.

yes my nephew who is a twin didnt walk until he was 16mnths old now hes 3 and is running and didnt start really talking till he was 2 yrs. old good luck with everything

I worked at a 24/hr day care for 7 years with babies 12-18 months old. Before that I assumed all babies walked at 9 mos. as my mother said that I did. After working with at leat 100 babies over that period of time, I disoverd that while a very small percent walked at 8 or 9 months, a greater percent walked at 15 mos. The average child walked just around their first birthday or soon thereafter. If you child was born a month early or hospitalized for any period of time after birth, you can expect to deduct that time to condider her "adjusted" or chronological age. Push toys and a few riding toys are great for encouragement but after I adopted a 3 year old extreme preemie (born at 26wks)who couldn't walk or talk, it was my parents who did the greatest encouraging just having her walk between them with a lot of praise. My son is 19 months old, born at 31weeks, hospitalized for 5 months (adopted at that time) and walked at 16 mos and 4 days. It takes quite a few weeks of practice before they "do it for a living" as I called it. Walking barefoot allows all the toes to manage their individual jobs in balancing the body. High-top shoes use to be the going thing for support - it helps some children.

jean h.

A.,
I can tell you not to worry. I was worried about the same thing with my daughter. She did the same thing with taking steps and dropping into a crawl bc she got scared. She didnt really take off walking until 15 mos. And she is getting all over the place now. I wouldnt worry. My Dr said as long as they are making an effort to walk then they will get it.

Also with the words. I was also worried about this with my daughter. But language starts with them making up their own sounds and words that mean things to. My daughter says stuff that isnt the exact word but I know what she is talking about bc of the context she uses them. There are not a whole lot of clear cut words she says right now, but I know some of her sounds mean things to her.

Your son sounds like he is pretty much on the same schedule as my daughter was/is. So now with my 16 mos old she is walking all over (and almost running) and she has only been truely walking for about 4 or 5 wks. And she is babbling up a storm.

I think the key is as long as you can see that they are making an effort to do things then they should be fine. There really is a wide range for some of the milestones when they are at this age....so try not to stress yourself out about it. I know that is easier said than done.

But from what you said I think everything sounds fine with him.

Good Luck!
K.

Our daughter is almost 13 mo. and doing the same thing as your son.
But no fears! Our son was walking around furniture and seemed to have the ability to walk by age 7/8 months; however, he didn't CHOOSE to walk until 14 months (it seemed like forever!)
Our daughter will be 13 months in a few days and is just now letting go and standing on her own. I'm assuming she'll be like her older brother and decide to be a 'later' walker. As far as talking, she also is big on saying "Dada" and "dog" and other "D" sounds. Sometimes I can distinguish other words, and sometimes 'dada' is a form of trying to say other words. Our son, on the other hand, was very advanced with language.
But it's true that every child goes at their own pace, and there really is no need to worry right now.
Hope this helps a bit!

13 months is perfectly fine to not be walking on his own yet. Most start around that time. Dr. start to worry if they aren't showing signs of starting to walk by 15 months. At one year they should be able to pull themselves up and talk one supportive step. And you seem to already be past that point! :) I wouldn't worry about the talking either. Boys are normally a little slower at talking than girls are. Also, mile stone marker at 12 months is MAY say 2-3 words, by 15 months it's only up to 4-5 words. Really, there's no reason to worry. He seems to be right on track! Your are doing a great job!

Hi A.,

Our son didn't start walking until 14 months. Our daughter is going to be 1 on the 28th of January and has just started to walk while holding onto things like the couch.

Also, our son is now 26 months old and still only says a few words that you can understand. He chatters and sings all the time but you can't understand a lot of it. You can tell what he is singing, twinkle, twinkle or jingle bells but he doesn't form the words. He knows and can say his own name (Michael) and does puzzles for ages 3 and up already. We are taking him for a hearing test but I really don't think he has a problem. Almost all of my friends that have young children said their kids didn't really talk until after age two.

So... stop worrying and enjoy,

C.

Hi A.:
Our daughter was an early walker, I think, in part, to the fact that we had her in a walker with wheels since she was 8 months old! (These things are kind of controversial now, but it worked for me and my siblings and it really worked for my daughter!) Her language skills aren't that advanced, but I read a study that said 18 mo. is the "vocabulary explosion" when they start to pick up a lot more words and use them regularly. Our friends have a 20 mo. old who speaks in full sentences and also Spanish (thanks to her day care provider), but her mom is a big time talker so it probably goes with the territory! At the same time, another couple we know has a 35 mo. old who rarely uses words at all and the doctor said to read him more books and get him off the pacifier, which helped tremendously. Be patient; it's amazing what will happen in the next 3-4 months...I swear, my 17 mo. old now understands many of the things I say...and that's a great step...they have to comprehend something before they're able to express it. If you're not doing it already, you may want to try getting a few "first words" books from the library and have him point out things on the page, "Where's the ball?" "Where's the kitty?" etc. That's helped us a lot so far.
Good luck!