Crawling to Walking

[Anonymous]

My DD turned 1 last week. About a month ago she took her first steps and since then will walk a few steps but then drop down and crawl. I am wondering if I should be concerned that she hasn't yet moved on to full-time walking - as I recall with my first child, once she took her first steps, she was off and running. But I could be wrong, I mean who does remember what their child did 3 years ago
Could anyone share their experiences? I should also note that we know she has fluid in her ears so I wonder if that has anything at all to do with her not fully walking yet.

[Anonymous]

That's pretty much our son too. We just had this chat with our ped for his one-year appt today, actually. Crawling is just more efficient right now and they'll start fully walking when ready. Nothing to worry about and nothing to try to fix or encourage (other than being delighted when you see those steps from time to time, which is natural and encouragement enough).

[Anonymous]

It took my daughter about 6 weeks of "practice" before she preferred walking to crawling. She took her first steps just shy of 11 months and now, at 1 year and a few days, whe mostly walks.

[Anonymous]

My 13 month old still walks only as a novelty, and only at home. She thinks it's a game, and though she's pretty good at it, she still prefers to crawl. All in good time, I guess.

[Anonymous]

OP here: thanks for your posts. I realize this is an issue I should have taken up with the pediatrician last week but it did not occur to me until this week that I thought there might be a problem. And now that my pediatrician's office charges to talk to a Dr.(!@#$%^) I thought I would ask for all of your wisdom first. Thank you!!

[Anonymous]

My daughter started walking around 12 months. My niece walked at 15 months. My friend's child didn't walk consitently until 18 months! Talk about nerve wracking! Her pediatrician told her that since he was developing well in other areas and he crawled like a race car, she shouldn't worry - esp. since he did take the occasional step. Try not to worry about it and just ask at your next visit. I'd also suggest encouraging him as much as possible, hold his hands, etc. I'm sure you are already doing this, though.