my baby is developmentally behind?

Question

anything that involves being smart he is ahead in, but anything that involves being strong he is behind in. he is 9 months old and he just started rolling over, he has a hard time sitting alone, he doesn't push up on his arms when he is on his tummy. i was wondering if anyone else had similar experience and what they did to help thier little one develop better.

Answer 1

He may be OK, but the one thing that you did say that concerns me as a doctor is that he doesn't sit well. At 9 months he ought to be able to sit well on his own. The other things you described we see a lot nowadays because kids spend so much time on their backs. Tummy time (when awake) is still important and this can help his "ventral motor skills" develop (like pushing up, rolling from front to back, crawling, etc.)

But the not sitting up part is a bit of a concern. Was he a premie? If not, you may want to mention this to his doctor. He may just be a little behind in these areas, but that part concerns me. There should be an early intervention developmental program that can work with him if necessary. Just keep those doctor's appointments!

Answer 2

I take care of this little girl twice a week and she was like that when she was little. She was having full-sentence conversations at a little over 2 years old, but had such a hard time with walking and stuff like that. She never crawled, but she would scoot. The best you can do for him is get him in a baby gym and once he sees other kids his age doing things he can't he'll try to immitate them and learn. Also, do a lot of physical activities with him, sit him up in your belly and start standing him up.

Answer 3

My oldest was the same way. He was speaking VERY early but at 9 months he still wasn't rolling over or sitting up. It really worried me and I wasn't finding much comfort in the whole "all babies develop at their own rate" philosophy. His doctor finally ordered physical therapy. That really helped him developmentally and me emotionally. :-) You might want to ask your doctor if Phyiscal Therapy would be appropriate.

Some of the things I did was prop him up on his tummy on his boppy pillow and help him straighten his arms. This helped with his upper body strength.

Good luck! :-)

Answer 4

I'm wondering if weight is his problem. Is he too fat??

Besides all the standard comments, like "did you take him to see a doctor", and you say he's smart, all he has to do is have a little motivation to kick it in gear.

Give him things he has to reach for, give him approval and smile for what he DOES do, and lastly, DON'T worry.

Being worrysome makes everyone anxious, and it doesn't add one thing to his ability.

My twins have been too "active" and I (daddy) let them fall down "alot". Alot means some, since mothers typically catch every little thing. At around 17 months I was letting them swing on the big swings, etc. They'd 'cry' if I tried to take them down. I'm trying to get them to swing themselves, rather than me pushing them.

Also, if he saw other youngsters, then that might help. One twin learns off the other.

Answer 5

My firstborn dauhter was behind phsically we had a Physical Therapist and an Occupational Therapist. They gave us exercise to do with her. Now she's 4 and is running around and is a normal 4 year old. You would never know she was ever behind. My advice is to lay him on his back and do stretches with him. He may not like it at first but should get used to it. Ask your Dr. if he can suggest someone to work with him.

Answer 6

I don't know of anyone who's had this kind of problem, but here are some things you could try with him. Try putting him in a walker/saucer so he can strengthen his stomach muscles and it will be easier for him to learn how to sit. Try letting him walk while holding his hands so he can improve his leg muscles. To get him to start crawling maybe try laying him on his stomach and encourage him to crawl to you by putting a toy or something interesting in front of him. Here are some things that might help move him along if you wanna try them:

http://www.fisher-price.com/us/infanttoys/product.asp?id=30958&media=458512&history=3&s=buocean (this gym can be converted to where he can sit and play instead of laying underneath for when he gets older)

http://www.fisher-price.com/us/infanttoys/product.asp?s=buplayzone&id=10212&index=1&pos=0

Answer 7

My son couldn't roll over till after he was 1 yr old. He couldn't turn his neck though. Actually its not to abnormal for your to start doing that. But if your not sure check out your local health dept they have programs you and your child could get in to help. There are also sites that can advise as well. I like this sit myself.

Answer 8

That *isn't* developmentally behind. That is your child choosing which skills he wants to work on. It's not a bad thing; it will be a talent that will serve him well throughout his life.

You *can't* choose your child's interests in life. That's one thing you can learn from him already. (Some parents don't learn this *ever*!!) Just love him for the special individual he is.

Answer 9

Nutrition at his age is very important. Are you feeding him things high in iron or protein? Babies that were/are breast feed also tend to be stronger. Did/Are you breast feed him? My mother actually stopped carrying me as much after sometime (when I was able to crawl) and made me rely on myself to move. Try that, if not already, to your son. It is also good to give your child time. And, check with a doctor to see if your child doesn't have any problems affecting his strength.

Answer 10

There should be a group in your area that will assist with assessing your child to make sure he is behind developmentally and I would check with them immediately-the earlier it is caught, the better resources and support you and your child can have. Check with your local Headstart to see if they can refer you to your local agency.