10-Month-old Not Crawling/cruising/rolling (Really) or Otherwise Moving Around!

Hi S.,
No matter what way you choose to parent has nothing to do with babies not crawling or walking I have 5 kids and they all chose to do it there own way at there own time from rolling, sitting, crawling to walking My oldest did everything fast my second crawled and stood fast but took a while to walk my third didnt crawl till he was 1 and walked at 15 months my 4th did everything since he was born ver very fast rolled over at 3 months sat at 5 months and crawled at 7 months and walked by his 1st birthday and hasn't stopped since as for my last my only daughter she refussed to do anything and like your daughter yelled and screamed everytime she was put or rolled to her tummy so we avoided that too as fa as crawling and pulling her self to stand well she perfered us to cater to her and do everything for her and so we did and well she is just fine she walked at 16 months and she is just fine sharp as a tack but just perfers more intelectual stimulation more than phisical so yur daughter may just be a late bloomer on physical and more of an intelect ussually docters give babies till 15 months before they consider a problem with a child for walking and my daughter even went a month beyond that so be patient play games with her on the floor and incourage her but I wouldn't worry to much unless your motherly instinct is telling you different we all know when to listen to that.
Good luck
V.

my boy didnt crawl until after he walked! one day he just got up and started walking! that was at about 12 months. then at about 14 months he started to crawl. dont be to concerned, they all develop differently.

S. ~ Really, you should not worry. Especially if your doctor is not worried. My best friend's daughter (now 22) was the same way. She did crawl until she was almost 2 and did not walk until 3 because she didn't have to. Her mother and grandparents carried her all the time. My best friend also worried about why her daughter was not moving and thought it was something wrong with the baby when in fact it was . . . why should she crawl or walk or do anything if she could be carried everywhere. Kind of like "Why should I work if my parents pay my bills and give me money to spend on myself?" Good luck and you'll see, when she's ready, she'll start moving. Don't hold your breath waiting for her to walk by her first birthday, I doubt that will happen, but you don't need to worry that anything is wrong with her.

Hi S.! Wow, you just told my story. I am very much an attachment parenting kind of mom & my 14 month old has been essentially in sling or arms (and frequently at the breast) or in bed next to me or my hubby since birth.

I took her to her 1 year checkup and the doctor gave me the hairy eyeball b/c she wasn't crawling, standing or cruising yet. She said, "You NEVER put her down?" I got kind of defensive (my in-laws have always been quick to tell me that she hasn't crawled because I hold her too much) and slightly worried (who wants their doctor telling them their kid is behind?), so my husband and I just started putting her down a lot and encouraging her to stand and hold onto this toy with a handle that allows her to practice standing.

Now, at nearly 14 months, she is standing quite well with a little support from us, pulling herself into a standing position, and walking with assistance. And even doing a weird scooting/crawling thing that is VERY effective (I already miss the days when she couldn't get around).

Plus, being an attachment parent is, as I know you know, so gosh darned gratifying and loving and fun and raises really sweet, confident kids.

So, my two cents' worth is, don't worry about it, but maybe start encouraging her to try to stand a bit. But no pressure (Katie never did tummy time either - HATED it).

Best wishes!!!!

My son is now 14 1/2 months old and recently figured out how to crawl. He started cruising around 9 1/2 months and didn't start walking on his own until almost 13 months. He was never a big fan of tummy time and I did a lot of the things that are considered "spoiling". Bottom line is he is fine and normal!Keep an eye on your daughter and if you feel like things are alright or not quite right, go with your gut feeling. In the end she will accomplish all the milestones in her own time. Have faith in what you are doing, only you really know what is best for her.

Hi S.,

Maybe a little more floor time would be good for her, and for your back!! My daughter, who is now 9, was very similar to yours from what you have said. She was 24 pounds by 7 months, and up to 27 by 9 months!! If your daughter is anything like mine, she probably has quite a vocabulary. My daugher was too big to get herself off the ground. I think breast fed babies just tend to be a little bigger until after they start running around (she too, was exclusively breastfed), for me she went down to 25 pounds after she started walking, about 13 months. She would go on her belly, and just kind of scoot around. She never crawled. She didn't roll much either. And she's perfectly healthy, extremely smart in school, and started talking much earlier than both my boys, who were crawling right on schedule at the end of six months. I hope this helps soothe your concerns.

My sister had that same problem with her second child. He is an up baby as well. His head wasn't forming properly because of it. The Doctor sent them to physical therapy but that only lasted a month due to their work scheduals. They did continue the moves that they learned at home. He is now walking, yet he does perfer to sit in one spot and everything come to him. I wouldn't worry so much but what I would do is give her more floor time and be on the floor with her. Do the things that you want her to do by showing her them and making it fun and have her laugh at you for doing them. You may feel silly buy come on its fun being a kid. Believe me I wish I could be one sometimes. Good luck!!!!!

Don't worry too much my DS didn't start crawling until about 10-11mo and hated to roll. He kind of slithered arround like a snake. I believe he hated to roll and be on his stomach due tothose SIDS fears they drill into your head.

I did a modified version of attatchment parenting so my DS wanted to be up all the time or on a lap or with someone. That may have contributed to his late movement but I didn't worry too much. Once he started crawling at about 10-11mo he started cruising along the furniture about 2 weeks after that and was walking on his own at 13.5mo of age.

You can work with her at home on crawling skills show her how you crawl on the floor, stand her up and let her hold the couch she will eventually cruise.

You may not like this advice but you micht have to have her spend more time out of the sling and your arms. I noticed that when I had him on my hip less he started to move more to get to me. It also made him a bit clingy he used to cry whenever I was out of sight until he was about 19mo of age. If you plan to go back to school she is going to have to learn to be without mom all the time. I know its hard but I had to do it and he now spends more time with my DH, and my mom.

Good luck to you it sounds like you and your daughter have a special relationship that attatchment parenting fosters.

Hi S....I wouldn't worry to much yet. My first daughter was the same way.
She was on me in a sling, or on my lap, or in my arms, every moment when she was a baby,(she's 4 1/2 now).
Just before her first birthday she just stood up and started taking steps. before that she'd lay around or sit and play but didnt have any interest in beeing mobile. She was really smart for her age but just didnt want to move.

enjoy the fact that you dont have to chase her around for now, its a whole new game once they get moving!!

best of luck. J.

i used the baby bjorn for my 2nd son. he was colic though. Being upright was best for him. That thing save me! he love it too! Now he likes to be on the floor to play and chase (army crawl) after his brother. His brother was 15 months when he started walking. Crawling was earlier but not by much. Every kid has there own time to do stuff, so its hard to compair to other kids!!!

I do believe you should let your daughter down more, let her explore a little more by herself and of course you right there encouraging her along. You want her to get used to being on the floor, especially how big she is now, you dont need to put anymore strains on yourself. If you intend to carry her around constantly she will not crawl, nor will she walk. You need to start encouraging her. Not saying she will be love it at first, but she will start getting used to it a little at a time. She will be walking soon, so you should encourage her to strenghthen her muscles. Have you tried a bouncer? Those are really helpful for building muscles. If she never crawls, dont worry, some children dont. My first child never did and now he is a great runner. What field are you studying and where are you attending school? I think that is great you are continuing your education. Good luck with everything!

Hello S.,

Well first off let me tell you I'm kinda in your same position. I have a handsome young boy named Dominick who just turned 1 in March. He was born at 8.6lbs and 21 inches long, by his 1 yr. chech he was at 19lbs and 28 inches long. He is healthy and within normal range.

He too didn't get much floor and tummy time as he should have. I didn't really carry him much but he didn't like being on his tummy either, then I would lay him down and put toys around him but he started rolling over till about 8mos. He finally learned how to crawl at 10mos and 1 week old. Which worried me, but as soon as he took off, he loved crawling and was able to go any where he wanted. I wanted him to be walking by the time he was 1 yr. old too, but no good luck, he isn't walking yet. I put him on his walker and he is fine but he just has no interest in walking really. He can stand up and move around as long as he is grabbing on to furniture. So I asked his Dr. but was told he was O.k. and if he was cruising he was really close to walking. The deadline he gave was about 16mos of age.... so lets see how it goes.

I would suggest trying to make it more fun, like playing with her while she is on the floor, also giving her a ball to play with. I also bought my son a VTech Sit to Stand Activity walker which he loves standing by it holding the bar while he pushes the buttons and hears music. One other thing people have suggested to me is to have him play with other kids. She will see other kids her age playing and walking and will eventually want to do the same.

In the end she is your daughter and only you know her very well. Hope I helped and good luck!

Best Wishes,
B.

Hi S.,

I have to agree w/what the other mothers have responded. This is perfectly normal. Some babies crawl, some never crawl but walk, some roll, some do the army scooch. It really isn't important that they be crawling at this age. My child also walked as late as 15 months. Other people would be walking her by her hands. MY response to that is "stop she will walk soon enough, then I have to chase her." Take advantage of this time to reexplore the ground level of your home for saftey hazards, before she does become mobile. I think she is right on track.

Also congradulations for breastfeeding thsi long! What an amazing triumph for you. I am a board certified lactations consultant and would be willing to answer any questions about breastfeeding or anything else I may be knowledgable in.

Last but not least. Every state has a program called Early Intervention. The Early Intervention program will come to your house, do an age appropriate evaluation and work with the child until the age of 3. I would recommend this before a physical therapist. Early intervention is free. I have recommended people to it on many occasions. I used it when my second child developed a stutter. Boy, was there alot of good and bad advice coming from family, friends and strangers. Finally when they had me convinced she would never speak a full sentance w/out stuttering. I freaked and called Early Intervention. They did a quick eval. and said that she is thinking quicker than she could talk. Guess what .......we paid no attention to it, except to ask her to slow down while she is talking. She is now 9 and I can't keep her mouth shut. She may repeatedly ask for things but no more studder.
If you are not sure where to get the info........type in "Early Intervention, & the state you live in.

Hope this helps. Remember you know your child the best and if it continues to bother you, call early intervention. Otherwise I think her weight might just be a little/lot of work to move around.

PLEASE!!!!!!! Do not let anyone tell you that your infant is over weight. Breastmilk is the best and she will thin out as she starts crawling then walking then running. Save your breath for those days. Also if you have a play pen but do not use it often......DO NOT THROW IT AWAY. Pack away saftly and pull it out at christmas time and put your christmas tree in the play pen.

H. B.

PS.
Good for you for attachment parenting. Try not to listen to people about spoiling your child by carrying them. My girls were both in slings & breastfed until 2 and they loved it.

Hi there...

I can relate to your problem in the fact that my daughter took her sweet time to crawl and walk. I didnt exactly do AP parenting, well cause I didnt even know there was a name for it. I did use a sling quite a bit, and rarely had her out of my reach. When she was about 6 months, I stopped using the sling as much and she spent quite a bit more time on the floor. She really didnt like it at first and I had a lot of wailing fits, but eventually she got used to it and really ended up liking it. Try uptting a pillow under her so her arms and legs are able to touch the floor while her back and belly are supported. The most important would be your doctors opinion. If they think it will happpen in time then relax a bit. Our doctor was tired of us asking when our baby would crawl or stand up nad eventually walk. I'd mainly talk to your doctor in regard to her weight, 27lbs is really quite big for a baby her age, and that may be making it harder for her to get moving. We got yelled at just last month at my baby's check up cause she weighed in at 27lbs at 15months. So I know that can be tough. My baby has always been big. She's 28lbs and 34inches, it seems your daughter is just a big girl too. Some physical upright activity will most likely cause her to grow into her weight. We started by getting our baby a Jumperoo and intellitainer. The Intelitainer thought her to stand on her own, while still letting her feel supported. It also gave her new and interesting toys to play with while in the standing position. She didnt like it at first but I sat right next to her and played with the toys with her. She loves it now, We eventually just took out the seat and now she stands and plays inside of it. The jumperoo also helped with her standing alone and built up her Ab, back and leg muscles which became such a great exerciser for her. I swore that I'd never get such toys for my baby, but after seeing what they have done for her, I am so glad we did get them. There is so many things that can be done on your own, I dont think your baby needs a physical therapist, she just needs the motivation and opportunity to learn to do it herself. It will all happen in time, Good luck to you and your precious little girl.

S.,

Hi! My name is Jenn, I have a beautiful 11month old son Reed. I have to first state the obvious: every child develops at different paces. Now, with Reed he almost learns overnight. He wasn't following the typical patterns..rocking..reaching out..he went from dragging himself around like he had no legs (it was best when he would be screaming trying to keep up with me around the house, I called it his "wounded soldier")Anyways, in just one day, he went from dragging himself to crawling as fast as could be all over the place! Same with pulling himself up on the furniture..one day he is just crawling and bumping his head on everything and one day he tugged and tugged at my pant leg while I was sitting on the couch until he finally got enough leverage to pull himself up. It seemed like a complete accident that too much control and concentration. ;) After that..BAM..he standing up on everything..same day. My best friend had her son 3 weeks before Reed was born so I would always get nervous if I didn't find Reed keeping up with Colby. Colby practiced so much before he actually started to do things it seemed like he was "almost crawling" when Reed was just getting used to sitting up. However, by the time Colby was gettin around, Reed followed days later out of the blue and without all of the practice!!

So what I'm saying is shes not just going to sit there for the rest of her life. The older she gets the more curious she will get..once she realizes that being constantly coddled and loved on doesn't get her hands on the good stuff, she will sort of rebel. Be careful not to get your feelings hurt when she discovers that she can get around to touch and taste all of the things she has been staring at for the last 10mos...she will be on the go and not want Mom to hold her back!! I was a single mom until recently so I was used to him only depending on me for comfort and play. Now, he's constantly running amuck and wants no part of "mommy time". He will scream like I am a stranger taking him away..the doc says he just looks at it like I am a barrier between him and the rest of the ever so exciting world. He's still an obvious mama's boy when it comes to his owies, when he's nigh nigh baby or just needs to be cuddled..other than that he's a mad man!!

Enjoy her laziness for a few...trust me. Soon, you wont be able to use the bathroom without locking her down!!

Hi S.,

If there are any "sensory Interation" therapists around you may want to bring your baby to one of them, a regualr physical therapist won't be able to help you. If there is a Waldorf or Rudof Steiner school around they will be able to get you in touch with one. They are aware of how important movement is in the developement of the brain. It sounds like your daughter is fine but just to ease your worrying. Best, C.

Hello,
I'm another AP mom that enjoys babywearing. However, I haven't done it since day one and in between 2-8 months old, I was working full time so I think he got a lot of playing time on the floor while my sis in law was his child care. I also did a lot of tummy time and he never seemed to mind it.

I think your concerns are only natural - and I'd probably be slightly worried too if I were in your shoes. But from all the AP things I know and have read, babies just go at their own pace and they're all different. My son crawled very early but has no interest at walking at this point. I actually think it's great that your pediatrician isn't worried. I don't really think they should compare babies as much as they do. They're all different - they're all fed different and have such different lifestyles.

I'm sure your baby will get more active soon - and when she does, you'll be wishing for the easy days when you weren't chasing her all over the place!!!

One suggestion I would make though (if you haven't tried already) is to get on the floor and play with her...

HTH!!!

S.,

I'll start by saying--I'm not an attachment mom, so you can take this advice with a grain of salt. But from an outsider looking in, the first thought that came to me is: why should she make the effort to move if you carry her everywhere? She doesn't have any personal incentive.

If I were in your situation, first of all, I wouldn't worry about it. I hardly think she'll be unmotivated to move at some point between now and her Prom. If you'd like to speed up the process, I'd recommend placing her favorite toys around the room (ie: out of her immediate reach) and let her go to them. I'd do the same when she's hungry and wants a bottle. Start out gradually, moving the objects further away each time. She seems to have a stunted desire to explore. I think if you give her the opportunity to find things outside of her immediate area, she'll become more interested in seeking out new stimuli.

My son is planning to go to Italy for a year when he graduates from high school this June, so sometimes that exploring may take them farther than you think. ;)

Good luck.

Warmly,
A.

Hello, well i do believe it's from not much floor time. You see, in my culture we believe that you shouldn't carry your children so much, my son was walking by 10 1/2 months. Now I have a friend that is like you and has always carried her child, she's 16 months and still is not walking. Well I started watching her for two weeks and she's walking now. Your daughter will adapt to anything you give her. put toys far away and let her do things her way. It's amazing how fast they learn!

I have 4 kids and can tell you that with or without AP kids develop at different rates. My 1st child (boy)rolled over at 3 months was crawling at 5 months pulling up by 7, and walking by 10. He also spoke full sentences before his 1st birthday. My 2nd child (girl) was very much like yours...she would sit in pretty much whatever spot you placed her in and be content to stay there and look at books, toys or whatever was available. She didn't roll over until almost 9 months didn't walk until almost 18 months and hardly spoke until she was 2. She too was a VERY big breastfed baby (95th percentile or more in everything)! She is now a bright kindergarten student performing at the top of her class...oh, and she walks fine too :)! My 3rd (a girl) was much like my 2nd except she was petite. Then with my fourth - also a girl - I changed my parenting style a bit. I slung her constantly and she slept in a sidesleeper - attached to my bed. She actually rolled over at 6 weeks (it was creepy but she could repeat it at will so I knew it was for real) crawled early, pulled up early and then started walking at 13 months. She just turned two and speaks so clearly that within probably 6 months she will catch up to third child - who is almost four. All that to say - AP or not, every kid is different! I'm sure yours is fine and the doctors are well trained to recognize delays so if the Dr. isn't worried I really wouldn't be too concerned. Take care - and happy mommying!

My daughter, Raven (now 17months old) went through something simular because of hands on parenting. She was completly happy to just sit and watch me without wanting to move and if I left the room, she would freak out. I found what worked for me was really getting down on my stomach with her helped a lot. As well as putting her favorite toys, or some new facinating ones just out of reach and showing her how to crawl to them. And I'll tell ya what, within a few weeks of this, she was off and about on her own. At your daughter's age, they are starting to have uneasy feelings of being on their own and really seeing their surrounds more..

I hope this helped

S.,
Of course her not crawling has everything to being an AP or "up" baby. It doesn't matter, she'll just develope slower in that regard, but she's probaly going to be an early talker being with you all the time. My three month old has held her head up from day one, and loves to sit in her chair, but refuses to be on her tummy for more then two minutes at a time unless Daddy is sitting there with her. All loved babies are spoiled in different ways. :) All babies are different. My view on kids (I have a 13 year old son with Aspergers) is unless it's WRONG or BAD ignore it. Not everyone is perfect the same way. :)

I agree with tummy time. But my daughter HATED tummy time so I didn't push it. She didn't crawl either, just would sit and play in one spot. She never really crawled at all, just started walking at 15 months. I wouldn't worry to much for now. I think it just depends on the child. My son is WAY more active then my daughter ever was so I have a feeling he will be crawling and walking earlier then her. I wouldn't worry too much!

I am not that familiar with AP parenting, but I think I can sort of relate to your situation. My daughter would not really speak until she was 2 and a half. She could form complete sentences by then, but chose to grunt and point most of the time. I believe it is because I am a single mom living with my parents so I can finish school. When you live with the grandparents who love to spoil children, it barely even takes a grunt for the child to get what she/he wants. So when my parents made it easy for her to communicate without speaking, she chose not to speak. One year later at 3 and a half, she still oftens points and grunts and I am constantly having to remind her to use words. My daughter is not lacking in any type of development. On the contrary, I think she has learned quite well how to use her advantages to the fullest, very similar to your daughter. I think you can get your daughter to be more mobile while still using your AP style parenting, just by engaging in more activities with your daughter. You don't have to leave her alone to get her moving. Her size could also be an issue as I know a few of the above average size children at my daughter's daycare do have trouble walking because their little legs just can't handle the weight. I know some people think they are dangerous or hinder development, but a walker or bouncer might be another idea. My daughter loved her walker, even after she could walk she still loved it. My last piece of advice is that your daughter just might not be ready, and she will let you know when she is. If there is anything I have learned by watching my daughter grow up is that the kids are the ones who set the pace. No matter what they are working on (walking, talking, potty training, etc.) they will let you know when they are ready to take the next step. And you just have to be ready to give them the support and encouragement they need to succeed.

My kids are older now, but from what I remember babies move when they see something they want. I would suggest when she's on the floor, put her favorite toys just out of reach so she has to move to get to them. She may fuss a little, but she'll eventually work it out for herself.

Hi, I am also an AP and when it comes down to it I go to sandiegonaturalfamilies.com There doesn't seem to be too many AP's here! Good luck!

All kids do things at their own pace. Stop rushing her! Maybe give her more floor time, and put her toys a little out of reach so that she has to move around to get to them. Good luck with school. I did the same thing while prego with my last two children (work, go to school & be prego...ugh).

S.
Mom of 3

I wouldn't worry about it.

Ever since all of the "back to sleep" warnings to prevent SIDS, lots of kids have skipped the crawling stage... mainly because "tummy to play" ends up not happening (like you said). So they don't end up developing their back muscles as early as the generation before them did (a generation which was laid on their tummy when sleeping and so learned how to push up earlier).

As for slinging... hogwash. Babies are slinged the world over and end up walking just fine. Your little one just has her own timeline ...and when she see fit to let you know when SHE is ready to walk, I suggest donning running sneakers, because it will be difficult to keep up!

My 9 month old is the same way. He's just content to stay in one place. He also cries and wails when I put him on his tummy...but is getting better. He rolls on his back when I put him on his tummy. I've tried spreading toys around so he can reach/crawl to them but he'd rather give up and sit there. He loves it when I walk him around so he might skip the crawling altogether. I have a feeling he's gonna take off in no time!

My mother said today that I probably carry him around too much, but I don't think so. He spends alot of time on the floor playing.

I'd give it a few more months (3-4) and then start asking the doctor. I've heard that some babies just out of nowhere start crawling/walking. Just do more tummy time for now. That's what i'm doing. My son is crying less when I put him on his tummy....so it's working.

Good luck!

Hi S., my son is also 10 months. I haven't strictly followed any one parenting method but I guess my style falls into AP. He sleeps with us, I breastfeed on demand, I hold and carry him most of the time, etc. But he does go to daycare. He also wailed during tummy time and was later than other kids to roll over and crawl. He began scooting on his butt in Dec. He starting trying to crawl in January and now he goes like lightning. He started pulling himself into standing position about 2 weeks ago and is now trying to take side steps (not quite cruising). It seemed like he was perfectly content not to crawl because I was always holding him. If he'd squirm, I'd walk around with him. I started leaving him on the floor and I'd step away, like behind the couch and play peek-a-boo. This got him interested in seeing where I went so he'd try to scoot after me. Maybe try this a little bit. If he got worried, I'd come give him a hug and put him back and try again. It takes a while, but try that to see if you can get her interested in seeing where you went.
J.

I think there's nothing to worry about, every baby is different! My first child hated tummy time and didn't crawl until over 10 months old, but she was up and walking before her 1st birthday. My second child, who is now 13 months, isn't walking yet. He doesn't pull-up, he gets up on all fours, but doesn't crawl...just kind of scoots and hops, kind of looks like a frog :). He's not really talking all that much either. He does cruise the furniture like a pro if I stand him up. He is a mama's boy and a big whiner....so if I'm trying to get him to do something he doesn't want to do (like stand on his own) he will immediately start crying and sit on his butt. I KNOW it's not because he can't reach the milestone physically, he just isn't ready mentally, which is fine. I definitely carry him a lot more than I did when my daughter was a baby. I don't sling him, but have to hold him a lot since he's not walking yet...and BTW I don't know HOW you do it with your 27 lb baby! My son is only 23 lbs. and he's huge! anyway, I brought my concerns up at his 12 month check-up and our pediatrician wasn't the least bit worried. He said we should see some big progress by his 18 month checkup. I found out a couple months ago that I didn't walk until I was 15 months....so that was a relief! He's just taking after me! I think you will see your daughter reach some major milestones in the next 3-4 months. If she seems to be interested in something farther away or up higher, help her to figure out how to use her body to get it. Take cues from her. Progress may seem slow, but encourage her and praise her a lot when she does something she hasn't done before. When my son gets up on all fours we go crazy and show him how excited we are. good luck!

S.,
I would not worry about the fact that she is not doing these by the time she is one. My friends girls just turn one and she does not walk and barely crawls and they probably don't do it because they don't feel the need to. However, I think (not that I am an expert) that you should give your baby more time on the floor to play and show her and teach her to be more active. Otherwise she may continue to be inactive and it may become a concern with her weight or even attachment down the road.

Good luck!

B.

p.s.: And good luck in your upcoming marathon! Better you than me :) I hate to run.

Do not worry that she is not crawling...at 27 lbs I am sure that it is not comfortable nor easy to crawl. If she is on track developmentally with everything else the crawling will come. Babies learn new skills at all different ages and some kids never crawl. My nephew went traight from sitting to walking.

Dear S.,

Probably she just needs lots more floor time, and less holding. If she cries, then let her, but stay close to see that she is alright. Spread her toys out so that she will need to move to get them. She will cry, but it won't hurt her, and it will help her begin to develop some independence. Get down on the floor with her and play a little game or sing or read, and that will give her some positive feelings about being separate from you and on the floor at the same time.

You really do not need to take her to a physical therapist. The doctor knows more about babies than therapists do at this stage.

Don't let the relatives make you feel like you have done something wrong with the holding and the sling. But now it is time for something a bit different for her development.

Isn't it just the greatest when they start to hold their heads up and be strong with that? I just love it. C. N.