I thought for sure she would be walking by now, but so far, it hasn't happened. Her doctor estimated that she would walk at 13 1/2 months. He says that it has something to do with a reflex they have to develop in order to catch themselves when/if they fall.
I thought for sure he was wrong when he told me that at her 9-months checkup, but now that she's almost a year old and still not walking, he might be right! She is so frustrated right now because she wants to walk, but can't.
She loves to walk with her push-toys. I can't keep her off of them! She walks well with them. At 10 months, she started letting go and trying to walk to me, but it's only a few steps (3-5), and then she collapses in my arms.
Answer
In this counseling answer:
Some children begin to walk before a year old, some children begin walking months after a year milestone.
I kindly suggest that when she is walking towards you that you keep encouraging her, smiling at her, and praising her efforts.
In no time at all, she will be a solo walker, and then she will be running all over the house!
Then your work will really begin as you will have to run after her!
As salamu alaykum,
We are most happy to assist you with your question insha’ Allah. You are a wonderful mom and this is such an exciting time for your daughter’s growth and development.
You must have such fun watching her grow, learn new things, and discover her abilities!
Developmental Milestones
Sister, you stated your daughter is one year old and has been crawling for five months. She also has been cruising since seven months of age. Based on your daughter’s previous accelerated milestones, naturally, you thought she would be walking by now but she has not.
You consulted with her doctor concerning her stages of growth and development, and he estimated that she would walk at about 13 and 1/2 months of age. While you initially doubted him, you can see based on what pediatricians know about the stages of growth and development that children go through, as well as his knowledge of your own child’s development, that he was correct.
Growth and Development Varies
Sister, children develop at all sorts of different rates. While there are basic guidelines that pediatricians look for concerning development, there is some leeway in regards to timing.
Some children begin to walk before a year old, some children begin walking months after a year milestone.
The time of walking independently depends on many variables; however, most children turn out just fine even if they are outside of the expected perimeters.
Delight in Movement
Sister, your daughter in her delight for movement, may grow impatient with her inability to walk independently at this moment. However, she finds joy in walking with her push-toys! That is a very important part of learning to walk.
As she gains more control over her muscles and confidence with her push-toys, she will begin walking without them and she will be so proud of herself!
Learning to Walk
Most children do learn to walk using push toys, a parent’s hand, a sibling’s leg, furniture, and so on.
This helps them to gain balance, strengthen their muscles, and increase confidence. Eventually, they begin to let go of toys and other things that they once hung on to.
In your daughter’s case, she is already taking a few steps towards you by herself! This is very common for babies to do and she is well on her way to walking!
Conclusion
Sister, I kindly suggest that when she is walking towards you that you keep encouraging her, smiling at her, and praising her efforts.
In no time at all, she will be a solo walker, and then she will be running all over the house!
Then your work will really begin as you will have to run after her! I have often heard parents lamenting “oh I wish my child would just crawl for a few hours! She is all over the house now!” Thus, your sweet little daughter is gearing up to keep you busy!
We wish you the best.
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