should I be worried?

Question

My daughter is 16 months old and isnt walking yet....she doesnt even stand on her own. She does crawl and can pull herself up as well as walk if you hold both her hands. Should I take her to the doctor? My other kids all walked at 12 months. My neighbors are all telling me somethings wrong :(

Answer 1

I wouldn't worry myself too much...everybody is different, and children develop at a different rate. Even if you had 30 kids who all walked at 12 months, that was just a coincidince...As a matter of fact, children aren't taught how to walk, either. They learn it internally...it's a psychological thing...the ability to walk is there from day one, but it has to actually dawn on them before they can do this...

Just keep being patient. It may be good to inform your doctor, but I'd give it at least another 2 or 3 months, and if she's still not walking, then suggest some type of psychological tests be done.

Answer 2

Average age for walking is 9-17 months (see sources section below). She is fine. My youngest took her first step at 17 1/2 months old. She was early at other physical milestones, but once she could crawl across the room and stand up on the other side, she didn't "need" to walk. She was more interested in talking! And my oldest was late with both walking and talking. He is *very* gifted in math. Every child has their own schedule. As long as she is developing in *some* area, don't worry about it. She'll walk when she needs and wants to.

Answer 3

At this point, I wouldn't worry too much. Kids learn at different rates and so long as she is pulling up and crawling, she's on the right path. Make sure that you work with her though - use lots of praise and encouragement and don't give up. She'll get there in her own time.

Answer 4

Yes - definitely check it out. My oldest was 14 months before he walked - he is fine. The rest took off at 12 months or so. The story goes that the later they walk, the smarter they are. Hope this is true for you.

Answer 5

Absolutely nothing wrong. All kids develope at different rates. I had one child not walk on her own until she was about 16 months old. Then I had another walk at nine months old. Nothnig to worry about. Don't rush it enjoy it while you can. Pretty soon you will wonder what happened to your aby as she will be fully grown and ready to move out on her own.

Answer 6

I've known babies to walk past 17 months and they are fine. You may want to call and speak with your dr. But l am sure you know that all babies have their own pace and remember now matter how hard no comparing

Answer 7

If she can pull herself up and walk if you hold her hands maybe she does'nt want to walk.But if you are that concerned I would advise you to take her to the doctor's office to ease your mind mom,but you haf to understand every child is different.Just knowing that she tries to walk when you are holding her hands tell's me her legs don't hurt her.Sometimes they be scared of the fact knowing that they're doing it all by themselves.But take her to the doctor and see what Doc haf to say.Don't worry mom she should be fine.

Answer 8

I would ask the pediatrician if you should be concerned. She may simply be a late bloomer, or there could be something fundamentally wrong with her. The doctor may have to run some tests to know for sure.

Answer 9

Lots of kids develop slower than others and many times it means nothing at all but you still need to talk to your pediatrician just to be sure. If nothing else it will help you to feel better, right?

Good luck!

Are you a mama? Check out Mama Drama http://blogs.chron.com/mamadrama/

Answer 10

Don't listen to your neighbors....listen to your pediatrician. Take your daughter in for a visit and express your concern.

All babies develop at different rates, but you are obviously concerned, and should get answers to ease your mind.

Best of luck to you and your daughter.