need some advice about health nurse visit regarding baby not crawling at 12months....

[kylieb77]

Hi - My DS rolled everywhere until just after 12 months. He actually has never crawled at all, but instead started bum shuffling around 13 months and not until around 16 months did he start pulling himself up on things and was walking just after 17months. So I wouldn't be too worried as there is no 'normal' when it comes to this. I was told that crawling is pretty much the only developmental stage that all babies don't necessarily do. I hope this is a little reassuring for you.

[*Beema*]

Hi and welcome to BB

When DD was 11.5 months I was concerned as she wasn't rolling, should would only sit up right and wouldn't attempt to transition out of that position. We were attending a prem playgroup and I bought it up with the OT (Occupational Therapist) who was running the session that day and she did an assessment, based on her physio knowledge and said that there were some issues and to get a referal to the Paediatric Physio team to get them to do an assessment. DD was literally fighting against rolling, transitioning, anything that was outside of her comfort zone.

We had the assessment done and they diagnosed her with Hypermobility, which meant that she was too flexible, her hips and knees were particularly bad. Her delays were approximately 7 months, and she had a lot of catching up to do. So we started an intensive phsio program,w e saw the physios at the hospital weekly and daily would be going through exercises and routines with her to encourage movement. This brought with it lots of tears, as for her it was a very hard workout, she was haivng to strengthen muscles and gain control of her ligaments and tendons. We integrated her play with lots of toys, activities and rewards, lots of cuddles kisses.

She rolled at about 13 1/2 months started comando crawling at 15 months, she ended up catcing up and by the time she was 18 months she was doing really well, we had an assessment done at 19 months and the morning of that assessment she walked for the first time.

I can highly recommend seeing the physios, because in DD's situation it would have been a very long road to actually help her, and she did have underlying problems and without them we don't know where should would be by now. For the time that it takes to get the assessment done they can pick up if there are any underlying conditions or whether it is just how your baby is chosing to reach her milestones.

Every babe is different, they will all do things at their pace, but the peace of mind and often some really great suggestions from physios in ways you can encourage movement can mkae a huge difference, for us they made a massive difference for DD, and with this bubba we will be keeping a close eye as the earlier we can identify any issues the easier it is to correct them
Goodluck and take care xxoo

[mystic_angel]

Thanks ladies for your replies Well I managed to find a paed physio thru the public health system so it didnt cost me a thing and she was really lovely! Turns out bubs has right torticollis on her neck from her traumatic birth so that explains why she hated and still doesnt like tummy time. I got given some exercises to do for bubs but she wont let me do them arghhh! So will have to try and get her into a baby chiro between physio visits maybe..The paed physio said shes got nothing wrong with her apart from the torticollis so that was a relief..shes just very strong willed and wants to do things in her own time...

[*Beema*]

I am glad you managed to see the physio and have some answers DD was not a fan of the exercises either, and we did have to push her at times, but it was worth it and the physios would push her as well. I understand how difficult it can be

[mystic_angel]

Well just thought id give you ladies an update on how our lil girl is going. Shes now 13.5 months and has been seeing the baby chiro for 3 weeks 2 times a week. Her torticollis has nearly 100% gone! Shes starting to enjoy tummy time now and doing heaps more bum shuffling/lunging but still no crawling/pulling herself up. I guess it all comes down to temperament, everyone always comments on how placid she is so maybe shes just in no hurry? Its starting to get me down I know shes healthy and happy so thats the main thing I guess...Just would like her to not miss out on playtime at mothers group with all the other bubs who are more advanced than her.

[Kazbah]

My little man didn't commando-crawl and didn't crawl or sit either ... he just rolled everywhere! And geeze he was fast at it!!!!! Then he went straight to standing/running and then started crawling. Go figure - this was around 14 months too ... He's just fine now and has great hand/eye coordination, "plays" cricket and is very, very active. I think it's all about what they want to do when they want to do it!

Good to hear her torticollis is cleared up and she's having fun with tummy time

[mystic_angel]

Yeh bubs is a very fast roller too lol...she can sit very well and sort of lean down into a rolling manouver. She is very stubborn and head strong already!