WHY IS MY BABY NOT WALKING?

While there is no reason to be concerned if your baby is not walking before 18 months, there are some factors that delay walking. These include preterm birth, babies born with birth injuries, genetic conditions, autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) or syndromes such as foetal alcohol syndrome, HIV or other immunological conditions. There are also some factors at play you may not have considered yet – and what you can do about them:

GENETIC MAKE-UP

Based on their interplay between their height, weight and physique, some children are just built to develop more rapidly than others. Others have low muscle tone or struggle to master their bodies and seem to be in a constant battle with gravity!

WHAT TO DO “If you consider your baby to be floppy, lazy or stuck in a stage, consult your paediatrician and ask for a referral to a neurodevelopmental therapist and occupational therapist,” says occupational therapist Jane Bainbridge.

EAR INFECTIONS

Fluid in the middle ear can play havoc with the internal apparatus of the ear affecting a baby’s vestibular sense, and affecting his balance. This can cause dizziness and vertigo, causing him to feel very insecure and reluctant to walk.

WHAT TO DO Consult your paediatrician or an ear, nose and throat specialist.

CHILDREN WITH SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDERS (SPD)

Tactile sensitivity may manifest in a baby being unable to tolerate the feeling of texture under his feet and refuse to put feet down. Moving over textured surfaces and walking becomes very difficult to master.

WHAT TO DO Consultation with a sensory integration trained occupational therapist will help identify your baby’s sensory profile and help guide you to create an environment and activities which will promote sensory regulation.

VISUAL DEFICITS

For low vision children, moving into the unknown is threatening.

WHAT TO DO Consult with your paediatrician and ophthalmologist and seek the appropriate channels for visual aids and therapy.

GIVE YOUR TODDLER AS MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO GO BAREFOOT WHICH ALLOWS FOR SENSORY STIMULATION, PROPRIOCEPTIVE FEEDBACK AND DEVELOPS THE FEET