Can I consider this walking?

Question

Just a week ago, my 15 1/2 month old daughter refused to stand on her own, and I mean REFUSED. Yesterday, she stood on her own for a good 10-15 seconds, but as soon as she realized she was standing, she'd drop to her knees and crawl away.

Today at playgroup, she stood on her own for a good 2-3 minutes, and even took as many as 8 steps! When we got home, we practiced again and she's taken as little as 4 steps each time, and the most she's taken is 13 before she falls to her knees. We've been waiting for this moment for so long.

Can we consider this walking? And if we can, how much longer will it be before she really starts walking on her own, like walks more than crawls, and even ditches the crawling altogether?

Most of all, though, can we we consider it walking?

Answer 1

give it a couple weeks.  it's up to you when you want to call it walking.  it's a gradual process (as you're seeing), they aren't just "crawlers" one minute and "walkers" the next.

Answer 2

I guess so.  If she's taking steps without holding on to anything then she's walking even if she does fall or sit down a lot.  Every baby progresses differently.  My daughter walked around the furniture for almost 3-4 months and then at 14 months took off down the hallway walking without falling.  She never crawled that much until she started walking and then she would crawl to get toys if she didn't feel like getting up to walk.

Answer 3

This is emerging walking.  Once she is able to walk around-and set herself down when she is finished getting somewhere (there is control), then it is considered walking.  Children gradually move from a slower mode of transportation to a quicker mode as soon as they can... they go for the most efficient method.  So, it won't be long once she starts really walking on her own for her to ditch the crawling.  Every child has their own pace, but you can encourage (not force) them to the next level (called, "scaffolding"), which will help them move along the natural continuum of development.

Answer 4

if she's walking unassisted then yes.  If not you should call ealry intervention, she should be walking by now.

Answer 5

You can! YEAH!!! It should only be a couple of weeks now before she's going all over the place and you can hardly keep up.

Congratulations!

Answer 6

Your little one has taken her first steps but she is not walking yet full time. More than likely she will be walking full time (meaning walking more than crawling) within the next 2-6 weeks.

YAY for your little girl on taking her first steps!!!!

Want to add (after reading subsequent answers). No need to fret if she's not walking by now. Early intervention for not walking is not neccessary at this moment. If she's not walking by 18 months (nor showing any indicating to), THEN I would begin to inquire.

Answer 7

I would consider that walking!! yippe, congrats to your little one. I am also waiting for my little girl to start walking so am really excited for you. I can't help with the 2nd part of your question though sorry but im sure it won't take long before she's running around