My Daughter Drags Her Left Leg While Commando Crawling

I'm a pediatric physical therapist, and I will tell you that kids do many strange things while developing, some of them could signal a problem, but often not. Worst case scenario...anytime you notice something is odd with movement on one side of the body it should cause you to watch closely, because it COULD indicate a brain problem. Really, though, if you are not seeing any other one-sided problems, it is probably nothing. I would definitely bring it to your pediatrician's attention, but I think you would be safe to watch closely and don't need to rush there today. If you notice it worsening at all or she has any problems with her left arm too, then rush, but you may find she will fix things all on her own. Some things to watch is pulling up to stand. Does she use each side equally to pull up or only the right leg? That might indicate weakness on the left side. Can she walk around furniture yet? If so, does she go to the right and the left? Please keep us posted on the results! Good for you for noticing!

Hi! I wouldn't worry. My son also hoisted for the longest time- more like 2 1/2 months. We kept showing him how to crawl on hands and knees, but he could get from place to place faster with the crawl he knew. But then out of the blue (at around 9 1/2 months) he did one long unexpected string of real crawling. Yay! And it took him about a week to give up the hoist altogether. And now he moves like greased lightning! So, I would say, work with your little one and help her to rock. Don't sweat it- but at the same time, you are the MAMA. If you think something is wrong, talk to your pediatrician. There is such a thing as reading too much. Every child reaches milestones and progresses at their own pace. Rejoice in a little reduced mobility for the little while you still have it!

Obviously bring it up at your 9 month check up but I suspect the doctor will say it is not a problem. My son dragged one leg while crawling. It just didn't seem like he wanted to put both knees on the ground. We called it a crab crawl and our doctor seemed to think many kids crawl like this. He is now 4 years old and plays t-ball and soccer and never had a problem with walking or running.

That's how my daughter crawled for 3 months before walking. She's just fine. She's 4 1/2 now and no physical problems at all.

My Son is 13 months, he does this monkey crawl :) he crawls normal on carpet but on our hardwood floor he doesn't crawl on his knee's he literally crawls like a monkey haha.. its funny to watch but he goes really fast. I was worried and asked the Dr. at his 1 year check, she checked his legs said everything seemed normal and if he wasnt walking by 18 months then be worried. Well he is 13 months and still not walking. He only walks along things and this week started to stand by himself and take a step or two then fall. So i think kids do what they are comfortable doing :) Dont stress off of it and check with your Dr at her next check up!

My 9month old favors his left leg when he crawls. He has a well appointment on fri so I'm going to ask his pediatrician. I can let you know soon

My daughter did the exct same thing, I wish I had video taped it. Then she started walking 1 day after she turned 9 months! Now she's almost 2 and to my dismay she's jumping off of furniture and will attempt to climb anything! All that to say, that form of crawling is not abnormal but check with your peds doc to ease your mind.

Crawling is not a milestone, as some children never crawl, however, I would be calling the nurse at my pediatricians office to ask if she needs to be seen sooner than her next well baby visit. There are a number of physical issues that could cause this problem and most will respond better if you seek therapy earlier, rather than later. In my opinion, going to the doctor for a specific concern is more effective because they are focused only on your concern, and there is less chance that the issue will be lost in the shuffle. Never, never wait on developmental issues. The stakes are too high if you are wrong.

M.