2006-09-11 06:05:14 · 47 answers · asked by deej 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
No. My daughter has only just learnt to walk and she is 16 months. I was a bit worried for a while, particularly as all my friends had babies who walked (or who were at least cruising) before they were a year old.
I asked my doctor and he said that babies can only really concentrate on learning one or two new skills at a time. He told me that babies who are "late" walkers tend to spend more time developing language skills and fine motor skills. Those that learn to walk early tend to be so busy exploring their new world and developing gross motor skills that their language and fine motor skills lag somewhat behind those that are less active early on. When I compared my baby with her peers, I noticed that what he had said was certainly true. My friends' babies were all busy running around at 1 year, but my daughter had significantly better language skills and was much more interested in playing with toys like baby jigsaw puzzles etc than they were.
It all tends to have evened out by the time they're about 2 years old, so if you're happy that there is nothing physically wrong with your baby (unlikely) then I would just encourage her or him to enjoy exploring the world around them through fine motor and language. Believe you me, when they decide that it's time to walk, nothing will stop them!
2006-09-12 01:05:56 · answer #1 · answered by babyalmie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My first son didn't start walking until he was 16 months old. He is a really good talker though!! Some children walk early and some children talk early, My second son will be 1 later this month and he is so close to walking but isn't talking as well as his brother did. I think he will be a walker.
If she is not pulling herself up or not willing to put any weight on her legs then it might be worth talking to the doctors. Don't worry I'm sure she will do it in her own time.
Best wishes x
2006-09-11 08:35:01 · answer #2 · answered by lollipopuk1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No! I have 3 children, and all of them walked and talked at different ages. I also have a 14 month old, and he only takes a few steps here and there. I think it's because he is a great crawler and walking slows him down.
Your daughter should probably be due for shots at 15 months... talk to her doctor then if she still hasn't started.
And don't worry. Some parents can be very competitive... and grandparents don't always remember things accurately ;)
2006-09-11 08:29:23 · answer #3 · answered by Mary M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Children usually walk somewhere between 11-15 months, generally. Relax, and she'll do it at her own pace.
Make sure that you're giving her plenty of opportunity to walk--that means putting her on the floor and giving her lots of space, not in a chair or playpen or being held.
If you have a walker, throw it out immediately. Using a walker requires different muscles than actual walking, so it's not doing anything to help her develop. She's certainly not learning any balance if she's in a walker, either, and getting used to the easy movement of a walker probably makes her frustrated with real walking.
Give her opportunities and give her time, and it will happen.
2006-09-11 22:46:57 · answer #4 · answered by smurfette 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apparently the average age to start walking is 15 months. does she show any signs of wanting to walk - pulling herself up on furniture for instance? If she does - does she cruise around the furniture? About the only thing you can do is put some toys out of her reach and encourage her to get to them. Does she crawl? Some babies who are good crawlers are not in a hurry to walk. I don't think you should worry at all but ask your health visitor what the guidelines are.
I have heard (don't know if it is true) that Einstein didn't walk until he was 2.
2006-09-11 06:12:58 · answer #5 · answered by holly1723 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No you shouldnt worry every child develops at different rates. My son is 19 months and is only starting to take a few steps. My daughter was 17 months before she walked. So dont worry she will start to walk in her own time. Children also start to walk quicker if you have carpets as opposed to laminate/hard wood flooring, I think they feel more confident on carpets. She will walk soon enough. Good luck.
2006-09-11 10:44:51 · answer #6 · answered by KIRSTEN F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friends daughter just started walking last weekend at almost 15 months... wouldn't worry unless she's still showing no signs in a couple of months. If so see you're health visitor but its probably nothing to worry about, all children develop at different ages.
Good luck
2006-09-11 06:08:45 · answer #7 · answered by lindsay 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ignore anyone who tells you your daughter should be walking. In the UK children are expected to walk anytime between 9 and 18 months. Saying this if she isn't walking by 18 months then your health visitor should refer you to your GP. All children are so very different and they really do things at their own pace. Try not to worry and enjoy these special years. Hope this helps.
2006-09-11 20:15:40 · answer #8 · answered by Miller 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A recent study I saw showed an increased chance of obesity in children who walk later than 15 months. Is she cruising? (Walking while holding on to tables, etc.) Has she had alot of ear infections? This could affect balance.
Babies tend to work on one skill at a time. At this age they seem to choose gross motor(walking), fine motor(fingers), or speech. My first child walked at 9 months, which is early. She didn't talk forever. My son is 13 months and he is walking a couple of steps at a time, but is really focused on talking. He says 6 or 7 words which is unusual.
I would suggest you buy a walking toy of some sort (pushing cart) and encourage standing play. Put blocks on a table and let her stand to play with them. Build up those leg muscles and I am sure she'll be walking soon. If she is not walking at 15 months, give your pediatrician a call to put your mind at ease.
2006-09-11 06:36:53 · answer #9 · answered by HD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does she try pulling herself up and trywalking around things by holding on to everything for balance?
Does or has she used a walker?
Will she stand if you hold her hands?
If shes not trying any of these things then If I were you I,d ask my pediatrician why not. It could be nothing at all but if It were a symptom of something that you thought oh well I,ll wait a few more months and it turns out that she may have something going on -you,ll honestly feel very bad.
Normally children are either pulling themselves up on things or they are attempting to walk alittle by 14 months-holding onto things is still ok.
2006-09-11 06:44:33 · answer #10 · answered by ~♥ L ♥~ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋