Late Walker- When your child is not walking after a year, many parents start to panic. They have a late walker! Parents put a lot of pressure on themselves and their little one

What is considered a late walker

A “late walker” generally refers to a child who starts walking independently later than the typical developmental milestones. However, it’s important to note that there is a wide range of normal development, and children develop at their own pace.

In general, most children begin walking between 9 to 15 months of age. However, some children may start walking as early as 8 months or as late as 18 months, and still be considered within the normal range of development. Factors such as genetics, physical strength, temperament, and individual differences can influence when a child starts walking.

Pediatricians typically monitor a child’s developmental milestones, including walking, during well-child check-ups. If a child has not started walking independently by around 18 months of age, a pediatrician may conduct further evaluations to rule out any underlying health issues or developmental delays.

It’s important to remember that every child is unique, and developmental milestones can vary. If you have concerns about your child’s development, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance.

Why would a baby be a late walker?

There can be various reasons why a baby may be a late walker, which means they start walking independently later than the typical developmental milestones. Some potential factors that can contribute to delayed walking in infants include:

  1. Normal variation: Developmental milestones, including walking, can have a wide range of normal variation. Just like some babies start crawling, talking, or walking earlier than others, some babies may naturally take a little longer to start walking independently.
  2. Genetics: Family history can play a role in a child’s development. If other family members, such as parents or siblings, were late walkers, it may also be a contributing factor for a baby to start walking later.
  3. Physical factors: Physical factors such as muscle strength, balance, and coordination can affect a baby’s ability to walk. If a baby has low muscle tone, delayed motor skills, or any other physical condition that affects their ability to stand and walk, it may result in delayed walking.
  4. Prematurity: Babies who are born prematurely may have developmental delays, including delayed walking, compared to babies born full-term. Premature infants may need additional time to catch up with their developmental milestones, including walking.
  5. Health or medical conditions: Certain health or medical conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or other neurological disorders, may impact a baby’s ability to walk on time or may result in delayed walking.
  6. Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as limited opportunities for physical activity, lack of encouragement for walking, or cultural practices that may delay walking milestones, can also play a role in delayed walking.

Remember

It’s important to note that a single factor is not always the cause of late walking, and often it’s a combination of multiple factors that contribute to a child’s individual developmental timeline. If you have concerns about your child’s development, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance.

Is it better to be a late walker?

There is no inherent “better” or “worse” when it comes to walking, as developmental milestones, including walking, can vary among children and are influenced by multiple factors. Some children may start walking early, while others may start walking later, and both are generally considered within the range of normal development.

Late walking, by itself, is not necessarily a cause for concern, especially if the child is meeting other developmental milestones and there are no other underlying health issues. In fact, some children who start walking later may have other strengths or abilities, such as advanced language skills, cognitive development, or fine motor skills.

It’s important to remember that developmental milestones, including walking, are general guidelines and not hard and fast rules. Children develop at their own pace and can have different strengths and areas of development. Some children may focus more on gross motor skills like walking, while others may excel in other areas. It’s also worth noting that children who start walking later may have had more time to develop their muscle strength, coordination, and balance, which can contribute to a more stable and confident walking pattern once they do start walking.

However, if you have concerns about your child’s development or if there are other delays or developmental issues present, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance. They can assess your child’s overall development and provide appropriate recommendations or interventions if needed.

Top Tips To Help Late Walker Walk

If your child is a late walker, here are some tips that may help encourage and support their development of walking skills:

  1. Provide opportunities for physical activity: Encourage your child to engage in activities that promote gross motor skills, such as crawling, pulling to stand, cruising (walking along furniture), or playing with push toys. These activities can help strengthen the muscles needed for walking and promote balance and coordination.
  2. Create a safe environment: Make sure your home is safe and conducive to exploration and walking. Clear away any hazards or obstacles that may impede your child’s movement. Create a safe and spacious play area where your child can practice walking without the risk of falls or injuries.
  3. Use supportive aids: Consider using toys or devices that can provide support for your child while they practice walking, such as push toys, walkers, or activity tables. These aids can provide stability and confidence as your child learns to take steps independently.

More Top Tips

  1. Encourage standing and cruising: Encourage your child to pull to stand and cruise along furniture or other sturdy objects. This can help them practice weight shifting, balance, and coordination, which are important skills for walking.
  2. Offer handholding support: Hold your child’s hands and provide support as they take steps, gradually allowing them to take more independent steps while still offering a secure grip for stability. This can help build their confidence and gradually transition to walking independently.
  3. Create motivation: Use toys, games, or activities that your child enjoys to encourage them to take steps. Place toys or objects slightly out of their reach to encourage them to take steps to reach them, or use games like “follow the leader” to motivate them to walk.
  4. Be patient and supportive: Remember that every child develops at their own pace, and it’s important to be patient and supportive during this developmental stage. Avoid putting pressure on your child or comparing them to others. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small, and offer encouragement and support along the way.
  5. Consult with a healthcare professional: If you have concerns about your child’s development or if there are other delays or health issues present, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance. They can assess your child’s development and provide appropriate recommendations or interventions if needed.

Remember that each child is unique and may have their own timeline for reaching developmental milestones, including walking. By providing a supportive environment, encouraging physical activity, and being patient and supportive, you can help your late walker develop their walking skills at their own pace.

Is their a corelation between late walking and intelligence

There is no direct correlation between late walking and intelligence. Walking is a gross motor skill that involves the development of physical abilities such as muscle strength, coordination, balance, and proprioception. Intelligence, on the other hand, encompasses cognitive abilities such as thinking, problem-solving, memory, and learning, which are not directly related to physical milestones like walking.

While there is no proven correlation between late walking and intelligence, it’s important to remember that children develop at their own pace and may excel in different areas. Some children who start walking later may actually demonstrate advanced cognitive or language skills, while some early walkers may not necessarily have superior intelligence.

Intelligence is a complex trait that is influenced by a variety of genetic, environmental, and experiential factors. It is shaped by a combination of nature (genetics) and nurture (environmental factors, experiences, and opportunities for learning). It is not solely determined by when a child starts walking or any other single developmental milestone.

It’s also important to note that intelligence is a multi-dimensional trait that cannot be solely measured by early developmental milestones like walking. Children can have different strengths and talents in various areas, including intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and creative domains, which may manifest at different times during their development.

If you have concerns about your child’s development or intelligence, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a developmental specialist who can assess your child’s overall development and provide appropriate guidance and recommendations. It’s also crucial to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment that encourages your child’s holistic development and supports their individual strengths and abilities.

When to talk to your doctor about your child’s late walking

It’s generally recommended to talk to your child’s doctor if you have concerns about your child’s late walking or any other developmental delays. While late walking alone may not necessarily indicate a problem, it could be a signal to seek medical advice, especially if your child is not meeting other developmental milestones or if there are other red flags present.

Here are some situations in which you may want to consider consulting with your child’s doctor:

  1. If your child has not started walking by 18 months: Most children typically start walking independently by 12 to 18 months of age. However, there is a wide range of normal development, and some children may start walking later than others. If your child has not started walking by 18 months, it may be a good idea to discuss it with your child’s doctor for a thorough evaluation.
  2. If your child is not meeting other developmental milestones: Development is a holistic process, and delays in one area of development can sometimes be indicative of delays in other areas as well. If your child is not meeting other developmental milestones, such as crawling, pulling to stand, cruising, or engaging in other age-appropriate gross motor, fine motor, cognitive, language, or social skills, it’s important to consult with your child’s doctor for a comprehensive evaluation.

More Top Tips

  1. If there are other red flags or concerns: If you notice other red flags or concerns related to your child’s walking, such as persistent difficulty with balance, coordination, muscle strength, or mobility; asymmetrical movements or posture; frequent falls or injuries; or any other unusual signs or symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.
  2. If you have a family history of developmental delays or medical conditions: If there is a family history of developmental delays, genetic syndromes, or medical conditions that may impact your child’s development, it’s important to inform your child’s doctor and discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s walking or other developmental milestones.
  3. If you have persistent parental concerns: As a parent, if you have persistent concerns or gut feelings that something may be amiss with your child’s development or walking, it’s important to trust your instincts and seek medical advice. Parental intuition can sometimes be valuable in identifying potential issues early and seeking appropriate interventions.

Remember

Remember that early detection and intervention can be crucial in addressing developmental delays or other potential issues. Your child’s doctor can conduct a thorough evaluation, assess your child’s development, provide appropriate guidance, and refer to specialists if needed. It’s always better to seek professional medical advice if you have concerns about your child’s late walking or development.

20 month old not walking

If your 20-month-old child is not yet walking independently, it’s important to remember that children develop at their own pace and there is a wide range of normal development. However, if you have concerns about your child’s late walking, it’s advisable to consult with your child’s doctor for a thorough evaluation.

Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Monitor other developmental milestones: While walking is an important gross motor milestone, it’s essential to monitor your child’s overall development. Check if your child is meeting other developmental milestones, such as crawling, pulling to stand, cruising (walking while holding onto furniture), standing with support, and engaging in age-appropriate fine motor, cognitive, language, and social skills. A delay in one area of development may warrant further evaluation.
  2. Create an enriched environment: Provide your child with ample opportunities for play and movement. Encourage activities that promote gross motor skills development, such as tummy time, crawling, rolling, and playing with toys that require reaching, grasping, and standing. Make sure the environment is safe and conducive to exploration and movement.
  3. Encourage physical activity: Encourage your child to be physically active by providing opportunities for play, movement, and outdoor activities. This can help strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and promote gross motor development.
  4. Seek professional evaluation: If you have concerns about your child’s late walking, it’s important to consult with your child’s doctor. The doctor can conduct a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination, review of developmental
  5. milestones, and may refer your child to a developmental specialist or a pediatric physical therapist for further assessment and intervention, if needed.
  6. Be patient and supportive: It’s important to be patient and supportive of your child’s development. Avoid comparison with other children, as each child develops at their own pace. Provide encouragement and praise for any progress or attempts at walking, and avoid undue pressure or stress.
  7. Follow-up as recommended: If your child’s doctor recommends further evaluation or intervention, be sure to follow up and follow through with any referrals or recommendations. Early intervention can be crucial in addressing any potential developmental delays or issues.

More Top Tips

Remember that every child is unique and develops at their own pace. While late walking may be a cause for concern, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. Many children who start walking later catch up and develop typically in other areas. However, it’s important to consult with your child’s doctor for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate guidance if you have concerns about your child’s late walking or overall development.

Are some gifted children late walkers

Yes, some gifted children may be late walkers. Gifted children are those who show advanced abilities or talents in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or physical abilities. While gifted children may excel in certain areas, they can still exhibit variability in their development, including gross motor skills such as walking.

Gifted children may have a heightened focus on other areas of development, such as cognitive or language skills, and may spend less time or show less interest in physical activities like walking. Additionally, gifted children may have different temperament traits or personality characteristics that can influence their development, including their readiness to walk independently.

It’s also worth noting that not all gifted children will be late walkers, and late walking alone is not necessarily an indicator of giftedness. Children develop at their own pace, and a wide range of normal development exists. Some gifted children may walk early, while others may walk later, just like any other child.

It’s important to remember that developmental milestones, including walking, can vary among children, and there are many factors that can influence a child’s development. If you have concerns about your child’s development, including late walking, it’s always recommended to consult with your child’s doctor for a thorough evaluation and appropriate guidance.

Is late walking a sign of autism

Late walking alone is not considered a specific sign of autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Late walking, on its own, is not considered a definitive or specific indication of autism.

However, in some cases, a child with ASD may have delayed or atypical gross motor skills development, including late walking. Children with ASD may exhibit a wide range of developmental patterns, and some may have delays or differences in their gross motor skills, including walking. However, it’s important to note that delayed walking or other gross motor skill delays can be caused by various factors other than autism, such as muscle weakness, low muscle tone, balance issues, or other developmental delays.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, including late walking, and you suspect or have a family history of autism, it’s important to consult with your child’s doctor for a comprehensive evaluation. The doctor can assess your child’s overall development, including social, communication, and behavioral skills, in addition to their gross motor skills, and may refer your child to a developmental specialist for further evaluation, if needed.

It’s important to remember that a comprehensive evaluation by qualified healthcare professionals is necessary to determine the cause of any developmental delays, including late walking or concerns related to autism. Early identification and intervention are critical for supporting a child’s development and addressing any potential concerns effectively.

Tips To Stay Confident About Your Late Walker

Having a late walker can sometimes lead to concerns or questions from parents about their child’s development.

Here are some tips to help you stay confident and positive about your late walker:

  1. Remember that development is a unique journey: Children develop at their own pace, and there is a wide range of normal when it comes to developmental milestones like walking. Just because your child is a late walker doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem. Each child has their own timeline for achieving motor skills, and your child will likely catch up in their own time.
  2. Focus on other areas of development: While walking is an important gross motor skill, there are many other areas of development that your child may be excelling in, such as cognitive, social, emotional, or language skills. Celebrate and acknowledge your child’s strengths and progress in these other areas, which can help boost your confidence as a parent.
  3. Create a supportive environment: Provide your child with a safe and enriched environment that encourages exploration, play, and movement. Offer opportunities for your child to engage in age-appropriate activities that promote gross motor skills development, such as crawling, standing, cruising, or playing with toys that require reaching or grasping. Having a supportive environment can help your child develop confidence in their own abilities.

More Top Tips

  1. Encourage and praise your child’s efforts: Offer encouragement and praise for your child’s efforts and attempts at walking, even if they are not walking independently yet. Celebrate small achievements, such as taking steps while holding onto furniture or taking a few independent steps, to boost your child’s confidence and motivation.
  2. Seek professional advice if needed: If you have concerns about your child’s late walking or overall development, it’s important to consult with your child’s doctor or a qualified healthcare professional. They can provide reassurance, guidance, and conduct a thorough evaluation if necessary. Remember that seeking professional advice is a proactive step and not a sign of failure as a parent.
  3. Avoid comparison and trust your instincts: It’s easy to compare your child’s development with that of other children, but every child is unique and develops at their own pace. Trust your instincts as a parent and remember that you know your child best. Avoid comparing your child to others and focus on their individual strengths and progress.
  4. Be patient and give time: Developmental milestones, including walking, may take time, and it’s important to be patient. Avoid putting undue pressure on yourself or your child, and trust that your child will achieve their milestones in their own time. Remember that developmental delays are common, and most children catch up and develop typically with time.

Remember

Remember that staying confident about your late walker is important not just for your child’s development, but also for your own well-being as a parent. Celebrate your child’s unique journey and progress, seek support when needed, and trust that your child will continue to grow and develop at their own pace.