Comments on: How to encourage a toddler to walk

By: Menucha @ Moms & Crafters

Menucha @ Moms & Crafters — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 14:45:20 +0000

Amanda, I totally get it. For me, my approach is to give them the opportunities and then step back. With my older son that prompted me to write the article, it took 19 months and when he stood up he walked perfectly. With my younger son, I used the techniques in this article and he walked at 18 months, as I was about to dial up early intervention for an evaluation. And he wasn’t doing it perfectly – he still needs to learn. Each kid learns differently. Don’t let others talk you down. My kids were also crawling and cruising so well – I think if anything that gives them a bigger “comfort zone” in that area and they’re more hesitant to try something new – that’s my theory at least. If your son isn’t walking by 18 months, schedule an evaluation. Otherwise, just continue to do what works for you. 13 months is young! Does he look older? Maybe that’s why people are bothering you about it?

By: Amanda Houdy

Amanda Houdy — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 03:25:03 +0000

My son is only 13 months old but all people ask is, “is he walking yet?” It drives me crazy because it makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong. We were sure he would be an early walker because he began confidently crawling between 6-7 months and cruising at 8 months but it’s his confidence. I see it in his face that he WANTS to try but he just doesn’t want to fail. I don’t feel like we pressure him but I think he just has perfectionist tendencies. He also is so determined to do it alone, when we try and get him to walk holding his hands he picks his legs up in anger like, “Mommy/Daddy, let me do it.” I feel better knowing he’s got plenty of time and I’m not the only one feeling this way.

By: Menucha @ Moms & Crafters

Menucha @ Moms & Crafters — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 14:40:42 +0000

In reply to Jessica simpson. Hi Jessica, I'm so glad I was able to encourage you! My son is three years old now, and not yet running. We finally had a physical therapist evaluate him and determined that it's his arch problems (which are related to genetics) and he may need to wear an orthopedic, but otherwise he's totally fine. It might seem scary, but eventually they do learn. He throws and kicks a ball beautifully, can jump and hop, and is otherwise up to date with his peers. I feel like sometimes we can get a skewed image of what's normal, just because people show off milestones, and don't announce when their children DON'T reach milestones. But as long as we are in touch with our pediatricians, there is comfort in knowing that not EVERYONE is walking by 12 months.

By: Jessica simpson

Jessica simpson — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 23:26:52 +0000

I appreciate this article so much! It’s hard having mom friends who’s children are similar in age as my daughter who have all surpassed her in gross motor skills, most have been walking since before 12 months, but as for my little girl she is still not confident to walk just yet. Its difficult as a parent to not feel judged, though i am confident that her fine motor skills far exceed her age level! Our ped also didn’t recommend therapy as she isn’t showing any signs of physical problems, she just isn’t determined. But I feel relief in reading this that my almost 19 month old isn’t walking just yet. We do encourage her as often as we can, but she is stubborn and will sit herself down when she’s finished, so I also appreciate your tip of not forcing, I feel like if we force it will just counteract our encouragement. We also try to prompt more standing by elevating her toys, and lessen the amount of floor toys so she can feel her weight while on her feet.

By: Menucha @ Moms & Crafters

Menucha @ Moms & Crafters — Sun, 15 May 2016 17:38:08 +0000

In reply to Betty.

No problem! A year later and we can’t believe we ever worried 🙂 While there ARE things to do it’s so important to 1. make sure there’s nothing wrong and once that’s done 2. know it will come…

By: Betty

Betty — Sun, 15 May 2016 11:46:05 +0000

Thanks for writing this. My 19 month isn’t walking and we’ve had her checked by her doc and a paediatric physio and she’s all good. She’s very strong and able, but just not confident enough to let go. It means a lot reading this. Thanks for putting it out into the universe for other mamas to weep over.

By: Menucha @ Moms & Crafters

Menucha @ Moms & Crafters — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 12:29:31 +0000

In reply to Hyacenth Sedillo. Absolutely - I agree! I put that as tip 7 (though I think it should be the first step). Our doctor did NOT refer us to therapy, because he recognized that there was no underlying reason. That's why we looked for other ways to encourage him. But I second that ^^ If you have a child who is delayed, you should definitely ask your doctor about it.

By: Hyacenth Sedillo

Hyacenth Sedillo — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 21:07:01 +0000

Therapy for birth to three is Early Intervention. It is an entitled program (like a free public education). Every state has them! Use them! It falls under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part-C. I would encourage families not to wait. There could be an underlying reason your child is a “late walker”. It is called a developmental delay after or at 18 months of age.