Where Should He Be Develpmentally???

Hi K.,
I also had 2 sons who didn't like tummy time. They are older now and I take them to ECFE, which is like a playgroup and time for moms or dads to talk about issues about their children. I have seen some different developments with different kinds of kids and I think that kids watching other kids definately has a positive impact. Are you using a walker yet? Maybe once he started moving around in it he would realize how much he can move. Maybe he just isn't as interested with being on the floor. But try not to worry too much because before you know it you will be chasing him around.

Every baby is different...mine started crawling a day before he turned 7 months...but I have a friend who has a 9 month old who isn't crawling. I'd mention it at his 9 month checkup, but I wouldn't worry. Some babies are just not ready until later. I'd just keep doing what you're doing...try and get his attention with a toy and see if he'll come to it eventually. If it's some toy he loves it may be motivation to go get it. I know it's hard watching them cry...I'm confused as to why he gets so upset on his belly. Poor little guy. Is it a cry of pain...or just a "I'm mad" cry?

Let us know what happens! Sorry I'm not much help.

K.,

I guess my first question is had this tummy problem just start. Did he use to enjoy his stomach for tummy time or has he always been so upset by laying on his tummy. I would make notes of your concerns for your 9 month check to as your doctor. If he isn't reaching for toys then that to me would be a separate concern. I am not much help, but I will tell you that my 10mo old did not crawl until a few days before she became 10 mo. Each child is different and will do things slightly different but, make note of your concerns and take them to your next appt. If the appt is to far off then call the office and ask for the nurse or doc to call you back.

Best of luck with things!

A.

Hi K.,

My son is almost 14 months old and he was a lot like your little one. He didn't really start movig to get things until he was 7 1/2 months old. I know that all the books give us guidelines about where our children should be by when, but is he happy? My little man still doesn't really crawl. Unless something is within about 3 feet he will roll to it. He is not really showing many signs of walking if I try to stand him up he will stick his legs straight out so that I have to let him sit. He is barely cruising on the side of the tub at bath time. He is SO happy though. He talks and gets excited and is just so fun. If your little man responds to things, smiles, laughs, etc. I wouldn't worry too much yet. He will most likely surprise you one day and just decide he wants something adn he will figure out how to get it. Some babies are just laidback and content to watch the world. One of my friends sisters has a content to sit there baby also.

Hope this helps put your mind at ease :)

K.-
I think that your son is fine! Just remember that all babies do things only when they want to do them. Just because you want him to do something doesn't mean that he is ready. If this is something that is really bothering you then ask your Dr. They will beable to tell you more about what to expect. I think that the more that you are on the floor interacting with him the more that he will want to play...Have you tried to get into a play group? That might help him want to do some more and that will also help him learn how to play with others.

My son is 9 months old and I had the same concerns! He did start crawling, right at 9 months, but before that he didn't really look interested in moving at all either. At his 9 month check up the doctor put him on his tummy to see what he would do, and he pushed himself up on his butt so he was sitting. Wouldn't attempt to go forward. Hang in there, he'll move when he's ready! They do say it's better for them if they learn to crawl before they walk though, just because it strengthens their legs. But I agree with the other advice, every baby is different! A lot of times the first child takes longer to do things because they don't have anyone to watch. (My brother didn't walk until around 18 months, and then I walked at 8 months) If he's happy sitting, let him sit :) He'll do things when he's ready.

All I can say is don't worry and don't push him. My son was crawling by 7 months, but my daughter is 8 1/2 months and just started crawling the other day. He's got to do it in his own time. My daughter never liked being on her tummy either. Some babies just don't. He'll be all right, he'll get there! As long as you don't think he has any other delays, or he's not walking by 14 or 15 months, I really wouldn't worry. And this way, when you set him down, you know he's going to be in the same place if you walk away for a minute!

Don't worry! All babies develop at their own speed. My daugther is 12 months on Sat. and she has never taken any real interest in crawling. She scoots a bit and goes backwards but could really care less. She too hates being on her belly and still doesn't love it but tolerates it more than she did when she was his age. However, she wants to walk all the time. She isn't walking completely on her own but would walk all day with our help. Don't stress about what the other babies you know are doing or what people tell you. He'll do it when he's ready. If you look at the averages on when babies meet their milestones, you'll find that he's probably not off at all. In fact, by 1 yr, only 50% of babies walk. My Pediatrician advised me to keep working with her and encouraging the crawling but said she would probably just go to walking and skip the crawling. Maybe it's good he's getting upset, it might motivate him to start reaching and crawling because he's getting frusttrated.

Good luck!

Every child is different when it comes to learning a new skill. Some kids never crawl, they'll skip right to pulling up. Or they might sit and pull themselves around with their feet. (I didn't know kids did that until I saw it, but it's almost the funniest thing I've seen...they sit and put their feet out then scoot their butt to their feet...great for those abs.)

sometimes, I think that as 1st time mommies we're so excited to see those firsts we forget that their little minds are absorbing so much in our big world. and sometimes what may take us 2 days to think about, might take them 2 weeks. And they don't multi-task yet.

Plus, sometimes if he decides to cry, it may not be an uncomfortable cry. But a "I know if I do this that mommy-person will come get me and hold me" cry. Thus, harder on you than him. I think it's good to give them some alone time with there toys. it helps them learn to change their surroundings. So when their 4 and can't reach the papertowels, they won't stand there and throw a tantrum until you get it, but they stop and look around and go get there step stool from the bathroom.

If he like sitting, then let him sit. At some point he'll decide he want to change his position. also, he could just have a stubborn streak. The "I am not going to do it while you're watching." my son was like that.

Dad could be right, my kids get overwhelmed once they've pulled out all their toys. So maybe try just a few, then go away. and see if after a while he may decide to get one.

Grabbing with his fingers is a fine motor skill, and those tend to develop later in boys.

My eight month old son just started crawling. About two days after he did that he pulled himself up in his crib. Yesterday he said DaDa! But he still doesn't have teeth! The point is, they will do it when they want. My middle son slid on his back and never crawled. On his next well baby check the doctor should ask if he is doing this, or doing that. Point out that he isn't even concerned with TRYING to crawl. The doctor most likely will tell you, "Don't worry. Some babies don't."

Just keep an eye out if you notice he isn't developing at all. But most likely he will move when he wants to.

I shouldnt laugh, but boy have I gone thru this 3 times over. It seems like every child I have had, I am a first time mom all over again. My kids were moving around by 6 months or so, but never crawled until they were almost a year and didnt walk until they were close to 18 months. Every child has their own schedule to do the things they are suppose to and every mom wants it to be on their schedule instead lol. My daughter is going to be 8 months old here soon, and though she is mobile, she wasnt babbling nor laughing. Sure she smiled, or did this weird little coughing laugh, but nothing else. I was freaking out, and even talked to her doctor about it, who in turned laughed at me, which was fine, you would have to know my doctor to understand! lol You didnt say if he is babbling or trying to talk. My other two had said their first word by 8 months, a real word not the dada/baba talk. SO if your child IS talking somewhat, then remember this, they cant walk and talk at the same time, they can only learn one thing at a time and they really concentrate on it. See my baby wants to chase after my older two soooo badly that she is trying to teach herself TO crawl and has been rolling and trying to scoop across the floor that she forgets all about talking lol. That will all chance again when she is ready to learn some words, then she wont be as mobile. If you are overly concerned, then do as your husband suggest and walk away. He might have learned that by crying you will give it to him. Trust me, this is a hard thing to do, but it helps the baby, alot of the crying IS frustrations, so sometimes standing there and cheering them on helps or better yet, getting on the floor with him, laying on your tummy so he can see your face and playing get the toy helps too. If you have a walker, or exersaucer or a johnny jump up can be fun for him and something different, it also helps with the leg stregth. Good Luck!

Hi! I have a 19 month old and a 5 month old, and it is my opinion that all babies develop at their own pace. When your son is ready to crawl, he will! I have a friend whose baby NEVER crawled, and he didn't start walking until 14 months. Of course it's natural as a mother to worry about your child's development, especially if you have friends whose babies are "ahead" of yours, but don't - he will do what he is supposed to do! :)

Of course, make sure that at all his checkups that your ped knows exactly where he's at developmentally, and express your concerns to him/her. He/she will know when and if it's time to step in. But an 8 month old who doesn't crawl is not abnormal in the least.

Relax, and love your baby for who he is! :) Plus, things get much crazier once they start moving... I'm contemplating tying my son down so he doesn't become mobile for some time... lol

K.,
Congratulations on your new baby. From my experience, as a mother of two, every child "develops" at their own rate. My oldest, now six, did not crawl AT ALL and pretty much started walking once she was able to pull herself up on the furniture. My second (now 4)was an expert at crawling, and wasn't interested in walking until well past her first birthday.

Not to worry, mom. It is good that you have "tummy time" as a regular part of his day, but I wouldn't sweat it that he is not interested in that position.

Good luck, K.