how can i get my 17 month old to walk?

I have the same problem with my 15.5 month old. She can walk and has done it a few times but mainly chooses not to. She is a cautious baby. Today I took away her pants and she got tired of the feeling of crawling with unprotected knees and started walking hanging onto things like her stroller or furniture more and has been taking more steps independently as well.

I was told the same thing by my sister who is a physical therapist to young children. It isn't something to be worried about until at least 18 months if they are otherwise developing normally and some kids don't even walk until they are 2.

He's further along than my daughter was at his age. A year ago she was 17 months old and had JUST STARTED creeping on her hands and knees. By the time I got her enrolled in at home physical therapy, she was 16 months. She started walking independently a month after her 2nd birthday. There were LOTS of PT visits to get her to this point. She is almost 2.5 years now and PT was recently discontinued.

When she did start walking, holding someone's hand, she would have a fit if I suggested she let go. It actually seemed to add to her anxiety of letting go and prolonged her dependence. Finally I gave up the attempt to get her to let go and encouraged her to take my hand every time I made her walk. While doing that, she was practicing for two weeks, walking short distances to me with the security of the soft couch next to her. After the two weeks of self-imposed practice, she suddenly got up and walked across the room. I still encouraged her to take my hand but as she gained the confidence, she no longer needed my hand. She is now 2.5 years (next month) and walking all over the place.

If he has a laid back personality, he may be like my daughter....a cautious approach to things. That's not a bad trait. In fact I admire that trait.

Bottom line, encourage him to hold your hand then get him close range to something he wants to grab and tell him to go get it. See if he'll walk to it. Do a lot of walking around with him to exercise his legs and hip muscles.

Best of luck.

"he walks a lil bit "

Then he's walking. No worries at all.

He'll start walking a lot more when he starts playing more complicated games and wants to carry things around.

All children progress at different rates. Was your son a preemie? Sometimes early babies can take a lil longer to reach milestones.

You still may want to consult with your pediatrician if you are concerned. Most children take their first steps close to their 1st birthday.

You could encourage him by placing a favorite toy, food or other item a lil out of his reach and try to get him to walk to it. You could also play Come Get Mommy. This was one of my daughter's favorite games. You stand him up and then back up a ways and hold out your arms and try to get him to come to you. When he reaches you give lots of praise and then back up another step and repeat.

I hope this helps and good luck!

I'm not certain but I'm pretty sure your baby should be walking by now. But hey it could just be that your baby is a little lazzy (: Try a walker or standing him up holding his hands & helping him walk. good luck! (: