14-Month-Old Not Walking? Discover Why!

Late walking of kids is the bigger problem parents need to face and they start to worry about it. Relax! It is natural to experience some concern. 

This is common for many parents, and there are multiple reasons why a child might not have begun walking. Perhaps you are thinking if something’s amiss or if you’re doing something improperly. 

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Lots of parents go through this phase, and there are plenty of reasons why your child might not be walking yet. Let’s discuss what might be happening and what you can do to help.

Why Some Toddlers Take Their Time?

First off, let’s talk about the causes why some kids need time to start walking. Since each kid is unique to the other, and they all reach milestones at various rates. 

Walking is similar to how some children start talking early while others take little time. Here are several common factors contributing to delayed walking in toddlers:

1. Personality and Temperament

Some kids are just more careful. They might like to sit, watch, observe & play rather than try new things. If your toddler is more laid-back or cautious, they might take their time to start walking.

2. Muscle Strength and Coordination

Walking takes a lot of strength and balance. Some kids might need extra time to build up the strength and coordination between their muscles.

If your child is a late crawler or if he doesn’t spend much time on their tummy (tummy time is super important!), they might need more time to develop those walking muscles.

3. Interest in Other Skills

Your toddler could be more interested in other different activities right now like stacking blocks, talking, or exploring how toys work. Maybe they’re super into stacking blocks, talking, or figuring out how toys work. Maybe they were focusing on various skills for now.

4. Health and Developmental Factors

Sometimes, your child suffers from various health or developmental reasons. If your child was born prematurely, had a long hospital stay, or has certain medical conditions, they might reach milestones a bit later.

What You Can Do to Help?

Now let’s explore some simple and enjoyable tips to inspire your little one to start walking.

1. Tummy Time

Make sure your toddler gets plenty of tummy time. This helps build the muscles they need for walking. You can do tummy time with toys, or you can get down on the floor and play with them.

2. Encourage Standing

Help your toddler practice standing. You can do this by holding their hands and letting them balance on their feet. You can also set up toys or furniture for them to pull up on.

3. Cruising

Set up a little obstacle course with furniture or toys that your toddler can hold onto and walk around. This helps them practice moving around while holding on to something for support.

4. Barefoot Time

Let your toddler go barefoot as much as possible. This helps them feel the ground better and improves their balance and coordination.

5. Play and Be Patient

Most importantly, make it fun and be patient. Celebrate the small steps and progress they make. Each small step counts and your bolster implies a lot.

What Ought to I Do If My Little child Isn’t Walking?

Okay, so what if you’ve tried all the tips and your toddler still isn’t walking? Here are a few following steps you can take.

• When Your Toddler Isn’t Walking by 14 Months

At 14 months, if your toddler isn’t walking yet, it’s usually okay to keep an eye on things for a little longer. A few kids fair require a bit more time. Keep encouraging them with the tips above and give them plenty of opportunities to practice.

• When Your Toddler Isn’t Walking by 18 Months

If your toddler isn’t walking by 18 months, it’s a good idea to talk to your pediatrician. They might suggest a developmental screening to check if there’s anything else going on. It’s always better to catch things early if there is an issue.

What Happens at a Developmental Screening?

If you decide to go for a developmental screening, you might be wondering what happens there. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Checkup: The doctor will look at your toddler’s overall health.
• Questions: You’ll answer some questions about your child’s development and daily activities.
• Observation: The doctor will watch how your child moves, plays, and interacts.
• Tests: Sometimes, they might do simple tests to check your child’s motor skills and reflexes.

These screenings help doctors figure out if your child is just taking their time or if they need a bit of extra help.

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it! Your 14-month-old not walking yet isn’t the end of the world. Every kiddo is unique, and they’ll get there in their own time. With a little encouragement and some fun activities, you’ll likely see progress soon. Keep an eye on their development, but try not to stress too much. You’ve got this!

If you have more questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice and support to help your little one take those first steps. 

Remember, you’re doing an amazing job, and your little one is lucky to have you cheering them on. Happy parenting!

FAQ’s