Tips on Helping 1 Year Old Walk on His Own

It sounds that he is developing quite normally. So, don't worry. There really isn't anything you can do to make him let go. Both of my kids didn't walk until 13 months. We played a game with my daughter. My husband and I sat across from one another and she would hold on and go back and forth and we would cheer and then we would just let her hold onto one hand and then we held on to her hips and then we let go. We just kept cheering and she was having so much fun, and then it seemed she just had the confidence to walk on her own.

Good Luck

My neice is now 21 months and she has only walked (she was fast!!) on her knees until a month ago. She would stand up to see what is on a table, but she would not walk around it.

The doctor recommended that she have tubes put in her ears. The tubes were for ear infections, nothing to do with walking.

Almost immediately after the tubes were put in, she was up and on her feet. She wants to take your hands and walk everywhere. It was just a coincidence, but maybe she was off balance the entire time and we did not know.

I don't know if this could help, I thought I would just share.

M.

Hi D.,
All kids progress differently, some walk early (my youngest was cruising furniture at 5 months), others walk when they are past the 1 yr. mark. Don't worry - he'll get there! Relax and enjoy him!

My almost 1 yo doesn't seem to show any interest in walking either!
The walkers your ped was talking about are probably similar to these:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3540611
where the kid can't see where he is walking and is sort of dragged along.
But my understanding is, the push toys with wheels - like a toy lawnmower or toy vaccum cleaner - where the kid pushes from behind while walking, are perfectly safe and might encourage walking.
You may want to clarify that with the ped...maybe other moms on this board can shed some light on that too.

Other than that, I would try not to pressure him into it -that would turn him off more. Maybe make a game of it - maybe encourage your older son to play chase or show him how its done.
My son seems to try a bit more everytime I show my excitement and applaud and cheer etc. So I am trying to encourage him along those lines.

My son walked really, really early -- first steps at 9 mos. 2 things that really seemed to motivate him were a block cart that he could hold onto and walk, and joining Gymboree where he saw a bunch of people his size walking. The block cart I bought at Target for $50 -- it's by "Parents" brand. I actually bought it for the blocks, but he prefers to push it around. There are a ton of toys like this -- it's just a small cart with 4 wheels and a padded handle that he could use to pull himself up and walk. As far as Gymboree, you wouldn't actually have to join that particular thing, but any place that has a lot of kids his size walking could be a great motivator. I think Gymboree really helped him build physical strength, too. He's a big climber and needed an outlet for that. I never had him in a walker or an exersaucer or anything like that.

Other than that, don't sweat it -- he'll walk when he wants to. As long as you and your dr. don't think there is any kind of physical issue keeping him from walking, you shouldn't worry. Some kids just aren't that interested in it.

I agree with everyone else. Your little one is doing great for his age. Don't worry.

Both of my girls were late walkers. The eldest didn't walk until 21 mos. In her case, that was one (not the only one) indicator that she had some delays. My youngest daughter did not walk until 18 mos. At 18 mos., I decided to put her in some shoes. That gave her the stability that she was apparently craving, and she walked around the shoe store. You can see that her personality is not that of a risk-taker. Anyway, go figure. I wouldn't do anything with your son until much later. He is doing great on his own at the moment.

Dear D.,

I don't have any tips but I did want to let you know that my neither of my girls walked until they were 17 months old. I beleive it was simply because they did not want to. Kids have different personalities and will walk when they are ready. The fact that he walks around furniture means that his legs are strong enough and working the way that they are suppose to.

I work in special education and want to assure you that there is no problem with him not walking yet. If he is not walking by 18 months then I would worry. Otherwise just enjoy the fact that you don't have to chase after 2!

L.

I saw Jacob's doctor today for his 15M check-up. He's not walking yet, but is cruising around furniture, standing on his own for a little bit and LOVES his push walkers. We have two of them and he FLIES around the house, banging into whatever he can.

As for not walking, the doctor assured me there is absolutely nothing to worry about. As long as there is the gradual progess of trying new things (pulling up, cruising, push-walkers, climbing, trying stairs) there is NOTHING to worry about. Her own daughter did not walk until 18M, but when she did she walked as if she'd been walking forever.

So, just relax and encourage activities. I know it's hard when everyone ALWAYS asks..."Is he walking yet?"...but, who cares. I think it's easier to keep up with them!

I've actually read in several places that the average age for kids to first walk is 15 months, so I wouldn't be too concerned, especially if he is cruising on furniture and walking on his knees on his own. THe mobility is there and I'm sure he'll do it when he's ready. My daughter was an early walker, and yet she still waited a good 6 weeks after she could walk holding only onto my pinky before she would do it on her own. She used to simply sit down anytime we'd let go of her b/c she just wasn't ready. I wouldn't worry...

Relax D., it will happen. :o) my little one is 13 mos old too and just cruising and loves to crawl up stairs. I have a push cart for her but she's not too excited to use it yet. I know she will walk someday, she's doing all what your son is doing, so it will happen. Each child is different. Enjoy the moment.

He'll do it when he's ready! My son has a very sturdy wooden wagon - it's made by Haba (you can google it) and he uses it everyday from when he learnt to pull up on things at about 8 months. Now he's almost 12 months and is walking independntly but still loves the wagon. Well worth it!

He's only 13 months. My advice is: relax. Our children walked at 15 to 18 months. They do it on their own when they are ready. Enjoy his slow pace, he'll be running before you know it!

If he is just beginning to walk, he will get it with practice. They won't do stairs until they feel more confident walking. My daughter walked at the same aga and her PT said it takes them months to master it. They will start with their legs wide, and as they get more stable, they will bring them in. Sure enough, she is running now and a champ at stairs-and we have NONE in our house. She is 20 months. Just keep encouragin him and give him someting to hold when he walks to help balance himself. Good luck!

J.