Should my child be walking?

Question

I have a 14 month old (May 26, 2005) who is not walking yet. He will stand up against furniture, but won't walk when you hold his hands, and shows no interest in doing it himself. Is this bad? He was 5 weeks premature, and has shown respiratory problems (they think asthma) and has tubes in his ears from continual ear infections.

Thank you all for your answers, very helpful and reassuring. A little more on this little guy, he's VERY happy and fun-loving, even when we've had him in the hospital he will just giggle all the time. He's crawling like crazy, and he is ver curious at this point. I take him to the doc regularly because of his ear tubes, and his continued ear infections (I was there 2 days ago) I've always said everyone needs a child with a personality like his, because he is super fun! I just wish I could make him better - but we're trying! Thanks again for all of your responses and support!

Answer 1

First of all you should go by adjusted age which would make him just about 12 and a half months. Some babies normally walk later and him being early makes it even more likely. Also the respiratory problems can have an effect. The continious ear infections can also cause delays. He will walk in time. The fact that he is standing up on his own against furniture shows he has the leg strength to do it.

Answer 2

I wouldn't be concerned for a few more months. Being 5 weeks premature, he is actually only about 12 1/2 months. Until they are two or three, you take off the amount of weeks he was early.

I worked in daycare for 4 years. We had a little girl who didn't crawl until she was nearly a year old, and didn't walk until about 18 months. She was having ear infections left and right, and they had screwed up her balance and equilibrium. Once they got those straightened out, she caught right up. I would be patient, he may be having a difficult time because of the combination of the ear infections and prematurity.

Answer 3

My first son walked by 10 months; my second, by 13 months; my third, I didn't care when he walked -- i knew he was going to be my last and I didn't want to rush him into become independent before I was ready!!! I carried him all over the place and even slept with him snuggled on my chest on the couch. He walked at about 15 months and now I can't stop him. He climbs up stairs, runs with the other kids and is just perfect in every way. He will be 2 in September and doesn't talk yet. Am I worried? Absolutely not. He doesn't have to because everyone jumps when he moans and tries to figure out what he wants. The way I look at it is, by the time he starts pre-K, he will be talking, walking and potty trained. I will never have this time again with him to change his diaper, cuddle and have him rely on me for the little things. Don't compare your children with anyone else, lest your children compare you with their friend's parents.

Childhood is not a race -- it is a journey, so enjoy.

Answer 4

Don't worry about it. The average walking age is 15 months. Every child is different. I have a cousin who's son was 16 months before he started walking now he's running everywhere. He's a normal boy. Your son is fine...if he was a preemie than he is going to take some extra time to develop don't worry and if you are REALLY worried about ask your pediatrician when you go in for your 15 month shots or just call. That's what they are there for!!

Answer 5

Because your child was 5 weeks premature, give him 5 extra weeks before you consider a milestone missed. 14 months is on the older side for not walking - but it isn't considered developmentally delayed until 16 months. Don't worry. To help him 'walk' have someone move his legs as you hold his hands. After a couple of months it worked for my boy, who is now 8 months old.

Answer 6

They say if i'm not mistaken that a child should walk by 15 months...my son who did a lot of things much earlier walked quite late. although he was 14 months i know more than a handful of people who had children walking a little while after 15 months. I at least don't think its anything to worry about just yet. give him his time and make sure to praise him everytime he makes the slightest attempt at walking. I'm sure he'll start when hes ready and then you'll be able to calm a nervewrecking mom whose child hasn't started walking yet either. best of luck!!

Answer 7

My daughter didn't walk until about 18 months. She also showed no interest in walking (and also had tubes due to several ear infections). However, as soon as she started to walk, we couldn't keep up with her!

If you have concerns, talk with your pediatrician. Ours referred us to an early intervention program and me met with a Physical Therapist and a Podiatrist.

There were concerns that maybe one leg was longer than the other and that maybe her leg tendons weren't long enough. I worked with her every day, but personally I think she walked when she was ready...

Answer 8

My daughter is now 24 months and she didn't walk until she was about 15 months. My son on the other hand was walking at about 10 months old. Every child learns differently and starts new things at different ages. I don't think you have anything to worry about. And if your child is anything like my daughter was he/she just wants mommy to tote them around and does't have any interest yet in walking.

Answer 9

Considering he was a premee, he is doing well. Some normally developing children do not walk until they are 16 months old. He will walk. Just give him some time. If he is not walking by 18 months, bring it up to your doctor at his check up. I wouldn't be too concerned about it yet.

Answer 10

All children reach their developmental milestones at different times. Your baby is within normal range. Some babies still aren't walking at 17 months. To ease your mind, discuss this with your pediatrition. Also, check your local health department for early intervention programs. My children were able to get developmental testing right in my home and because they were delayed I was entitled to perks such as respite care. Don't fret, when you least expect it your little one will be racing around your house:)