Walking...and falling down

[Anonymous]

My son started walking at 13 months, and now, at nearly 17 months, still falls down a lot, it seems to me. He's definitely improved over the last few months, and I think some of it is just that he goes 100 mph and is fearless. He gets pretty banged up, but no major injuries thus far. Wondering if this is fairly normal--anyone have experience to share?

I just wonder if maybe he needs better shoes or something? He's in Stride Rite sneakers that he's fine in as long as he takes things slowly, but if there are better shoes that won't trip him up I'd love to know. He has a wide foot and a high arch, so it's hard to find a well-fitting style in general.

[Anonymous]

Oh, I know what you mean! My 16 month old trips and falls all the time- especially when running and when attempting to navigate new terrain (inclines/ gravel etc). Nevertheless, the other day, in bare feet, he did a nose dive onto our living room floor with seemingly no obstructions to cause such a fall. I don't worry too much about it since he shakes most of it off. Like your DS, he is fearless and insists on top speed no matter what. If I become concerned, I grab his hand and walk with him. I hear that the world gets more steady by 2 or 2.5 years.

[Anonymous]

As a first time mom of an active DS, I was worried enough to ask my pediatrician. She said its normal...it takes time to learn how to coordinate their legs even when they get to 3 yrs. My DS only runs...walk is still a foreign word. He has lots of skinned knees and fortunately only one trip to the emergency room. Comes with the territory with active kids, especially boys. He goes to Gymboree and he does okay on the balance beam and other equipment. Mother's intuition is normally very good so if you are worried as your toddler gets older--go to the doc and you'll feel better.

[Anonymous]

I kept them in Robeez-type shoes up to about 2 years old. Might help.

[Anonymous]

Don't worry about a thing-this is perfectly normal. They are mastering the skill of walking and it takes a while to become an expert! I don't know if shoes would make a difference-I think the best thing is bare feet at home(less slippage) Wait until they're 3 or 4 and can't go for six months without a bruise on both knees-normal, normal, normal.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks, everyone. Good to confirm it's normal!

[Anonymous]

My 4 yo still falls down sometimes (though not nearly so much as my 18 mo). We haven't had a non-bruised knee in years. It is totally normal.