My nephew was very slow to reach his milestones and needed a couple of visits from a physio to show his mum the sorts of activities that he needed to develop his muscles. So some babies need to be encouraged to sit or roll over etc while others will manage this on their own .
It is important that children experience crawling to help develop pathways in their brains. Some children experience problems with not being able to cross their midline when they are older which can lead to learning difficulties that require OT intervention.
You know, there are some people who have theorised that traditionally (I am talking back when we were cavemen and cavewomen) our babies NEVER crawled, because instictively we knew it was unsafe to place a baby who couldn't walk directly on the ground (ie: too much danger from dirt, rocks, predators, etc). In fact, anthropologists have suggested that it wasn't until we lived in huts with "floors" that we ever stopped carrying our babies. Google it and see for yourself.
Needless to say, personally I think the whole "stages" of development thing is a crock. I realy doubt that cavebabies all followed the same patterns while their mums gathered berries and their dads hunted wooly mammoths.........
I agree that being a mummy can really hurt your brain.....and it has nothing to do with our children but all the 'well meaning' advice/charts/theories/studies/experiences....yada yada yada
I agree that it is a mummy skill to take all that is given to you with a pinch of salt because ultimately you are the only person who knows your child best.
I was so milestone focussed with DD#1 that I look back and think I really could've enjoyed just having my baby so much more rather than being unnecessarily zoned in on can she can't she.
Having DD#2 has certainly taught me to relax, be flex and enjoy
Like I said, you know your baby well enough that I believe that either your child will show signs or your mummy instinct will kick in to alert you to something that may need attention......but I also believe that as well meaning as charts are, they cause more grief than pleasure as the poor first time mummy is chastised for not having the 'average' baby, if that makes sense.
Side note: OMG Ozziehoffy!! I can't believe that your little one is almost 1!!! Eeek!! Where has the time gone?!?!
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