Early Talker, Late Walker?

“Is early talker, late walker (or vice versa) really a thing? MIL says it constantly but I just don’t know that it is true.”

ANSWER- So interestingly, I don’t know of any really thorough research on this, but my anecdotal experience is that there actually IS some truth to this! I’ve seen it with my own kids – both Austin & Liv were on the earlier side for most of their motor skills and just generally were more motor driven, and they’ve both trended subsequently on the later side of communication skills. In my mind, I try to just think about everything that is happening in those first 3 years of life. Their brains are quite literally taking in SO much information and learning so many skills in a relatively quick time period – I try to just consider that having to focus more on one area while those skills develop is completely normal, and as long as you are still falling within the “average” ranges in the other areas, absolutely not something to stress!

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For developmental questions, tips and guidance related to milestones about tummy time, rolling & sitting, crawling and walking, check out KC’s developmental Masterclasses linked here.

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KC is a pediatric doctor of physical therapy, wife and mom of three! She has spent her career working with children and young adults of all ability levels, and currently specializes in birth to three years.