15 1/2 month not walking pedi said cut off is 16 months?

mclere · June 2013

-->SO my daughter isn't walking unassisted yet. She can cruise all over the place and pushes her walker or anything else she can find all over the house. We've seen progression with her like letting go of things to stand on her own. The time has progressed longer and longer over a period of weeks. She's also been able to pick up a large ball while standing with it over her head, then falls on her butt. She does tip toe walk most of the time. Only when waking, she is capable to standing flat footed. Today was her 15 month appointment and her pedi said her cut off is 16 months if she isn't walking on her own to get her evaluated by neurologist. Then she asked me about what protein she is taking that she needs muscle tone. This seems crazy to me. She eats very well and eats lots of protein. She has strong legs otherwise she wouldn't be able to push the things around she does. Just this morning she climbed onto the side of the pack n play so she could try and get in.

I mentioned to the pedi I thought the range of normal was to 18 months. She sorta laughed and mentioned me googleing and said her cut off was 16 months. Seems extreme to me to take her to that kind of specialist and I doubt my insurance would cover it. I really don't want to take her. I would if I wasn't seeing a stready progression but we are. Has anyone had to have their lo evaluated? Who did you take them do & what was done?

Also told her I think she is focused on talking more than walking. She knows over 40 words and around 30 signs. She very smart even knowing two shapes and 3 different colors.

Hate how the doctor's office can make you start having doubt.

Wipz · June 2013

She can't MAKE you do anything..so if you aren't comfortable pushing your child to meet so called milestones.. you stand your ground and tell her if she is still struggling at 18 months you will re-evaluate the situation. My pedi has a list of questions his assistants ask when you visit.. never once has he even so much as made me doubt his progress... more the opposite, he tells us not to expect too much or feel like we are lacking.

My kid didnt crawl till later, never army crawled at all..has nowhere near as many words as yours. Sounds to me like your kid is doing just fine and dandy as she is at her own pace. she's doing all of the right things to get up and walking and if she's like mine.. she'll up and walk 10 foot and back out of the blue LOL

denaeb · June 2013

Anything I have read (not on Dr. Google), including the Nippissing District Developmental Screen (the standard for most of Canada) says that at 15 months they should be able to stand and walk while holding on to things, not unassisted. And even that is just a guideline. It is not of concern until 18 months if they aren't walking unassisted. If you don't want to have your LO checked out, don't do it.

eyenigh · June 2013

I think that I'd rather get evaluated earlier than later. The worst thing that can happen is, if needed, she'll get help earlier. If she doesn't, no harm done.

kmhunt11 · June 2013

Maybe split the difference and start considering it more at 17 months. If she seems close I wouldn't rush to a specialist. I think you're right to trust your mommy instinct. I think I'm going to get a similar judgement at our 15 month appt on Thurs because DD has like zero words. She'll mimic mama but that's about it. She's so introspective that I'm not worried. I also think it has to do with a chronic whole body eczema rash that makes her a miserable little girl 3 out of 4 weeks of the month we can only use the steroid cream a week a month.

Wipz · June 2013

kmhunt11:
Maybe split the difference and start considering it more at 17 months. If she seems close I wouldn't rush to a specialist. I think you're right to trust your mommy instinct. I think I'm going to get a similar judgement at our 15 month appt on Thurs because DD has like zero words. She'll mimic mama but that's about it. She's so introspective that I'm not worried. I also think it has to do with a chronic whole body eczema rash that makes her a miserable little girl 3 out of 4 weeks of the month we can only use the steroid cream a week a month.

Is there anything homeopathic you could use.. I vaguely recall something about oatmeal baths being good for that but it's been a long time so I could be wrong. I had a friend in school who had chronic Eczema I would look and see if you have a herbalist or homeopahic place locally and see if they have any advice... poor lil mite, hope it settles down for her so she doesn't need the steroids longterm.

I'm assuming you have Dr Googled for home remedies like Omega 3 foods, camomile tea and coconut oil etc .. coconut oil worked great for cradle cap so maybe it will at least help a little.

kmhunt11 · June 2013

We've tried everything :. It all makes her scream bloody murder and tear her skin to shreds with her nails. It seems like a minor problem but its kind of a nightmare.

Wipz · June 2013

My cure all for everything is Tea Tree Oil, but I'd definitely check before using it on a munchkin because it's pretty darned strong if you use the pure oil.. that @#$@#$ works for everything.. pimples, acne, bites, athletes foot, dry scalp even skin comnditions on animals if you are very careful. If nothing else is working ask your Pedi about whether Tea Tree Oil is ok and maybe give that a shot on a small test patch.. They do lots of so called shampoos and washes but they contain very little oil.. I usually get mine from a company called Australian Body Care / also go by Katsugo. It's not cheap but It's frickin awesome and worth every penny.

The shampoos and bodywashes last forever because you dont need as much and they dont lather up like most. .. a 1 litre bottle lasted two adults a year a larger bottle of oil lasted me a year easy.

I really hop eyou guys can find something that works for her soon, I remember how painfull it was for my friend at school, not to mention the stigma when it's in visible areas because little kids don't understand stuff like that.

cburke81xo · June 2013

My DD is 15 months and not walking. She cruises like it's her business and just in the last week has been taking a couple steps in between the couch and coffee table. At her check up my doctor did not even question that she was not walking. I hear it all the time from people about my DD not walking yet and I know she will do it when she is good and ready. Sounds to me like your DD can do it she just need the confidence to let go...that's how my DD is

mrs.gee · June 2013

ODS didn't walk until after 15m and never even let go to stand unassisted until he walked (at which point he never crawled again). YDS seems to be on the same path. He just turned 15m and is not walking or standing unassisted (but cruises happily). My doctor doesn't raise an eyebrow until 18m. I am not concerned in the least. If you want to get your son evaluated, go ahead, but if it will make you crazy then I see no harm in waiting another month or two. Trust your gut.

mclere · June 2013

UPDATE: She took 3 steps on her own yesterday & the day before! I will not be taking her to get evaluated. It still may be a few weeks until she walks full time but I know she's so close. I also took the push walker away yesterday.

mamajames · June 2013

Do not worry! My oldest daughter wasn't walking at 13 1/2 mo and I freaked cuz back when my oldest two were babies (12 yrs ago) the cut off was 15 mo. Her Dr. Wasn't very concerned but sent us to a pediatric specialist for my peace of mind who said my daughter was fine ( and walking by the time we got the appointment a month later) and the cut off age is now 19 mo, which shocked me! Also if it gives you more peace of mind this specialist was with university hospitals rainbow babies n children which is one of the nations top hospitals. Plus you mentioned how much your daughters developed cognitively. I have 5 kids preg with my 6th and my experience has been when a child is developing one side ie language then the other side, physical development, takes a back seat and vice versa.

My daughter will be 3 this August and walks and runs just fine. Even my 11 yr old who has a form of palsy and didn't walk till he was 18 mo walks n runs with his friends. My littlest will be 15 months on the 30th and she's not walking yet either but like your little one has a large vocabulary for her age and communicates very well. She just doesn't want to walk yet. When she's ready she will and so will yours.

Also know you don't HAVE to do anything. Most people are intimidated by Dr.' s myself included, and feel we have to do what they say. You can always get a 2nd opinion or switch Dr.'s altogether. You're with your child ever day if you are happy with her development and her Dr. doesn't a better reason for sending her to a specialist other then her age then stick to your guns and go with your mommy gut. Hope this helps.

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15 1/2 month not walking pedi said cut off is 16 months?

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