As a parent, watching your child grow is one of life's greatest joys — but it can also bring worry. If your toddler is not yet sitting up, standing, or taking those first steps when other children their age are, it is natural to feel concerned. Delayed motor milestones in children are more common than most parents realise, and with early intervention from a specialist orthotist, the majority of children make remarkable progress.
At The Rehab Street, our expert orthotists in Delhi and Gurgaon assess children from 6 months of age. We identify the underlying cause of delayed milestones — whether it is low muscle tone, foot and ankle weakness, gait abnormality, or neurological factors — and provide targeted orthotic support that helps children move, develop, and thrive.
What Are Delayed Motor Milestones in Children?
Motor milestones are the physical skills a child is expected to develop within certain age windows — rolling over, sitting, standing, walking, and running. When a child reaches these milestones significantly later than the expected age range, it is referred to as a delayed milestone.
There are two types of motor delay:
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Gross motor delay — difficulty with large movements like walking, sitting, crawling, jumping
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Fine motor delay — difficulty with small, precise movements like gripping or writing
At The Rehab Street, we specialise in gross motor delays that affect posture, gait, and lower limb function — areas where custom orthotics, splints, and therapeutic footwear can make a significant difference.
Why Do Children Experience Delayed Milestones?
Delayed motor milestones can arise from a range of causes. Common underlying conditions our team sees at The Rehab Street include:
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Hypotonia (low muscle tone) — the muscles feel floppy and lack normal resistance, making it harder to hold positions or push against the ground when learning to walk
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Cerebral palsy — a group of disorders affecting movement and posture, often resulting in tightness on one or both sides of the body
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Prematurity — babies born before 37 weeks are at higher risk for delayed milestones due to underdeveloped muscle and neurological systems
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Flat feet or foot deformities — when the foot cannot provide a stable base, early walking becomes more difficult and tiring
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Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) — difficulty planning and executing smooth, coordinated movement
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Idiopathic toe-walking — walking on the toes without an identified cause, which can affect balance and delay confident independent walking
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Hip dysplasia — improper development of the hip socket, affecting gait and stability
In many cases there is no single cause — it is a combination of factors. Our job is to assess the full picture and provide the right support at the right time.
When Should You See a Specialist?
Many parents are told 'every child develops at their own pace' — and while this is true, certain signs should not be ignored. Bring your child to The Rehab Street if:
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Your child is not walking independently by 15–18 months
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Your child walks only on their toes consistently after 24 months
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Your child frequently falls or trips compared to children of the same age
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One side of the body appears weaker or stiffer than the other
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Your child was walking and has regressed — stopped walking or walking less
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Your child's gait looks significantly asymmetrical or unusual
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You have been told your child has low tone (hypotonia), CP, or another diagnosis and want orthotic support
Early assessment — ideally before 24 months — leads to better outcomes. Orthotic devices are most effective when introduced during the window of fastest neurological development.
How We Assess Your Child at The Rehab Street
We know that bringing a toddler to a clinic can feel daunting. Our orthotists are experienced in working with young children — we keep the assessment gentle, child-friendly, and as engaging as possible.
Your child's assessment includes:
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Detailed case history — birth history, developmental timeline, any previous diagnoses
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Observation of your child moving freely in the clinic space — crawling, walking, running where appropriate
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Hands-on examination of muscle tone, joint flexibility, and foot structure
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Gait analysis — identifying how your child loads their feet, their stride pattern, and any compensations
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Footprint and pressure mapping to identify flat feet, high arches, or abnormal pressure distribution
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Discussion of your child's daily activities, footwear, and school or therapy environment
At the end of the assessment, you will receive a clear explanation of our findings, and we will walk you through the recommended treatment options in plain language — no jargon.
Orthotic Treatment for Delayed Milestones
Depending on what the assessment reveals, your child's treatment plan may include one or more of the following:
1. Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)
AFOs are lightweight braces that support the ankle and foot, helping children stand and walk more confidently. They are commonly prescribed for children with hypotonia, cerebral palsy, or toe-walking. We fabricate AFOs in-house, custom-fitted to your child's leg.
2. Supramalleolar Orthoses (SMOs)
SMOs provide support just above the ankle and are ideal for children with mild to moderate flat feet causing instability. They fit inside standard shoes and are often a child's first orthotic device.
3. Custom Insoles (Foot Orthoses)
For children with flat feet contributing to gait difficulties, custom insoles redistribute pressure and provide a stable base for walking. They are low-profile and fit in everyday school shoes.
4. Therapeutic Footwear Advice
The wrong shoes can make delayed milestones worse. We advise parents on the best footwear for their child's stage of development — including which features to look for and which popular brands work well with our orthotic devices.
5. KAFO (Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses)
For children with more significant weakness or neurological conditions affecting the knee and below, a KAFO may be required. These are fully custom-fabricated at our in-house lab.
Why Choose The Rehab Street for Your Child?
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Specialist orthotists with experience in paediatric gait and developmental conditions
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In-house fabrication — orthotics made in our own lab, not outsourced, for faster turnaround and better fit
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Child-friendly clinics in Delhi (Greater Kailash 2) and Gurgaon (Sector 50)
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No GP referral needed — book directly and be seen quickly
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Transparent, jargon-free communication with parents throughout treatment
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Follow-up care included — we monitor your child's progress and adjust devices as they grow
Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1: At what age should I be concerned if my child is not walking?
Most children take their first independent steps between 11 and 14 months. If your child is not walking by 15 months, a specialist assessment is recommended. If your child is not walking by 18 months, please do not wait — book an appointment as soon as possible.
Q 2: Does my child need a referral from a doctor?
No. At The Rehab Street you can book directly without a GP or paediatrician referral. If your child already has a diagnosis (cerebral palsy, hypotonia, etc.), bring any previous reports — they help us plan the assessment more efficiently.
Q 3: Will orthotics hurt my child?
No. Well-fitted orthotics should not hurt. Our devices are custom-made to your child's exact measurements. In the first few days there may be a short adaptation period, and we provide full guidance on how to gradually increase wear time. We are always available if you have concerns during this period.
Q 4: How long will my child need to wear orthotics?
This depends entirely on the cause of the delayed milestone. Some children wear orthotics for six to twelve months before their gait normalises; others with ongoing neurological conditions may benefit from orthotic support for years. We review your child at every follow-up and adjust the plan as they develop.
Q 5: Can orthotics replace physiotherapy?
Orthotics and physiotherapy work best together. Orthotics provide the structural support that makes movement easier; physiotherapy builds the strength and coordination to use that support effectively. We regularly work alongside physiotherapists and can provide a referral if needed.
Q 6: How much do orthotics cost for children?
Costs vary depending on the type of device required. Please call us on +91-9354919385 or visit either clinic — we will give you a full cost breakdown after the assessment, with no obligation to proceed.
Q 7: Do you see children at both Delhi and Gurgaon clinics?
Yes. Paediatric assessments are available at both our Delhi clinic (Greater Kailash 2) and our Gurgaon clinic (Sector 50, Nirvana Courtyard Market). Both clinics are equipped to assess and fabricate children's orthotic devices.
Book Your Child's Assessment Today
Early intervention gives your child the best chance of reaching their full potential. Our team is here to listen, assess, and provide the most appropriate support — with no waiting lists and no referral needed.
Call / WhatsApp: +91-9354919385
Delhi Clinic
H-13, Near Balwant Rai School, Greater Kailash 2, Masjid Moth, New Delhi — 110048
Gurgaon Clinic
C-616, Sixth Floor, Nirvana Courtyard Market, Sector 50, Gurugram, Haryana — 122018