Baby developmental delays – When to be concerned?

@seacliff- is your daughter healthy in general? Any problems at birth? Does she say a word or two? Crawling? Lot of questions! Not everyone walks at 12 months. Can she stand up holding on?

My daughter is healthy in general, there were no problems at birth, she doesn’t crawl, but gets around wherever she wants to go on her bum, she doesn’t stand up and hold on to things though...

@seacliff - thanks for the information! I just want to stress that some children are slower getting up running than others, but it would still fall within the normal range. My son- now 32- was slow crawling and walking as well as speaking. I think he was laid back! You would never know that now! However, we were recommended to have him evaluated to see if he needed any services. He did get speech therapy for a couple of years. I don’t know if all states are the same- they should be- but if you call the department of health and request an evaluation they will do that at no cost. Also, the state( I think) pays for any services needed up to age 3. From 3 on the school system is responsible. I lived in NY at the time, but it should be the same everywhere. Will you please let me know what you decide to do?

Hello, @seacliff - I agree with @astaingegerdm that requesting an evaluation might bring clarity. My oldest had this done, as he was on the delayed end of sitting up. I can't recall for sure, but I believe our pediatrician made a referral to the school district, who then sent out paperwork and then evaluators. In his case, PT and OT ended up working with him for over a year at our home and were very helpful.

Have you had the chance to speak to your pediatrician about your concerns? If so, what did he or she say?

Thanks for your support !!! She seems perfectly okay, but by 18 months most kids are walking, I’m not sure whether I should be so concerned....

Thanks for your support !!!! I think it’s time to discuss with her pediatrician.... she does give one d impression she’s laid back...

It’s very ok to be concerned- most times everything is normal anyway, but it’s good to get a professional opinion so you don’t have to worry!

Hi, @seacliff - I also wanted you to meet a few other members who may have thoughts on your 18-month old appearing otherwise healthy and not walking yet, like @jeanie26 @summertime4 @kristap31 @patrassi.

Hello @seacliff, we have been through a lot of medical issues with my almost two year old. Through the entire medical journey (starting at 6 months) as a seemingly healthy baby then becoming very sick, I have learned that it is always good to gain more information from good sources. If you have concerns, I would encourage you to visit a pediatrician who can give professional advice. Sometimes when I compare my son's health issues to other peoples' or look to Google for info, it gets confusing and is not helpful. It never hurts to gain knowledge and experience...then you can have more peace of mind and move forward as you see best.

@seacliff , I also wanted to add that you are your child's best advocate. I am not saying this because I think there is a health concern that your child is not walking yet, only that I have learned this lesson the hard way to be on the cautious side. I had concerns about my son's symptoms before he became quite ill, and his primary physician did not think anything of it because USUALLY those symptoms are not worrisome. If you truly think something is going on and no one is taking you seriously, keep looking for someone who will. My son was in the PICU by the time his GI appointment rolled around...