I’ve lost count now of the number of people to tell me my 22 month old daughter will, “Just get up and walk on her own”. Or that she’s, “Just too lazy at the moment”. Or that she, “Just doesn’t have any interest in walking yet”.
It turns out they’re all wrong.
No matter how well meant these pieces of advice were, they were misplaced.
When you have a child who doesn’t walk, everyone is eager to put your mind at rest. It’s a kindness. It seems that we all know someone who knows someone else who knows someone else who had a late walker. A late walker who just, suddenly, got up one day and ran across the room. (My own husband is one of these miracle children, afterall.) The result can be the false illusion that, actually, it’s totally normal for a child of 22 months not to be walking.
But this is a bit of a fib really.
Because now – finally – we have a clear diagnosis for our non-toddling toddler. She is not “just” anything. It’s nothing to do with laziness or disinterest or lack of willpower. It’s nothing to do with her mental development either. It’s nothing that will suddenly, miraculously, cure itself.
Our daughter has hypermobility syndrome. The hypermobility is exaccerbated by the fact she had correctional talipeze when she was born. We thought this issue had resolved itself, so that her once wonky newborn feet wouldn’t be an issue for her later in life.
As gorgeous as these feet once were….
Photo credit: CP Photography
…they didn’t just correct themselves.
Various milestone checks with GP’s and health visitors told us there was nothing to worry about.
The fact our baby wasn’t steadily sitting unaided at nearly 9 months was shrugged off as, “No big deal”. The fact she didn’t crawl properly until she was 13 months was put down to the fact she was, “Concentrating on her language development instead”.
The thing is, all of these reasons for the lateness in our daughter reaching her physical milestones (in some cases up to 6 months after her peers) could easily have been explained away in a number of ways. I explained them away myself, determined not to enter some kind of baby race competition. I was Earth Mother. Relaxed Mother. I refused to be Paranoid First Time Mother.
I wish I had been Paranoid First Time Mother.
I wish I had listened to my instincts.
I wish I had looked at these feet and hips and realised they weren’t “normal”…
Hypermobile / Talipeze-y wonky feet
Anyway. Wishes aside. We now know what we’re dealing with. We’re looking at some intensive physio. Exercises at home. Lots of swimming. Strapping on her feet. More exercises.
Every time we see our daughter standing with her legs wide apart and her feet splayed out, we have to correct her posture. Clearly, this is intensely annoying for her (so much so that she’s likely to shout NO before attempting to belt the offending person), but we do it anyway. Seconds later, they’re splayed out again. It’s a miracle I could even take this picture really…
Exercises exercises exercises
The strapping isn’t the number one most popular item in our house either.
As I held Frog down on the physio table, she screamed while her wonky feet were strapped up. She shouted, “Hurt! Hurt!” before promptly shouting, “Bye bye!” to the Physiotherapist, not even having the decency to pretend that she was having a good time.
The same happened at bedtime this evening, when we had to reapply the strapping she’d removed herself. There’ll be no one left in this house once she relegates us all with a, “Bye bye!” and “Out!” all shouted at the top of her voice while said strapping is taped on. (As parents, it makes us feel ever so popular.)
Taped foot
All this palava is taking place because Frog’s ligaments in her ankles are too tight. It means she can’t move her feet around in the position they’re meant to be. And because everything else is too flexible she is overcompensating. Her muscles are having to work five times as hard as those with “normal” ligaments.
Without shoes her ankles touch the floor, meaning she’s only using approximately a third of the area of her foot to balance on. It’s no wonder she can’t walk yet. It’s testament to her dogged determination that she’s managed even a few steps on her own at all.
Without the treatment, it’s likely she would suffer stress fractures, apparently. There’s still a chance she may need her feet to be in casts.
Shoes are a problem too. She needs more support around her ankles but, until her feet are placing properly, she’s unlikely to get referred to an orthotics department to be put in the magic Piedro Boots. Kickers boots have been recommended – along with various other brands. But, yet again, we’re up against more hurdles. They either don’t sell them in a size small enough (3.5 – yes, Frog has weeny feet) or they don’t sell them full stop.
The hypermobility also means Frog is extra tired. I suppose you would be if you were attempting to walk around on a third of your foot all day, play, shout at people and make your muscles work as hard as if you were on a non-stop Spinning class. Our 22 month old is now forgiven for behaving in an uncharacteristic toddler manner, asking, “Bed Mummy?” at 4.30pm, and sleeping until 10am the following day.
Caution is another typical trait. The day at the childminder’s last week, when she sat in the corner for hours on end with her hand over her face? It seems hypermobility can be blamed for that little episode, if we so wish. The theory goes that kids who aren’t as mobile as others, tend to feel more vulnerable. Quite literally, they can’t run away. So occasional bouts of shyness and withdrawal make sense really.
In all other areas Frog excels. Her language is spot on. She is as much of a diva as ever, with a wicked sense of humour to boot. Despite what many people imply, the fact her legs don’t yet work is no indication of a problem with her brain. She is frustrated and angry and wants to get up on her feet already.
She wants to PLAY goddammit. Outside. Without her mum.
And one day she’ll get there. One day.
Until then, she’ll have to content herself with being naughty inside instead…
Note to self: don't leave child with unattended pot of Sudocrem
My baby from born, she has multiple problems like cleft palate, reflux grade3, not gaining weight.she is now 20 months old. She is just 5 kg. She is unable to sit and walk.she is unable to talk.her pelvic girdle is weak .she eats but after 10 min. Vommits.pls help me
I’ve just come across your post. I know it’s an old one but my daughter also has hypermobility in her lower joints and at 22 months still can only walk holding both my hands. The poor love is so frustrated, she cries when I refuse to help her but is so full of happiness when I do help! But it’s so draining being her personal Zimmer frame! I just can’t wait for her to finally walk! But it’s nice to rea others have been through it! X
Hello i came across this post because my son has a similar issue. He is 26 months old and still doesn’t walk independelty but he does walk wearing his AFO braces. Its been a fustrating two years with doctors. When he was born i didnt think anything was wrong but at 8 months i started noticing he was weaker then other kids his age and his foot was turned in and down. They first told me it was club foot and i had to have him wear braces at night to correct it. But it didnt really help then they told me it was low muscle tone and he will walk when hes ready. But this was a year ago and he still just cruises around furntiure and maybe takes a few steps independetly here and there bare foot. Im scared he may never walk because hes only gonna get heavier which will make it harder for him to walk but i really dont know i just try to keep hope that they will figure out the issue. I am going to get him genetic testing in a few months just to make sure its nothing genitically. Everything else is okay with him he talks and communicates what he wants or what he feels but his feet are just very flexible and ive never saw him move his toes so it makes me nervous that its serious.
Hi k dimuro,
Is your son walking now.
My Son also have same , He is currently 26 months old we have Done all tests(MRI,CT ..etc) all are normal and doctors telling low muscle tone(hypermobility). He can stand with the help of sofa and walk.
Is your daughter is walking now..? please provide your suggestions..
Hi, my neice has almost all symptoms as your daughter had, except she is 24 months & hasn’t even crawled or cruised… I just wanted to know how long after did your daughter eventually walk!!!???
Hi Georgina, if you search “hypermobility” on the search bar on this blog you’ll see our whole journey to walking. It did happen eventually and now my daughter is a thriving running, jumping, ballet-dancing 5 and a half year old!
Feeling unsure. My son is 20 months. Was 8months before he could sit well, bum shuffled around 13months, crawled (though not preferred method) around 16 months. I booked health visitor at 19 months as not walking. The evening before the appt he walked 4-5 steps. I cancelled the appt. Now it’s a month later and we have managed 1-2steps if we trick him into it. It is almost impossible to do this. I have seen him stand unsupported a handful of times in the past 2-3 months. He will happily walk and run holding two hands. Will walk with one hand sometimes. Drops straight to the floor if I try and let go of his hands. He can climb stairs cautiously on hands and knees.
Do I book another appt. I don’t think he is hypermobile. Tried a sturdy pair of boots but walking did not improve. I bounce from being worried to brushing it off.
His speech and other development seem on target. Physically he is active. He loves football’s nd has a mean throw. What to do?
Hi Melanie, I don’t think there’s any harm in getting a professional opinion and seeing a health visitor. All they’ll do if they’re concerned is refer you to your GP. There’s nothing to lose by getting your son checked. I put off taking my daughter for ages because I didn’t want to be branded a “neurotic first time mum”. Looking back, I wish I’d sought help sooner.
I appreciate this article. My 21 month old son is not walking. My pediatrician has wanted him to see a pediatric neurologist but I keep putting it off. I think I am afraid something may be wrong instead of the “he is just a late walker”. I think I will schedule the appointment. Thank you for the information here – it made me feel better somehow.
You’re more than welcome Jen. I hope your son gets the help he needs. Try to stay calm (I know how hard this is though!). 21 months is still little and he may surprise you. x
Hi Molly, my son is 22 months old. And I can relate so much to your story. Please can I talk to you. I really need to please.
Hi Amber – you can email me at mollyjforbes@gmail.com. I hope you’re OK. It does get better!
Hi, like most other people I stumbled across this site whilst reading up on hyper mobility as my son at 17 months has just been diagnosed with it and I want to understand it more and to find out how we can support him. I Was getting quite upset this afternoon but it’s been so reassuring reading about everyone else’s experiences. I do have some relief with the diagnosis as at least I have a reason to tell people for the lack of walking and crawling. We are waiting to see a physiotherapist and are looking into swimming lessons at a local pool. Thank you so much
You’re more than welcome. I’m glad it’s given you some reassurance. My daughter’s now a sprightly four and a half year old who can run and jump with the best of them!
Hi, just came across this site while googling about my son. He’s coming up to 2 next month and still isn’t walking or talking. It’s so frustrating when people say “oh he’s just lazy,” or “its a boy thing”. We finally got referred to a piediatrician at the end of July last year. But he wasn’t at all concerned about my sons development. But he did notice that he is very bendy and mentioned hyper mobility but never took it any further. We went back again in December and the first question the Dr asked was what can he do now? And my husband and I both turned to him and said nothing! In the 4 months since the doctor had seen him he has not progressed in anyway. We now have referrals to the speech and language, and physiotherapy depts at our local hospital but I’m not holding my breath as I’m still waiting on the hospital for a hearing test ( been waiting since August) no amount of chasing seems to hurry them up. And it’s me that’s doing the chasing as the Dr didn’t seem interesed. Why is trying to find out what’s wrong with my son such a battle. I just feel like crying all the time.
Oh Kerry I feel for you. There is nothing worse when you know something’s wrong but you don’t know what that is. A parent’s intuition is a strong thing so you are right to keep chasing and fighting. I hope you get some answers soon, it must be a very worrying time for you. I know my situation is different, but looking back on that worrying time now – over two years on – and it seems like a very long time ago. Things got better for us and I’m sure they will for you too. x
Hey there how is your lo doing now….
I really relate to to seriously low tone on the arms. … my little one couldn’t hold or grasp anything for ages??? He’s 2.5 now n still not independently walking just a little support tho…
The crying really resonates with me because put of his 2.5 years iv probably cried n sobbed for about 12 months. It’s utter despair. Tell me how you got through?
Hi Rehana, my daughter is now 6 and a half and thriving. She no longer needs physio and just wears insoles in her shoes. To see her you’d never guess she went through the challenge that she did as a toddler. A few things helped – swimming, toys at standing height (we had a play kitchen which helped encourage her to stand and play, strengthening her muscles) and – for me – talking to other parents who had been through the same thing. I’d definily recommend checking out the Hypermobility Syndrome Association (HMSA) online as there’s a wealth of resources for parents there.
Hi
I have a delightful little girl who is 28 months and doesn’t walk. Recently we had a MRI scan to eliminate nerve damage and everything came back all clear, she bears weight on her legs has never crawled just bum shuffles where ever she needs to go.
We have been back and fro from the hospital but nobody understands why she won’t walk she can kneel up on to her knees and reach out for the things she refuses to stand and will only walk with a lot of support on her hips tho her posture isn’t right as she isn’t standing upright. Looking at your photos of frog very much remind of my baby she stands like that too and like frog she’s very vocal spoken and understands everything, I just pray she walks soon or we can find answer to what it preventing her.
I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles to find an answer Asia. Have you seen a physiotherapist at all? I wish I had some advice – all I can say is that if the reason for your daughter not walking is hypermobility then it doesn’t have to be anything to worry about. With the right support she will get there in the end.
My sister emailed me this blog and I am so grateful she found it.
As I read through this, my heart started hurting and tears starting flowing down my face. Finally, I found someone who was going through the same thing I was. I think the tears were a combination of relief that I’m not alone and also sadness in the realization of what my daughter, Amelia, is going through.
Amelia is 15months old. She started crawling two weeks after her first birthday. Since she was probably 4 months old we started noticing that her feet were pointed outward, mainly her left foot. Her pediatrician said it was nothing and that it’s normal, but I felt like it was something more. Two months later it seemed to look even worse instead of getting better so at the next appointment I told her pediatrician that I wanted Amelia to see a pediatric physical therapist. We went a few times but didn’t see a lot of improvement and I don’t feel like the PT is doing anything that we don’t do at home already. Amelia is now 15 months and refuses to walk even if you hold her hands up. She doesn’t stand on her own and the only way she gets up around furniture is to use her upper body strength (she’s got serious arm muscles now).
Every time someone asks me how old she is I get the response “oh what a fun age! I bet she’s walking all over the place!” To which I reply “no” and then get the typical concerned look followed by the “don’t worry it will happen ANY time!!!” I’ve been getting these responses for months and months.
Amelia’s feet were taped once when she very first started PT but has not been taped since. I think it would benefit her. Can you tell me a little about how you do it? What tape do you use on their sensitive skin and how long do you keep her feet taped?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Kimberly Marcy
Hi Kimberly, thank you so much for your comment. First of all – don’t worry! I know it might feel like a huge thing now, but three years on and this experience is a bit of a distant memory for us. Also, your little girl is only 15 months, so still has plenty of time to build strength. I’m not sure from your comment where you are based, but in the UK, I was told by my daughter’s doctor that medical professionals don’t tend to start looking for reasons behind delayed walking until toddlers are 18 months+. Before that time they don’t even consider a child as a delayed walker – no matter what other people’s comments may suggest to you.
With regards to taping, we now know that the taping of her feet wasn’t the way to go at all. This was done by a physiotherapist who wasn’t an expert in children – he was used to dealing with sports injuries. Once we got referred to a peadiatric physio she immediately removed the tape and issued us with a pair of supportive boots that held our daughter’s ankles in place – these were called Piedro boots. She wore these until she was able to get up on her feet and walk, and then they were replaced with insoles that are inserted into her shoes. She still has these now and is likely to have them indefinitely. They help support her ankle and provide an arch to her foot, which she doesn’t have.
She also has physio exercises that help build strength (her core area is the least strong in terms of muscle strength) and we do lots of swimming – a great activity for kids with hypermobility as it doesn’t put any pressure or stress on her joints.
I know exactly how you are feeling because I was there myself, but looking back I really wish I hadn’t wasted so many hours worrying or feeling upset. My daughter proved to me that having hypermobile joints doesn’t hold her back and – you know – kids are SO much more adaptable than we often give them credit for.
I hope your little one proves to you how strong and resilient she is – I have no doubt she will. If you’d like to email me for any more advice (although I’m by no means a doctor or an expert – just a mum who has been there herself!) then feel free: mollyjforbes@gmail.com. x
It really bothers me how doctors brush off parents concerns until the problem is much harder to correct. My son recently received a late diagnosis of hip dysplasia at18 months and treatment for us has involved multiple surgeries and months in waist to ankle casts and weeks in a brace following the casts. We were lucky that our doctor caught that something was wrong, because we had no risk factors and our only sign was that he was still toddling from side to side after already having been walking for a couple months. But I can’t tell you how many parents I talk to who have to fight to have their concerns addressed. It also really bothers me how many well meaning people say that they are just a little behind or they’ll walk when they are ready. All that does is make parents doubt their own instincts. Thank you for writing this. I hope your daughter is doing well.
Hi Lindsay, unfortunately you’re not the first parent I’ve come across who has had a late diagnosis of hip dysplasia in their child. Check out my friend Emma’s blog (www.emmaand3.com) – Emma works closely with STEPs and has written extensively about her daughter Erin’s battle with DDH. Erin also had a late diagnosis. My other friend Jane has also blogged about this issue – check out http://www.northernmum.com to read more about her youngest daughter’s hip dysplasia journey. Thank you for your comment, and my daughter is doing really well all this time on (although she’s currently in a cast after breaking her leg – a non hypermobile related injury!).
Just came across this page. My 22 month old daughter can’t walk or stand on her own and her feet stick out to the sides when she cruisesffurniture or walks holding our hands. I’m currently waiting on a physio appt to have her assessed. Frog sounds very determined and has given me some hope we may get a diagnosis. Id love to see hwr toddle round the garden with her friends.
My 22 month old is the same. She has low muscle tone and hypermobility. She walks okish with us holding her hands, but doesn’t stand at all on her own. Climbs with the best of them though! I think I might ask our physio about strapping or anythjng else we can do. We get her to squat and walk holding our hands, but haven’t had much progress.
Our peadiatric physio advised against strapping – apparently it’s not great for their feet. This was an idea that the original physio suggested but he wasn’t a specialist peadiatric physio. It does take time and F wasn’t walking confidently until her 2nd birthday. You wouldn’t know it now though!
My daughter is 23 months old and still isn’t walking at 15 months she finally crawled and at 21 months she’s walking on her knees I still haven’t gotten any answers to anything and I read this and now have hope I will bring it up to her dr at the next appointment . It makes me sad to see her want to play with the other kids but she can’t run after them
Thanks so much for this post. My son is 21 months and not walking unaided and we’ve recently started physical therapy. His doctor seems unconcerned and I haven’t been able to get any answers. He is also very cautious (e.g. covering his face with his hands, hiding, etc), so I get a lot of comments that he is scared or lazy. Do you mind sharing what kind of specialist diagnosed your little one? I am wondering whether I should take him for a second opinion or for an MRI? It’s really stressful but your post gives me hope.
In the end it was the physiotherapist and an orthotics doctor who pinpointed the hypermobile joints. A peadiatric nurse also said she thought it was hyperlaxative joints (same thing really) but sent us on to physio who also referred us to orthotics to get checked out. It’s a really tough time when most other little ones your son’s age are walking, but he will get there. Just keep fighting for the help you think he needs and don’t give up. The only tests F had were an X-Ray to rule out hip dysplasia. Hypermobility is in the joints, so if they suspect it’s overly felxible joints I’d very much doubt they’d do an MRI. But I’m no expert – just a mum who’s survived it and come out the other side. x
Thanks! He is scheduled to see an ortho in a few weeks and we are doing the physical therapy exercises with him at home. If an orthpo recommends testing, then we will definitely do it. It’s just really hard since everyone else his age is running around and everyone seems to have a comment for me. Its nice to hear from someone who’s lived through it!!
I am glad that you have finally got a diagnoses, and I hope that the treatment starts to work for her. Mr L got diagnosed with Hypermobility last year at the age of 25 and he has messed his body up from doing various things that he should never have done. It was great to finally get the diagnoses but is hard to get your head around things. xx
It’s definitely better to know early on. It may be that once we get her walking she’ll not be affected too much by it. At least we know so can take it into consideration in the future too. Hope MR L is OK. x
Well it’s all a bit shit isn’t it? Good you know what it is but I can only imagine the stress of trying to get a determined little girl to have her feet strapped etc. But please keep sharing the updates, love seeing how you are all progressing.
It’s not great, but at least we now have some exercises and a plan for dealing with it. She’ll be fine. She’s a very determined little person! Will write about it again if I have more to share though.
Hi! I just wanted to know if I can ask on the progress of your little one? My daughter is 1 1/2 and is quite the similar case. She has had mri of her spine and will have an mri of her brain this Tuesday. Xrays, blood work you name it and so far all has came back normal. I’ve been told if her mri of the brain comes back normal she will more likely be casted. It’s difficult because I have no one to relate for support. I really hope all is well with your little one and with you as well mama. Hope you reply to my comment.
Hi Citlalli, my daughter’s now 5 years old and is thriving. She still has insoles in her shoes but she can run and jump with the best of them. The days of her learning to walk were tough but, thankfully, they’re behind us now. She loves PE, dancing and jumping in puddles!
Guilt is an inevitable accompaniment to parenting, and it’s inevitable that you should feel it because it’s what we mothers do, but how could you have known, if health workers and the like didn’t spot it? You’ve still spotted it pretty early on (I’d have probably waited until 3 in case GPs thought me neurotic!). I suspect that the ensuing treatment and restrictions will be much worse for you than for her because you’re far more aware than she can yet be of what she’s missing. It’s tough on you all to have this to cope with, but she’s a lucky little girl in many ways to have such a loving mother and supportive environment to help her through it.
You’re right, it probably is far worse for me than her. To be honest, she’s been really happy, outgoing and very funny recently. She’s getting more mobile every day and is desperately pleased with herself every time she manages a few seconds standing without holding my hand!
You have obviously not been doing the moisturising routine after her bath that she got used to with her mar mar! Little madam was just over compensating with the Sudocrem. Love ma x
Little Madam didn’t stop asking where “Mar Mar” was after you left!
It’s so bloody hard when people give out advice because really they mean well, but we’re crumbling inside and screaming at them to shut the hell up. I’ve had it with Amy, before her diagnosis; everyone knew what was wrong with her yet no one mentioned autism. Until a lovely lady at her nursery pulled me to one side and talked to me about it being a possibility – and then we found out who our real friends were when one by one they backed away – but that’s another story. I guess with the right care and physio she will get there, but it is going to be tough and you already know that the road ahead will be strewn with obstacles. I gave up on GP’s, health visitors and health professionals long ago. I’m not a doctor, but I know a hell of a lot more about my daughter’s condition than the so-called experts do.
Bless you, CJ x
Thanks for the comment CJ, I have total faith that now we’re on the road to dealing with the problem. I’m glad I didn’t just assume it would go away on its own though. x
HI Molly, nice to make contact – thanks for posting on mine. After reading this I SO feel for you. Anything to do with our children wrenches our hearts about so much. We do our best as mums, but have to keep those run away emotions in balance with all this ‘wisdom’ coming our way and so-called experts fobbing us off as neurotic mothers! I now know that intuition is far more valuable than any of that stuff! That’s easy to say in hindsight though, isn’t it! But if I’d listened to my intuition my baby wouldn’t have been born on the back seat of the car – so I tend to prioritise it now! It seems to have stood us in good stead for getting those babies to teens and beyond now. Enjoy! x
Yep, hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Oh bless her. I love stroppyness in a child when they need to be stroppy, it’ll get her through this.
Its really interesting what you say about shyness and hypermobility. I didn’t walk until 2 and a half and into my primary school years had ongoing issues as I wasn’t good at sport (essential in Oz) and became quite bookish. That explains a lot to me.
Joseph is very similar, whilst he is now walking, he’s 14 months older than F, he is still very wonky and he does the same, retreats away from more physical kids.
It is a bit ridiculous that her feet and hip placement weren’t sussed earlier by the professionals, but she is getting what she needs now and that’s important.
It’s really interesting about the link between caution and hypermobility isn’t it? That was one of the things that stood out for me. Although, once F is comfortable in a situation she’s anything BUT shy. Same as lots of toddlers I’m sure, hypermobile or not. x
oh Molly, I can image how upsetting it is for you and how many what ifs you have no you have your answers, I too try very hard to be laid back mum, no worring mum, none forceful earth mum but sometimes being so doesn’t get results quickly but never change to over anxious mum becuase being relaxed will have untold benefits and will make frog much more content and happy in the long run. both you and frog are amazing and I know given time things will work out just fine xx
Thank you for the lovely comment Sarah. We’ll be fine, at least we know the issue now. x
Oh Molly, I can imagine how heartbreaking the ‘No’ and ‘Bye Byes’ are.
Frog sounds so determind, so I’m sure she won’t let this hold her back for long.
xx
I have every faith in her. She so desperately wants to walk and the fact she’s trying to do steps on her own every day shows the will is definitely there. x
Oh bless her. I really don’t know what to say as I haven’t really heard of these conditions before but at least you have answers now and it sounds like she is determined to get there. Do you think it would have made any difference if the health visitors had picked up on it earlier? I guess there is no point in wondering that now but it annoys me when health professionals don’t pay more attention to things x
I don’t think I can “blame” anyone, and it’s probably not useful anyway. If I’m going to blame anyone, it’d be myself, for not being more pushy and for just accepting that “She wasn’t ready” etc etc. But yes, you’re right, she’s very determined and she’ll get there in the end. x
you know I know how you feel lovely, but be reassured it will be resolved!
until then I have a lovely non walking two year old who would love to come play
xxx
Non-toddling toddlers are always welcome here!
Sounds very tough. And you’re right we all like to explain away while a child isn’t doing something when they ‘should’. I guess the consolation is now you know exactly what the issue is and can do all you can to help it. But almost 2 and 2 is a tricky age. 2 year old girls are headstrong and I speak from experience! More headstrong than boys I think. You have your work cut out but you’ll get there as you say.
Diva’s, the lot of them. But we wouldn’t have it any other way, right? *looks around desperately*
ahh Molly it must break your heart to have to strap her ankles up when she hates it so much. She sounds such a little character and I love her little boots…..
oh & there’s a shop on Ebay that as well as selling cute Converse have some little diddy Kickers : http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Harriss-Footwear
xx
You’re a star. Thank you so much for the tip Helen!
Hi, my daughter turned 2 in October and is still not walking. It’s really getting me down, worrying about her. She’s starting to get more annoyed and not even want to attempt to stand or walk because she knows she’s going to fall. We have been to doctors which have referred us to hospital, but we are not likely to get an appointment until after the new year. Can you give me any advice which could help until then? Leanne x
Hi Leanne, it’s such a tricky time and I can completely relate. Unfortunately I don’t think there are any quick fixes if it IS hypermobility. A few things we found helped a little – a good sturdy pair of boots (Ricoste do good ones – you can get these online or in lots of independent boutiques, Kickers are also good), swimming (strengthens the muscles without putting pressure on the joints), playing games standing up at a table (we had a toy kitchen which my daughter could prop herself up against and used to help strenghten her legs and keep her standing while she was distracted). We also used a push along toy cart thing that my daughter took everywhere with her once she was able to walk and push it – this was the final stage before she was walking on her own. Ultimately, physiotherapy was the thing that got my little girl walking, along with patience and good boots. Hang on in there, she will get there in the end! x
I’m glad you’ve got some answers and are now getting the treatment she needs. My friends little girl was walking within 3 months of her treatment starting and she is coming on leaps and bounds!!
I remember my own parents forever correcting my feet (they turned inwards) but I appretiate it now. They still do it when I’m tired but no as bad as when I were little.
Good luck with the treatment and hopefully a more confident and dancing frog will emerge very soon x x
I love the idea of her dancing. She loves music so maybe when the treatment kicks in she’ll be hard to stop! x
HI I just came across your post and thought this is definetly my little girl. She is nearly 19 month old and I feel just the same. Everyone keeps saying she is just going to get up and go but this does not seem to happen. It has seemed like this for months now. I have mentioned the fact that her feet always turn out but the doctors keep saying wait till she is 18 month. When I took her again at 18 month they said wait till she is 19 month. It is so fustrating because she is a little monkey I usually think is it confidence but it can’t be if you see the way she climbs up and down the stairs, all over the furniture and even swimming. She is able to hold on to the side and get out of the pool her self but only by holding on. If I let go of one hand she then suddenly sits down or starts to panic trying to hold on to me. If I try and walk with her she does for a short time. But the more she walks the more her door starts to turn out then she gives up. I have seen a lot of these pages about babies with late walking but a lot of people’s problems don’t seem like my little girls people say they walk 2 steps or they stand up ok. My daughter is nothing like this and sounds just like your baby. Did your daughter walk fine with furniture as well what was she like when it came to climbing.
Hi Kerry, OK so it was a while ago now (my daughter will be five at the end of June), so bear with me. From memory, she was fine pulling herself up to standing (although this took much longer than her peers) and she would walk around holding onto the furniture fine but couldn’t stand without holding onto something. But even getting to that point took a while – she wasn’t doing this until she was around 18 months. Climbing she was fine – she’d climb up the stairs etc and she perfected the art of brilliant crawling. But she didn’t actually start crawling until she was around a year old. Things took a lot longer for her all the way through – late sitting, late rolling etc, but at the time we didn’t know it was to do with hypermobile joints. It’s great you’ve seen a doctor because they can keep an eye on your little one’s development and monitor it if they think there’s a problem.
Hi Molly,
How is your daughter now at 5-6 years old? Is she walking normally now?
As my daughter is now 20 months old and refuses to crawl, and still couldn’t walk independently. She needs someone to hold her hand before she can have the confidence to walk, she would also often let herself fall to sitdown while holding her hand while walking.
Thank you
Thomas
Hi Thomas, my daughter’s now nearly 6 years old and has been walking since she was 2. At 20 months she was crawling and would walk holding someone’s hand. We found physio was a real help, as well as patience. You can read the rest of our story by searching “hypermobility” on the blog – all the relevant posts will come up.
Hey dear .. i too just came across you comment and was wondering how your baby is now ? My little boy is now 19 months and not walking or standing without support he started crawling only two months ago , im really concerned so please tell me what happened with u cuz u are describing my baby’s case exactly so maybe ull tell me what ill have to do ..thank you ! 🙂
Hi, my 19 month old has never even attempted to put weight on his legs in order to stand. I in fact have Hypermobility Syndrome but they’ve told me this wouldn’t stop him attempting to get on his feet. He’s been through a general anaesthetic in order to have an MRI scan on his brain and blood tests which all came back clear. We’ve an appointment coming up next week at a child development centre and I’m worried sick. Can you tell me did your LO try and put weight on her feet? I just want to help my son xx
Hello Louise, yes she was standing and putting weight on her feet, it’s just that her ankles were so bendy they would roll and then she couldn’t balance on them. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I hope you have some answers soon. x
Finding this has been so helpful. My little boy who is 20 months has finally started weight bearing but still bot pulling up. He was diagnosed with weak ankles and is also double jointed- it all makes sense. We are hoping to get some specilist boots made and go from there.
I bet you’ll find the specialist boots a huge help. So glad you’ve got a diagnosis. Thank you for your comment. x