J.B. asks from Lyndon, KS on December 29, 2007
9 Month Old Who Still Doesn't Sit Unsupported and Hasn't Begun to Crawl Yet.
I am a new mother to a 9 month old little boy and I'm a little bit concerned that he hasn't begun to crawl yet. He still cannot sit without a little bit of support. I've put him on his tummy for tummy time and he just gets angry and rolls back onto his back when he can't figure out how to actually get going. I think he'll actually walk and just skip the crawling phase but I'm not sure. I know all children develope at their own rate but Is there maybe something wrong? Did I do something wrong? I try to work with him at both sitting and crawling but he just refuses to do either because he gets aggitated too easily. He was born an 8 pound baby and is about 32 pounds now- At MONTHS! His father is a very large man, not fat just built large and so I think he's got his size from his daddy. Could it be that he just cant support his BIG heavy head enough to sit up? Any suggestions would be a GREAT help!
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J.M. answers from Wichita on January 04, 2008
I would not be too worried about either problem my daughter took a long time to sit and crawl, she is now 2 & 1/2 and goes non stop all day. As far as being 32lbs at 9 months my nephew was the same way he was 35 lbs he justed stayed that weight till he was almost 2 now he is 8 and the thinnest boy in the family.
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J.M. answers from Wichita on January 04, 2008
I would not be too worried about either problem my daughter took a long time to sit and crawl, she is now 2 & 1/2 and goes non stop all day. As far as being 32lbs at 9 months my nephew was the same way he was 35 lbs he justed stayed that weight till he was almost 2 now he is 8 and the thinnest boy in the family.
R.B. answers from Springfield on December 30, 2007
My guess is it is his size. I have a 4 year old who weighs 35 pounds. Make sure you are not feeding him too much too often. My first child was "big"...much bigger than the other 3, but he was still under 30 pounds at a year (just over 20 pounds). If he has always seemed to cry often, it could be that he is allergic to something...many doctors say acid reflux, but it is most likely an allergy with discomfort. Is he breast fed or bottle fed? Some babies can not digest formula properly and cry constantly. Moms misinterpret the cries as hunger cries but it is a belly ache from the inability to digest the milk in formula. I would talk to his pediatrition about getting the weight under control. It is true that the more active they are the more they slim down, but if he is too large to support himself, then there is an issue. I had 2 out of 4 that were 8 pounders at birth and they ended up normal by their first birthday. Good luck, and hang in there! My 16 month old is just learning to walk!
D.S. answers from Lawton on December 30, 2007
It could be his weight, but it also could be something else. Talk to the doctor or take him to the health department. Also, consider calling SoonerStart (if you live in Oklahoma, other states have similar programs) for an evaluation. You do not have to see a doctor first. SoonerStart will even come to your home, if that is what you prefer. SoonerStart is for children under the age of 3 who are at risk for developmental delays. Right now it seems as though your son may fit in that category. There is no charge to you for this service. They will even teach you how to work with your child.
I used to work in a child care center and now I teach early childhood education and care at a university. We had a child at the child care center who used the services of SoonerStart. I also have friends who used their services.
M.J. answers from Oklahoma City on December 31, 2007
I was just about to post the same concern about my 7 month old daughter she still isn't sitting up either. I can sit her on the bed with the boppy pillow around her and she will sit up for a few minutes but then she falls over. My son was sitting up at 6 months so I have been a little concerned. Anyways, just thought I would let you know your not alone.
Goodluck,
M.
R.C. answers from Kansas City on December 29, 2007
You should have a 9 month well visit with your pediatrician. You should discuss your concerns with him/her. You didn't do anything wrong!
K.G. answers from Springfield on December 30, 2007
Hi J.,
I wouldn't worry about it. Your little guy is most likely just too chunky to sit or crawl. That happened to my neice and my sister was in a panic and took her to the doctor. The diagnosis was she just had a little more "fluff" and it was just harder for her to do those things. My first son didn't start crawling until he was 10 months and then walked just before he turned one. Trust me, you are not doing anything wrong. First time mommies are always overly concerned. Don't get me wrong, that is not a bad thing. It means you are doing a great job. I still worry more than I should with my oldest. It's because it is all new territory andyou two are learning together as you go. If you have baby number 2 it will seem like a breeze. You are not alone. All those other moms that you see out there that look all cool, calm and collected are going through all the same worried thoughts and feelings that you are. Just remember as soon as your little guy starts to become mobile you will be wondering why you were in such a hurry for him to crawl and walk. Enjoy the time that you have. Once he starts cruising along there will be hardly anytime for anything else because you're gonna be chasing him all over the place. Now just sit back and relax. You are doing a great job. He will get the hang of it! Good luck and Happy New Year!
R.S. answers from Kansas City on December 29, 2007
I think that you answered your own question. I have a two year old that weighs 32 pounds. It is probably going to take him longer to figure out how to move. My daughter is 7 months old and she is 23 pounds. She can sit up for a little bit, but nothing like what my son was doing at her age. She tries to get into the crawling position, but her arms and legs can't support her midsection, LOL! And my son skipped the crawling stage, it just didn't interest him at all. He just started pulling up on everything and then walked at 11 months old.
I do agree with the other post that if it is a concern you should speak with his doctor, but I just wanted to let you know that every kid develops at their own rate.
B.S. answers from St. Louis on January 01, 2008
My daughter didn't start crawling until 1 week before her first birthday. It stressed me out a bit even though people told me that children will crawl on their own time. Some even go straight to walking. Our pediatrician recommended a bit of physicle therapy, which I think did help. We only went 6 or 7 times before moving. But it also gave me ideas of what to do with her at home. what does your pediatrician say?
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