Delayed Walking

Helping Your Child Take Their First Steps with Confidence

Are you concerned that your child is not walking yet? While every baby develops at their own pace, delayed walking may indicate a need for pediatric physical therapy. At Twin Hearts Physical Therapy, we help babies and toddlers strengthen muscles, improve balance, and develop coordination so they can walk independently and confidently.

If your child is not attempting to take steps by 16 months and/or not walking by 18 months, or if you’ve noticed an unsteady gait, toe walking, or weak legs, our specialized therapy sessions can help!

What Is Considered Delayed Walking?

Most babies start walking between 9 and 18 months. However, if a child is not attempting to take steps by 16 months or not walking by 18 months, they may need support to strengthen their gross motor skills. Some children show early signs of delay, such as:

  • Not pulling up to stand by 12 months

  • Not cruising along furniture by 14 months

  • Not taking steps by 16 months

  • Not walking independently by 18 months

  • Avoiding weight-bearing on legs

  • Walking on tiptoes or with an unsteady gait

If your child exhibits any of these signs, early intervention is key to improving their mobility.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Delayed Walking Physical Therapy

Your child may need pediatric physical therapy if they are:

  • Not standing or pulling up by 12-14 months

  • Not attempting to walk by 16 months

  • Walking only on tiptoes or with stiff legs

  • Frequently falling or struggling with balance

  • Showing frustration with movement or avoiding walking

If you’ve noticed these signs, early intervention can make a big difference!

Common Causes of Delayed Walking

There are several reasons why a child might have difficulty walking:

1. Low Muscle Tone (Hypotonia)

  • Babies with low muscle tone may feel floppy when held and struggle to bear weight on their legs.

  • Strengthening exercises help improve stability and coordination.

2. Poor Balance & Coordination

  • Some children have difficulty with motor planning, making it hard to take stable steps.

  • Therapy helps with core stability, weight shifting, and postural control.

3. Torticollis or Plagiocephaly

  • Babies with tight neck muscles (torticollis) may struggle with proper head and body alignment, affecting mobility.

  • Early therapy improves posture, muscle balance, and movement patterns.

4. Prematurity or Developmental Delays

  • Preemies or children with developmental conditions (like cerebral palsy or spina bifida) may require targeted therapy to strengthen their lower body.

5. Toe Walking or Unsteady Gait

  • Some children walk on tiptoes due to tight calf muscles or sensory issues. While most kids will walk on tiptoes some, if this is the primary way they walk further evaluation may be needed.

  • Therapy addresses muscle flexibility and gait mechanics.

Does your child have any of these challenges? We can help!

How Twin Hearts Physical Therapy Helps with Delayed Walking

At Twin Hearts PT, we create customized therapy plans to help your child gain strength, balance, coordination, and confidence. Our therapy includes:

Strength & Muscle Development

  • Fun, engaging exercises to build leg strength and endurance

  • Weight-bearing activities to encourage standing and walking

Balance & Coordination Training

  • Activities that improve core stability and movement control

  • Gait training to help children walk safely and confidently

Posture & Gait Correction

  • Helping children learn proper walking mechanics

  • Addressing toe walking, inward turning feet, and unsteady steps

Parent Education & At-Home Exercises

  • Teaching families how to support walking development at home

  • Simple daily activities to encourage movement and balance

Our goal is to help your child walk confidently and reach their developmental milestones!

Why Choose Twin Hearts Physical Therapy for Delayed Walking?

Serving Glenpool, Tulsa, Bixby, Jenks, Okmulgee, Mounds, & Surrounding Areas!

  • Pediatric Physical Therapy Experts – Specializing in gross motor development and walking milestones

  • Fun & Engaging Therapy Sessions – Helping kids improve mobility in an encouraging environment

  • Customized Treatment Plans – Tailored exercises for each child’s unique needs

  • Parent Involvement & Support – Teaching families how to continue progress at home

We are committed to helping your child build strength, improve balance, and take confident steps!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)




  • If your baby is not pulling up to stand by 12-14 months, not attempting to take steps by 16 months, or not walking independently by 18 months, it may be time to seek physical therapy support.

  • Yes! Physical therapy strengthens muscles, improves balance, and enhances coordination, helping children gain the confidence to walk.

  • The frequency depends on your child’s needs. Many children attend therapy 1-3 times per week until they reach their walking milestones.

  • Some children benefit from orthotics or supportive footwear. Our therapists will assess your child’s needs and provide recommendations.

Schedule an Evaluation for Delayed Walking Today!

Worried about your child’s first steps? Let’s take the next one together—book a pediatric evaluation today.