Walking - Carrollton,TX

I would think this is normal. It would not worry about it. When did he start to walk? Mine started to walk at 12 and half months and wobbled for several months. I would even say close to 2 yrs, although it gets much better but they tend to trip easily. It takes a while for them to get balanced. Does he still stick out his belly and kind of hold out his arms and sort of walk on his toes (or curls his toes)? This is normal. The more he walks to less he will do this. It would be a good idea to get some good shoes to help support his feet and help his balance. I didn't go to one of those specialty stores, we got him Nikes at 1 yr and they did help after he got used to them.

Mine is now 2 1/2 and he still can't run all that great. I told my husband that I don't think he is going to be the track or quaterback type, we'll just have to show him how to golf instead. Now he's our little Tiger Woods.

Hope that helps,
TLee

Hi M.,
My pediatrician told me to not put shoes on my little girl until she started walking outside. And then only have them on her when she wzs outside. She was fairly uncoordinated and spent a lot of time triping and learning to get her balance. If you are concerned, you should talk to your Peditrician or the ENT who put in the tubes. I wouldn't really worry much, but it is always better safe than sorry.
Good luck, A.

I was also going to suggest the soft moccasin-type shoes. I love our Robeez, but there are cheaper versions at Target and Walmart. (in the baby department - not the shoe department) Do not put him in stiff shoes - that will only hurt his walking. Only use shoes that you can completely bend in half with one your thumb and first finger. If it takes more effort than that - they are too stiff. I only use shoes for outside or public places - bare feet at home.

Hi Michelle,

Your son is perfectly normal. If he had not started walking by 18 months, then you would have needed to consult your pediatrician for an evaluation. At 15 1/2 months (and beyond), it is perfectly normal for him to be a little wobbly. And the age at which he started walking is no indication of his level of future development. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommeds that young children preferably go barefoot when learning to walk (indoors that is) as this helps to build strength in their feet and ankles, and aids in developing balance; however, when outside, that APA recommends soft leather shoes which are very flexible. You should be able to bend them with your hand. I love Robeez or Pedipeds, both have great styles and are very soft and pliable.
As your little one develops more stability and confidence, he will be racing around in no time. Remember falling at this age is part of the learning process. Just give him a safe area to practice in.

God Bless,

Moya