Question

Is it normal for my child to still not walk at 18 months old?

Answer

Take a close look at how your baby is growing and developing at each stage, and check for any abnormal muscle tone or posture. If there are no such issues, then there’s no need to worry. It might be that your baby is quite shy and lacks confidence, hence the hesitation to walk. Encourage your baby to learn walking by building their confidence, such as praising them when they take a few steps, and make sure to practice but not overexert them, as this might discourage them from walking. Pay attention to giving your baby adequate calcium and zinc supplements. If your baby shows any abnormal posture or muscle tone, it is necessary to take them to a pediatric neurology or neurorehabilitation department for diagnosis and symptomatic treatment.