14 month old refuses to walk

shadygurl32 · January 2013

My DD is 14 months old. She took her first 5 steps at the beginning of Dec. She can walk and does take several steps here and there. But she won't walk. She walks on her knees. I think she just knows she can get there faster on her knees, so that's what she does. It's like she's being lazy almost.

Any advice on encouraging her walking?

RedCamaro · January 2013

Mine is 14 months as well and hasn't done as much as your LO has. I'm not worried. He can walk with assistance (confidence is more like it), but hates it when you physically use him to show him how to do something. We attempt to take his hands and help him walk, but he'll pull himself out of ours hands and sit down. It's really a confidence thing and you can't force it. They will learn to walk when they are ready. I promise your LO won't crawl around forever.

That being said, as long as you don't suspect a lack in physical development, I wouldn't be worried. If you aren't sure what to think, mention it to the doctor on your next well baby visit. A cousin of mine didn't walk until he was 16 months old (but he's a perfectly healthy adult now)!

Natty13umppo · January 2013

I can't tell if you want to encourage her because you are worried she is behind or because you just want her to walk (and, um, stop being lazy?).

I promise she is not behind - I know a lot of babies that didn't walk until 15-18 months of age. My DD is not walking yet either. She's a great stander, walks while holding the couch, etc, but if I take her hands to walk, she sits. I don't want to force her to walk - there's no need - she'll walk when she's ready. DD has taken a step or two on her own and it's always when she is distracted and totally unaware that she just walked - like she has her hands full or is looking up at something and sometimes will "accidentally" have a step or two. Otherwise, if she wants to get somewhere, she plops down and crawls.

But as far as encouragement - you know what might entice your DD - but I have heard that food can be a good motivator if your LO is into that. Maybe getting down on her level and holding your arms open just out of reach or dangling a favorite/new/interesting toy.

smwiggle · January 2013

DS is 15 months and just started taking steps a few days ago. Before that he showed no signs of wanting to walk, but he would cruise around like a champ if he was holding onto things. Your DD will walk when she is ready.

maedamalu · January 2013

DD turns 14 months on 1/18 and still doesn't walk. This week she started to walk holding only one hand, before she was scared.

shadygurl32 · January 2013

I think wanting her to walk and worrying that she's behind is all in the same.
Yes, I want her to walk but at the same time I did worry that she was behind because she is the only kid in her daycare class not walking. I don't mind that she's being a little unique : but I did worry about her being behind. I didn't know anyone personally who's baby did this this late, but thanks for the encouragement. Glad to know it's the norm.

RedCamaro · January 2013

shadygurl32:
I think wanting her to walk and worrying that she's behind is all in the same. Yes, I want her to walk but at the same time I did worry that she was behind because she is the only kid in her daycare class not walking. I don't mind that she's being a little unique : but I did worry about her being behind. I didn't know anyone personally who's baby did this this late, but thanks for the encouragement. Glad to know it's the norm.

Yup, it's just as normal as early walkers are. Still shocking to the parent, especially when it seems that your LO is the only one not doing something the majority of her peers are doing. You can keep these words of wisdom from a retired teacher I know: "All kids catch up, it's just a matter of when. But be rest assured that they all do."

katie0919 · January 2013

My son is just over 13 months and is not even close to walking, not does he stand up on his own. He will walk with his walking toys and will pull up on everything/cruise around the couch. Try not to worry too much! She will walk when she's ready. I didn't walk until I was 16 months old, and I can assure you I am a healthy, normal adult!

Hang in there. I hear once they start walking, you will wish they weren't! Enjoy it while you can.

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