Sitting up but Not Yet Crawling?

Updated on May 10, 2010
S.H. asks from New York, NY
15 answers

My almost 9 month old just figured out how to get from her belly to sitting up on her own. But she won't crawl forward! She winds up going backwards most of the time. She can rock on her hands and knees and get into a downward dog position (hands down and up on her tippy oes). But for some reason, she just doesn't seem to understand how to move herself forward. When she tries she winds up sitting up on her bottom. It's really cute. :) But she also gets pretty frustrated... any mom's have this happen to them? I'm not overly concerned... mostly just curious. Also, she's been rocking on her hands/knees and going backwards for over a month now. And now that she knows she can just rock and then sit up, she seems to be less and less interested in crawling forward. Thoughts?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thank you so much everyone! I think deep down I know she's fine but it helps so much to hear from other mom's. :) And I got home from work today and was just playing with her and she hop/crawled towards me! I know in another month I'll be longing for the days when she would stay in once place. Thanks again... and Happy Mother's Day!

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.C.

answers from New York on

She'll crawl when she is ready. My mother put a line of Cheerios down the room to try to get my daughter to crawl - hilarious! She crawled after my mom left. (about 10.5 months old).

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.F.

answers from New York on

My son didnt crawl until he was almost 10 months old,
I think crawling isn't really even considered a "milestone" anymore b/c a lot of kids skip it!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Boston on

Lots of kids start crawling backwards. She'll figure it out and then you'll need to childproof like crazy! Have fun!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Columbus on

babies find all kinds of ways to motor around. Some just never crawl, but may scoot or roll. She sounds perfect and she will get around on her feet soon, whether she crawls or not. I had a roller and a scooter. The crawler was more efficent, so count your blessings!

M.

M.M.

answers from Chicago on

She may skip crawling all together and go straight to walking. Enjoy this time of immobility! :)

T.W.

answers from Milwaukee on

Take her outside on the grass. My little girl wouldnt crawl because she couldnt figure it out until we put her on the grass so she could grab something to help her move forward. Place a cell phone a little ways in front of her and watch her move. :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.T.

answers from New York on

Some babies dont' ever crawl, they skip over that entirely and go right to walking. It's not a necessary milestone. Your baby will figure out how to get around on her own time.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.R.

answers from Albany on

My son never crawled. He too got up on all fours and rocked back and forth. He did the GI Joe stomach thing until he was pulling himself up and standing holding onto furniture. From there, it was just a matter of time before he was walking. :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.K.

answers from New York on

They almost always rock and crawl backwards before they take the
plunge and crawl.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from State College on

my daughter was like that also. she started crawling around 10 months. it sounds like your daughter will start crawling any day but you never know. some babies dont crawl at all they just go straight to walking! she will do it in her own time

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.G.

answers from Albuquerque on

There are certain milestones that are supposed to happen in order. Sitting then crawling is one of them. Other milestones have not order like talking before walking or walking before talking. So I say your daughter is doing great.

She is also very mobile in her own way. They have the neatest ways of figuring it all out.

I don't know why it is a big deal that they sit and then crawl, but my eldest did the opposite and was sent to a specialist. She crawled at 6 months but couldn't sit. Luckily she started sitting on her own before we had to see the specialist!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Utica on

Hey Runnermom
I think she is in normal range, but always if in doubt check with the MD. Perhaps your MD can ease your mind like mine did when our youngest was 10 months old and when we laid her on her belly she never picked her head up. Yikes!
Guess what she just finished 2 soph year for her journalism degree.
You never know!
God is Good

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.H.

answers from Philadelphia on

Neither of my girls started crawling until they were about 10 months, after they could pull to standing and travel. My older one only crawled for a couple weeks before taking off walking. My younger one gave up on walking when she started to crawl, and didn't walk until she was about 15 months. Don't worry... she'll be walking, crawling, running and jumping before you know it. They do it in their own order, at their own rate. She doesn't need to meet all those milestones - she'll figure out her own means and times. If she gets too frustrated, try getting her a walker. Enjoy it while you can!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from New York on

Try showing to her how to crawl. Sometimes it works with little ones.
Good luck! ))

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.F.

answers from New York on

Hello! If you "know" nothing's wrong, enjoy the sedentary life-for now! lol. Once she starts crawling, it is much more difficult to sit back and relax. My daughter didn't crawl till 10 months, walk till almost 15.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions