What's wrong if a 1-year-and-4-month-old baby cannot walk yet?

Under normal circumstances, the reasons why a 1-year-and-4-month-old baby may not yet be able to walk could include individual differences, environmental factors, low muscle tone, calcium deficiency, congenital hip dislocation, etc. It is recommended to seek medical advice promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Individual Differences

Every baby's development is unique. Some babies may develop walking skills slightly later than their peers. To promote motor development, parents should actively encourage and guide the baby in practicing crawling, standing, and walking while holding onto objects.

2. Environmental Factors

If the home environment is too confined or if the baby is frequently carried and not given opportunities to move freely, this may restrict their physical activity and delay the process of learning to walk, resulting in the baby still not walking at 1 year and 4 months. It is important to provide the baby with a spacious and safe area where they can confidently practice walking.

3. Low Muscle Tone (Hypotonia)

Low muscle tone is usually caused by muscle laxity, which reduces muscle strength and balance, making it difficult for the baby to support their own body weight and thus affecting their ability to learn to walk. Babies with this condition may exhibit the symptoms mentioned above. Under medical supervision, orthotic devices or assistive equipment may be used to help the baby better practice standing and walking.

4. Calcium Deficiency

Calcium is an essential element for bone development. A lack of calcium can impair bone growth and delay the hardening of bones. In addition to being unable to walk at 1 year and 4 months, affected babies may also show signs such as skeletal deformities or delayed tooth development. Parents may, under a doctor’s guidance, administer supplements such as zinc calcium gluconate oral solution, calcium carbonate D3 tablets, or calcium acetate capsules.

5. Congenital Hip Dislocation

Congenital hip dislocation refers to abnormal development of the hip joint, causing misalignment between the femoral head and the acetabulum, thereby impairing lower limb motor function and preventing the baby from learning to walk by 1 year and 4 months. This condition may be accompanied by unequal leg lengths or limited hip mobility. Treatment under medical supervision may involve using harnesses for fixation, traction, or surgical reconstruction of the hip joint to restore normal structure and function, thus promoting normal walking development.

In daily life, caregivers should closely monitor the baby’s growth and development, provide a spacious and safe environment for movement, encourage crawling and standing exercises, ensure balanced nutrition—particularly adequate calcium intake—and observe any behavioral changes, seeking professional advice promptly if abnormalities are noticed.