Standing and walking

A few questions about walking!! Your stories please!

DD is nearly 16 months and is not standing or walking. However the past week she has shown much more interest in trying to stand by herself .ie putting one foot up and then pulling but not getting anywhere. If we support her she can pull herself up sometimes.

So we figured she was getting close so now we help her. She is happy to stand holding on to something and is even happy to take one hand off to grab a toy or wave etc. The thing is she really is quite shaky and I wonder if this is bad for her? We only let her do it for a short time - couple of minutes a go maybe 2-3 times a day cause we want to encourage her but I also don't want to damage any muscles or anything like that.

She is always happy to do this and just tonight she started getting up on her toes with her hands still on the ground - kind of like a V. Do you think she'll start pulling herself up soon? Has anyone else's bub's taken this long to stand/walk? I know there are late walkers out there but Mackenzie has taken quite a while to even want to stand.

One more thing - she has VERY small feet - she is wearing size 2 pre-walker shoes (3-6 months) which are slightly big for her. Do her small feet and "ahem" large head (she's in the 80% for head!) make it difficult for her to stand?

Sorry about all my questions but just curious!! I have compeltely got over her not doing things at the same time as others but still curious to when she might walk! Even though I know a lot of you will say "when she's ready!!!!!" :D

Maybe it could have something to do with the size of her feet - she has to get used to balancing her entire weight on them and that may take a little time and practice (and a few tumbles too) for her to feel confident to do it all the time. Have you spoken to anyone about this at all? maybe some physio if you think she lacks muscle development?

I haven't spoken to anyone yet cause I know it's a bit early to panic! I figured if she was 18 months and still not showing any signs of standing or walking I would ask MCHN or doc. She is def showing signs and looking stronger but then she look so funny standing I'm not sure if she can balance very well!

Hi Jordie,
I agree that it's too early to panic, however, I would personally get her seen by a physio or similar as they will be able to give you specific advice regarding helping her to transition to stand and walk. Thats just me though - I prefer to get expert advice on everything! It certianly can't hurt if you can afford it. Good luck!

Mackenzie is pulling herself up now!! So funny how quickly it can happen - here I was slightly worried a few days ago and now she's trying more and more. She is also MUCH steadier on her feet too so she's got the idea!

Oskar was 15 months before he started to walk... then it was a combination of his bum shuffle and walk - whichever was faster at the time...lol. Sounds like she's going to just take off any day now :clap: Mackenzie!

Jordie.

Daniel didn't walk until he was 21 months old. He just didn't want to. He pulled himself up and would stand by 18 months. Some babies just take an awfully long time.

He was gone from wibbly walking to wibbly running. I had a physio in at 20 months, but she wasn't worried. She said he was just being obstinant. One day he just walked out of his room and down in to the lounge room and back again - just like that. Didn't regress or anything. Just must have decided it was time to walk.