Starting to freak out RE: DD 16 months and not walking

CJ71903

I tried to stay calm about this, but I'm really starting to worry now.  DD is 16 months old and not walking and it really doesn't seem like she's even all that close.  She used to stand independently, even before her brother, but hasn't done that in probably a month.  When I try to get her to do it, she will put her legs out to sit or kneel.  She cruises very quickly on furniture, walks fast behind her walking toys, but won't stand anymore at all.

I have tried calling our EI program several times since Thursday morning and still have not heard back.  I am so frustrated that I could cry.  I know that up to 18 months is considered normal, but wouldn't you think she would at least be standing independenty by now? 

krissyh21

I really would not freak out (I know easier said than done) you will be amazed at how quickly once they do let go, how they take off. Dillon cruised for 2 months before walking, he would not stand on his own AT ALL before that time. If he had my pinky finger he was fine, but when I pulled it away, down on the floor he went. Then one day - 16 months (almost 17 months) he was off and running without a stumble. It was like he wanted to master balance before letting go on his own. He is like that with a lot of things. Unless he can do it without fear, he holds off.

I bet you that your LO will be the same way.

(((hugs)))

alchris

Personally I walked starting at 18 months and had NO CLUE until Kira started walking at 10+ months and my mom told me she was surprised since I didn't walk until so much later.

Elena will be 16 months in 6 days and she can pull up (as of about a month ago) but she can't move her feet when standing, let alone cruise, let alone walk.

Once our little ones start walking, there will be nothing we can do to slow them down.  Personally I'm enjoying her scooting and crawling. ;-)

As long as you don't have specific reasons to be concerned, please don't worry.  Starting to walk at 18 months is still normal.

sliz

Asha never stood by herself either. She was a master cruiser or would stand holding onto something and then one day she started just running back and forth across the room. She's a better walker and runner than many kids who started walking before her.

marcuej

I totally understand the concern.  Hadley is almost 19 months and still isn't walking.  She can stand on her own but very briefly. 

We discovered her delay is due to rickets from low vitamin D and low potassium.  All issues we uncovered only earlier in March when we finally found out what is wrong with her (Fanconi Sydrome and Cystinosis).  

It's funny, the fact she isn't walking has become the least of my worries when it used to be a huge concern.

I figure she will walk when she is strong enough and ready.  As many others have told me, don't worry...your child will walk into their kindergarten class.  

I know it's hard to be patient but like alchris said, I'm just enjoying her as my "baby" a bit longer!!

dundasgirl

It's normal to be worried...but up until 18 months is normal.  Reed didn't start until about 13 months and he was running right away after he started walking.

I didn't walk until 18 months!  And I have no issues with being physically active and fit.

jenn2929

DD walked at 15 months, but DS didn't walk until 19 months and at a littleover two, he runs like a champo.  It just takes some kids longer to more comfortable with it.

If you feel like you want to, just keep calling your local EI program until they get back to you.  Have them come in for an eval and see what they say.