Help!! My Twin Won't Walk!!

I wouldn't worry as long as they are "walking" and pulling up on the couch. Have you tried holding a brightly colored toy out to them, while they are walking around the couch? While they're focused on the toy, just walk past the end of the couch, hopefully they'll walk right on with you! As for the tip toes...I did ( and still do sometimes) and my nephew tip toes when he walks. I always take what I read in a baby book and realize that my child will do things his way, on his own time schedual. Pretty soon they'll be zipping around the house and you'll be running after them!

Don't force it. If they're crawling and pulling up, they're hitting the milestones, just at their own pace. My son is 15 1/2 months old (also stood on toes) and is just starting to walk literally this week. Like you, I was a little concerned - especially when you see children 5 and 6 months younger doing much more. It's important they crawl until they're ready to walk though...it develops hand and eye coordination, so really no need to rush it. Also, keep in mind that larger babies, rounder babies (my son's feet looked like cabbage patch kids!), babies with longer torsoes or longer legs (not quite proportionate), will all take a little longer to walk. It will happen soon enough though. Good luck! mgb

Hi K.,

I am also a mother of Twins. I also had them do everything late. It is not something to worry about in and of itself. Both my other children did everything fast & before the normal milestone age markers. Mine were born early about 35 weeks & that is also a factor with twins. Just remember to stop and enjoy the bonding time of trying to get them to do something & do not allow the frustration to diminish that. I just allowed them to take their own time to do things. My Twin boy did not potty train fully until he was 4. It was just his time frame.

Did you know that 75% of all babies don't walk until they are 13.5 months or older? It seems like everyone expects them to be wlaking by age 1, but that is really not the norm. Do not worry, they will develop at their own pace, and they are well within the normal range. It seems like they are on the right track with pulling up and cruising - just be patient (I know, easier said than done)as every baby develops at thier own rate. I have two boys and my first was a VERY early walker, taking his first steps a week before he was even 9 months old (which I didn't know was even possible until I saw it) and running at 10.5 months, but my second is now 14 months, and just started walking...talk about every baby being different. I have a friend whose son did not walk until he was 18 months old. Her doctor sent them to physical therapy when he was not walking at 16 months. They went to a few sessions, but it did not help, so they quit going, and he just started walking when he was ready. He is now 2 and is doing just fine. If you do want to encourage them, try a push toy. Since they are pulling up, they will pull up on it and it will start to roll, naturally encouraging them to follow (start out on the carpet so it doesn't go too fast)and it's fun! Also, the tiptoeing is normal and will likely correct itself once they have been walking for a while.

If you feel like there is a problem then you can have him tested and it should be free. I'm not sure about the information for your county, but here is the website for Orange, Seminole, Orlando area http://www.orlandoregional.org/ArnoldPalmerHospital/Howar...
If you call them they might be able to give you the information that you need for a location that is near you.

My son didn't walk until he was 15 1/2 months old. He is walking and doing fine. He actually is going to be evaluated for speech and physical therapy (PT) just to make sure that he is on track. There are some people that I know who are voicing concerns, although I completely disagree. I'm going to make sure that everything is okay.

So take a look at the website, they have the stages that your child should be at. And just to let you know that the age that most children walk at is between 12-15 months old, and you also need to take into consideration when your children where born. Were they premies?

Good luck and I hope that this information will come in handy. And don't look at some many other kids and judge yours against them. Your child might just be a late bloomer, doesn't mean anything. I find this very hard at times. I always start to freak out because my 3 year old did everything early and perfectly, and my 2 year old does things slower and on his own time, and well my 9 month old is already starting to take off and probably will walk in the next few weeks....but every kids is different, so don't look at your friends or the other child, instead just try to relax and take a look at the developmental stages and use THOSE AS YOUR GUIDE LINE!

Good luck.

Hi K.,

My son was pretty stubborn when it came to walking. He was doing the same thing that your twins are doing. My chiropractor told me that I should let him crawl as long as he wanted to. By crawling, babies develop the natural curve of their spine. The longer they crawl, the better. I think my son was around 18 months old when he finally started walking. He'd been tottering around holding onto things for a few months beforehand and then he just walked. I'm with your doctor on this one; I wouldn't worry so much until they're a bit older.

Hope this helps.

M.

Girlfriend, count your blessings! I have 4 boys and everyone of them was a late walker. It is actually very important neurologically for babies to crawl, so let them go and don't worry until they are 18-19 months. Too soon those boys are going to be walking...and in the opposite direction of the other and you will be pulling your hair out wishing they would be i one place for once.!

Hi K.! I'm glad that your doctor is not worrying over this. My now 17 year old didn't walk till he was 15 mos. He had had so many many medical problems before the whole not-walking issue, that by that time and the dr. was saying, "here's another problem", I just said, you know what? I don't think when he's 10 years old, anybody's going to care when he started walking. Of course, keep your eyes open to possible problems, but do not worry yourself to distraction.... you know how it is already, they all have a mind of their own, and it will happen before you know it! Good luck, take care, Vicie

Doc is right, give them time. Even though it seems like they are not even trying one of them will just take off one day and then the other will follow suit. They know when they are ready, dont worry about it. Once they start walking honey it is all downhill from there!! Trust me my house was never the same after he took off on his own!! LOL My son was an early crawler and started standing and moving around the furniture at 8 months, but at his first Bday he still needed a toy or something to walk with. We had a huge party and all the kids were running around and playing. Next thing we knew he just took off on his own. That is just how it works! Boys are really stubborn too!

T.

K., you are right to be concerned. What concerns me the most is your comment about when you try to get them off their heels they scream. My middle child had gross motor developmental delays during his first few years of life. He did not walk on his own until he was about two. We took him to physical therapy beginning at about 6 months of age. When we finally got to the standing part, which was about at 14-months old, he was also a tip-toer. His physical therapies advised us that a child that stands on their tip-toes too long risk shortening their Achilles heel, which can cause problems later in life. We ended up getting my son fitted for braces to help bring his heels down. Good thing is that he only wore them for a few months. He will be five in May and has not walked on his tip toes since we took the braces off.

The braces were an extreme way to get him off his toes. One of the tricks the PT used was to massage the calves while they are standing. It worked some of the time.

I have a 13 month old who just started walking about two weeks ago. She was motivated to keep up with her older brothers. You may want to try having your boys play with older kids. They will want to keep up with the older kids and realize that the only way to do it is to get to steppin'! Good luck!

Hi K.

My twin boys just turned 2 in Feb and they started walking about the same time as yours, they still walk on tippy toes sometimes but it is something they will grow out of. Do you put sneakers or shoes on them? that helped mine.Have you tried to walk with them. holding their hands that may help. I really wouldn't worry about it all kids are different my daughter walked b4 she was 1 and spoke sentences around 13 - 14 months also do your boys talk, mine are 2 and they still are not speaking clearly. I hope this helps.

tc
G.

My son is now 22 months old and took forever to walk. I was worried about it too and tried things like you are talking about. His dad was working out of town for about six months and when he had returned home for just a week I was out running errands and my son just stood up and walked accross the room to my husband! He has not stopped since and walks perfectly fine now. He was over 16 months old. I would reccommend having patience and not comparing them to others so much (I was guilty of that too and made me more worried.) You should not start worrying for a few more months yet. At this age a month makes a huge difference. Good luck. :)

I know where you are coming from. my daughter is 4.5 now, but did not walk until she was 19 months. She did the same thing that you are describing. The experts said that it might have been due to her size - or muscle tone. when she finally let go of the furniture, she didn't take 2 steps and fall - she let go and literally walked across the room. If they also aren't talking, it might be worth while to have them evaluated by the school district for an early intervention program. this would provide an occupationa therapist and speech (if they need it) in your home. that person will be able to suggest things that you can do with them to help them master those types of skills. feel free to send me a private e-mail if you'd like to talk about these programs more. they will learn to walk!

I tried 3 different "walker" toys until I found 1 that worked for my 13 month old. You have to make sure the height on the toy is right for your boys. Now that I have her walking across the room with her walker she is starting to stand on her own, but hasn't taken that 1st step yet. She just started to wear shoes, but I wish that I would have gotten her to wear them earlier because now she is having to learn how to stand in shoes. I think that set us back a few weeks. Good luck.

My second child did not walk until she was 18 months old. Unfortunately the doctors DID freak me out and wanted her tested, but you know what... she is just fine. She is now 15 years old, has competed in gymnastics and won, and is a beautiful ballerina now. Don't worry, they will walk!!

My son didn't walk until 17 months...so I can totally relate. I spent MANY sleepless nights worrying about him, about whether he needed more milk and more calcium, whether he had some malfunction, etc etc etc....but all he really needed was TIME. He just wasn't ready.

And at just over 17 months, Fourth Of July actually, he "claimed his independence" and took off like lightning. And he's now 5 years old and a wildcat...nothing holds him back. He just needed that extra time to feel secure enough to take that plunge...so be patient...when they're ready, they will just do it. And there is NOTHING you can do to "speed it up"...TRUST ME.

I have a 16-mth-old now who also won't walk on his own...he's taken a few steps here and there but he just won't let go. LOL Frustrating as hell !! Good luck. =)

Please let up on your children, it will come when their little bodies are developed enough to hold them properly. You could do more harm emotionally than anything, not to mention physically. There are going to be many times when you will have to be patient and let them develop on their own. All children have their own timing. Our son didn't talk (the way we think of talking), until he was 4yrs old. Then we found out that none of the boys in the family did and all of them are highly intelligent. Try to relax. It sounds like they will be soon. It's kind of like watching a pot of water boil...........

Hi K., My son was 15 months before he took his 1st step. He just decided one day that he was going to walk and reat was history. Don't try and push it. It will only upset them. They will walk on their own time.

Hi K.,

I'm a Grandma of a wonderful grandson that didn't walk until 17 mo. He learned to "walk" on his knees and wasn't motivated to use his feet. He is fine now at 2 years old and keeps up with all the kids his age. I know it's hard not to worry, but they will walk when they want to. If your Dr. was concerned he would certainly tell you. You could also consult a physical therapist for children. That might ease your mind.

God bless you and your boys!

Patience!
My son started taking his first steps right around 14/15 months and it seemed like it took forever! And if then it was just steps, he still preferred crawling for awhile.
You can hold their hands and walk with them, but don't force them into anything they don't want to do. They WILL walk, but even when they do it will be a "step, step, step, crawl" for awhile--it a gradual process! So don't worry or freak out or think you are doing ANYTHING wrong--you are not--they will do it when they are ready...

I agree with the other post. My twins took longer to develop as well (both boys) Don't worry about it, in fact enjoy it because you will soon be trying to run in opposite directions after them. This is a golden age, so truly appreciate it. Old enough to play and interact and yet still self-contained lol ie not fully mobile and independant!

Another thing that I thought of from your post was you mentioning they walk on their tiptoes...is that with shoes on? that seems like something only done with shoes on and if so let them walk around barefoot in the house. I would not feel safe walking around on my tiptoes either without holding on, at least not without some ballet classes under my belt :> If they also do this without shoes, they will grow out of it...it may help if you do stretching exercises with them, where you rotate their foot in circles at the ankle, up and down and around. Stretching out their tendon gently and make it a little game. Kids love for you to play with their feet!

Above all don't worry! Kids are so different in the way they develop. My niece never crawled only did a butt scoot thing and backwards and she is just fine now running around with Mom chasing after her!

Enjoy!

A.

I am a mother of 8~5 sons and 3 girls we also have 23 grands with 2 on the way and 2 great grands~Believeme when I say they will walk when they are ready~trying to force them into walking will only confuse them, every child is different, we had some that walked by 8 mos he barely even tried crawling lol we had a grand who refused to try to walk untill she was 20 mos that grand now is on her schools track team and always places first so u see her late walking did not harm her~we raised our children with the motto all in their time now ours and as long as they were healthy and happy we did not worry about who did what first
Your boys are showing they are almost ready to let go but remember for them to let go takes a giant and i mean giant leap of faith in not only themselves but in the newworld they are discovering~~one day you will look back and laugh at how u worried~~
wishing u the love and happiness
jstmerue

I would encourage you to try and take it easy and relax, this may be hard but it will be beneficial to you and your boys. I know it's hard when your children seem to be behind the curve in a developmental milestone, but all kids develop at different stages. It's just that a stage or guideline that pinpoints an average/norm, it's not cast in stone. Besides don't we all have areas that require more effort, energy and motivation?

In my case I have a 22 mth old daughter who has a handful of words in her vocab and uses grunts whe she communicates a need. This can be frustrating at times but then again all three of my kids spoke late but walked pretty early. I read that as kids develop their brain has a primary focus and show the most significant development in that area over any other. It said that they focus on one thing at a time. So is there an area where you see more or quicker develpoment in your boys?

Also my first two kids, girl and boy, walked and ran on their toes for about two years. We could not get them flat footed so we let it be. Now 8 and 5 years old there are no issues with walking or running. However they were quite a bit clumbsy but then again they were toddlers.

You could look into getting toys that promote walking and let them explore the possibilities. I by no means am trying to present a totally laid back or hands off aproach but just think about it if you are forced to do something you don't want to do you would get angry and irritated yourself.

For what ever reason at this time crawling works for your boys and is more convenient for them perhaps that is their motivation. However something in the environment may be reinforcing the behavior that you have overlooked. Also how much praise and positive reinforcement do you provide when they do walk along furniture? They will feed off of your praise!

Continue to consult with their doctor if things don't change. It could be their muscles and coordination just aren't as strong yet and they feel unsure of themselves. But, at the end of the day you know your boys best!

You have nothing to worry about!. My son didn't walk until 15 or 16 months and he is running around like a mad man now. You just have to give them time. They will walk when they are ready. My son wouldn't hold my hands and walk either and he tried crawling when we stood across from each other. Don't worry. They're almost there.

Really, some kids just walk later. My daughter was early to pull up and cruise, like 6 months, but she would scream if we tried to walk with her. She would just pull up her legs. She started walking solo around 11 months. My son on the other hand didn't crawl until later and would pull up on the table and just stand there at 8 months. He's 12 months now and took his first steps solo about a month ago and now he's running all over the place. I have a friend who's son didn't even start actually crawling until 12 months. As for the tiptoes, trying having them wear hard sole shoes. My friend's son does the same and that's what her doctor suggested. All babies are different and do things at their own pace... I wouldn't worry. And usually, once they learn something, they just take off with it.

I know it's hard when your kids are "behind schedule." My advice is to let them learn at their own pace and enjoy their unique selves. I think you are fighting a losing battle and making an issue out of something you have no control over. You are probably doing more harm then good by trying to make them take their first steps before they are ready. You can't make a child walk if he or she is not ready. They are not "developmentally delayed" at this point, so stop pushing them and stop worrying.

Hope this helps.

Mom of 7 year old and 2 month old.

Lot's of babies don't walk until they are 14,15 months old. What's the hurry? Save your self some stress and just let it happen. There are going to be so many moe things to stress over in your years as a mom, don't buy un-needed worries. :-)

Hi K.......I know what you are going through, my daughter didn't wallk until a month after her 2nd birthday.....I would suggest going beyond the pediatrician if he hasn't recommended seeing a ped. neurologist just to assess your boys. My ped. referred us to a ped. neuro. when my daughter was just 3 months and nothing appeared abnormal with her (mind u this was my 2nd pediatrician because the 1st said not to worry it will come......I would recommend going to a ped neuro. as soon as u can because time is of the essence and if therapy is needed by a physical therapist and occuaptional therapist(sensory specialist)don't delay.....if u r in Lake Mary an excellent clinic is Pediatric Potentals Rehab 1973 Longwood/Lake Mary Blvd ask for Brian/Kelli Arnone.....she and her staff has helped my daughter but have your boys see a pediatric neurologist and I hope & pray you can get accurate answers and start the healing process ...take care & God Bless

Whatever you do, just don't make it an issue with them becasue then their stubbornness will set in and they'll refuse to walk! I have a friend whose chidren had neurological problems because of not crawling enough so that's what's most important. Just have them play with toys and things, put some things so they have to stand, and use other behavioral modification techniques and don't worry about it, they'll be walking for the rest of their lives.

Hi K.,
What helped my boys was the walk along cars (the ones they push as they walk and have music) they love it, my oldest walked at 10 months and the baby at 9 months. But don't worry all babies develop diffent. My nephew didn't walk untill he was 14 months. Hope this helps.

L.

Seriously, don't worry about it. Children walk when they walk and not one moment before they're ready. I know you've heard it a hundred times, but it's true. As long as the children are checked out by their pediatrician and are deemed healthy, then it's time for you to take a deep calming breath. The screaming is very simply a power struggle. My 17-month old did not take his first step until last month and there's nothing wrong with that boy! Keep doing what you're doing as far as working with the twins; your efforts will pay off.

Hello K.,

They are going to be fine. They are twins, they are in a world of their own. They will do things when they are ready so there is no need to rush them. They will also talk late and when they start to talk they will start out with a launge that they only understand and you and your husband might find it hard to understand at first and then you two will be able to understand it with time.

They will always so things at their own pace. And remember that every child is different so that they also may not always be doing the same thing at the same time.

Never make one feel bad and compare them to the other one and say things like " Your brother can do it why can't you ".
I know that you are thinking that you would never do that or say that to them but some parents do.

I wish you the best.
God Bless

From one mother to another.

Hi K.,
I really wouldn't worry about them. My son took his first step when he was 1 year old but then didn't walk anymore after that until he was 14 months. Truly just let them develop in their own time, they are probably going to explode with energy when they do walk. LOL Boys devlop slower than girls too. So do not let ANYONE make you feel like there is something wrong. As long as they are cruising they are fine. Also to devlop that muscle try getting a Jumper, they may be screaming because that tendon is not developed all the way. The jumper will help that and it is a lot of fun!!!!! Good Luck N.

Take it from a mother of 3- don't rush it!! Every child learnes and developes and reaches milestones on their own schedule. My oldest was also a late crawler (almost 10 months) and a late walker (about 16 months). But when he started, he never looked back! It was like one day he woke up and thought, I think I'll walk today. And by the next day, he was running! My 9 month old twin boys have already been crawling for 2 months- but I miss the days when they weren't so mobile :) Because they have big brother to watch, they're picking things up much more quickly. Most pediatricians don't stress over late milestones- especially if babies were premature. Most babies pick up the walking thing by 18 months- I'm sure you won't have much longer before you're wishing they were just crawlers! The worst thing is probably trying to force them or compare their development to other kids their age. They'll walk when they're ready. If you're really concerned, check with your pediatrician to get his opinion. Best of luck with your double trouble!

Definitely take a breath and relax a bit. It is not that big a deal. 3 of my 4 children were walking and talking well before their first birthday. 2 of 4 would have complete sentences and questions by 18 months. BUT, my youngest is almost 15 months and just started walking a couple weeks ago. He still falls a lot, but it's a daily progression. He doesn't say words yet either. He "talks" a lot, but you can't understand but maybe 2-3 things. My second child did the same with speech.
What I did with the youngest is this. He would hold onto the coffee table and walk around it because his toys were on it. Then he would get down and crawl to the couch and hold onto that to walk around it. I put the table close to the couch so all he would have to do is turn around and let go of one to grab onto the other. That worked. So every day I scooted the table a little farther away so he'd have to let go before grabbing on to the other. Eventually there would be one step between, then two, etc. Now he walks all over the place, but he still can't go from a sitting position on the floor to standing without being able to pull up on something.
As the other moms said, they all progress at their own pace so don't freak out at the little stuff. (all of my boys are tippy toe guys) My 3 1/2 year old just started putting his feet down on the floor this past year. That will pass. You can bring them to an orthopedic doctor to see if anything is impeding them from putting it flat, but usually it's just choice and they grow out of it.

HI K.
I have twins who are 13 now..3 other kids...so five to boot and to help you relax....all of the "milestones" you get from doctors and friends are JUST THAT. Your kids will take the first step when they are ready, just like anything else. dont fret or sweat it....twins are indeed different and if you know they are late bloomers, then great...they are late...but it will happen..i promise. all five of mine were different...by the time my fifth came around, my concensus is "as long as she is potty trained and off the bottle by the time she graduates from high school, she'll be ok!"...in other words, let nature take its course and focus on the things that truly matter...their self-confidence, self-worth, love, respect, discipline, etc....and let the docs figure the rest out while you enjoy them! dont sweat it!