Concerned about DD's gross motor skills - UPDATE!

**Update** - Wow - 9 days after her first birthday, DD FINALLY crawled!!!!! I still can't believe it!!!

We still set up an evaluation for EI next Monday, b/c I still think she may have a delay, but....we are so excited that she is making progress!!!


DD just turned 1 year, and I am starting to get concerned about her gross motor skills.

She doesn't crawl, but she can get from A to B - while on her belly, she sort of 'slides', then kicks off with her leg, then slides, then kicks off, etc.

She can get on all fours, but within a few seconds of being in that position, it's like, she doesn't want to be and she goes 'splat' onto her belly.

She tries to pull up on everything...once in a while she can actually get to a standing position. But most of the time, she gets on to one or both knees...but not to a stand.

She can stand when I put her in that position - she can stand on her own for limited periods of time, and while holding on to something, she can stand for a while. While standing and holding on, she has recently started to take a few steps. But overall, I just feel that she isn't moving that much. I can still sit her on the ground with her toys, and be pretty confident that she won't really go very far!

I know you shouldn't compare to other babies - but most of the babies in her daycare class that are her age or younger are moving much more than her.

I don't think it's a muscle tone issue - she was able to sit up unassisted and roll over right on schedule...and she seems strong.

Anyway, we have her 12 month check up next week, so I will talk to the doctor about it, but I wanted to see if anyone had similiar situations.

Thanks!

Message edited 1/9/2009 2:15:10 PM.

Re: Concerned about DD's gross motor skills

I wouldn't worry too much. They have actually taken crawling away as a milestone because so many kids skip it now. Talk to your ped to put your mind at ease.

Re: Concerned about DD's gross motor skills

Is she a bigger baby? Maybe it is just hard for her to lift up? In any case, I would just ask your ped. Kids develop at different speeds and go through phases. DD was late to roll over and sit up but quick to run. I think every kid is different and you ped can help you understand if there is something to be concerned about.

Re: Concerned about DD's gross motor skills

Talk to your pediatrician, but I think it's early to be concerned. A friend of mine has a 15 month old who just learned to walk. He never crawled and did very little pulling up as far as I know before walking. So every child does things at their pace, and he is doing just fine. He's actually walking quite well now!

So your DD may just need more time. She may not be ready. Definitely mention to your ped, but she's probably just fine. It's hard not to compare though--I know I did (and still do abit0 with DSs gagging on table food issues.

Re: Concerned about DD's gross motor skills

My DS was the SAME WAY! He didn't crawl until he was 1 and didn't even take 1 step until he was 2 days away from 16 months.

BUT I will say that he is a "perfectionist" he only will do things when he knows he can do them. He crawled perfectly and also walked across the room the first time he walked.

I gave myself deadlines wiht both things, like, if he didn't crawl by his first birthday, I'd call EI and then he did. I did the same thing with walking and 16 months and then he did.

Give it time, I am sure she will start soon

Re: Concerned about DD's gross motor skills

If it makes you feel any better - DD never crawled on all fours - she scooted on her butt! Here's a video of it! LOL

Re: Concerned about DD's gross motor skills

Maybe you can also ask your daycare provider. My daycare provider is great on giving me advice/suggestions b/c she has been in the field for so long. I would definitely ask your pediatrician, but I don't think it would hurt to ask your daycare provider.

Re: Concerned about DD's gross motor skills - UPDATE!

bump for update

Re: Concerned about DD's gross motor skills - UPDATE!

Re: Concerned about DD's gross motor skills - UPDATE!

That's great!!