Should I be real concerned that my 10 month old has still not hit any "motor milestones"?

Question

My youngest is my 7th child, and I HATE comparing him to my other children because I KNOW all kids are different. But, I am concerned because at 10 months he still doesn't roll over, HATES being on his belly for ANY length of time, doesn't try at ALL to get around, etc. The ONLY milestone he seems to have figured out is sitting alone. (but even that isn't mastered 100%) He still needs the "boppy" behind him. Anyone else have this same problem? A baby who just doesn't want to be mobile? I

should add that emotionally he is a happy and wonderful baby. He plays fine and seems to have most of his fine motor skills perfect! The doctor is only JUST now starting to be concerned and has asked I take him for x-rays of his legs (for what, I don't know) If anyone can relate, please let me know!!!

Thanks so much!

Someone just asked if he is a big baby? The answer is NO. He is VERY little for his age. He is only in the 5% for height and weight. He's a 10 month old looking like a 4 month old. His dad is only 5'4 so we aren't the tallest people in the world, but my other children weren't this little.

Baby was right on time. (someone asked if baby was premature...he wasn't)
Thanks everyone so many great answers.

Answer 1

Some babies do concentrate on one group of skills instead of another. My daughter walked very late (first step at 17 1/2 months old) because she was more interested in learning to talk. Still that sounds really late to be not rolling over at least. (The average baby is rolling front-to-back between 3 and 6 months old and back-to-front about a month later--see sources section below.)

If you are concerned, talk to your pediatrician and ask for a referral to an expert in development. Either it will give you peace of mind, or get you started on the road to getting treatment. (A pediatrician is *not* an expert in this case--you need to see someone else!!)

Answer 2

I worked at a daycare for 5 years, and it was extremely rare to see children of this age not rolling over in particular. As for the mobility, so babies simply don't like being on their bellies and it naturally takes them longer to crawl.

I would start by being very specific with your doctor about your concerns. Find out what the x-rays were for, and exactly what your child should be doing as far as mobility goes. A lot of pediatrician breeze past parents concerns, but don't let them ... it's their job and you are paying their salary!

Thumbs up for not comparing him to your other children, but with your experience you've obviously seen that this isn't quite normal (not that there's necessarily anything wrong, either!). My son has a speech delay, and though it's hard to go through the process of determining the problem(s) and the therapy, it is definitely worth it for their sake!

Answer 3

The doctor wants to see the development of his bones, to see if they are dense enough or if there's any fractures that seem to cause the baby pain from moving. Your baby might have a problem that has not been discovered yet, such as a rare muscular disorder or a nerve disorder. I don't want you to freak out but you should research given the symptoms he shows. On the other hand, he could just be genetically a difficult baby and doesn't feel like doing anything. Don't be alarmed yet, he's still has time. Some people don't walk until a much later time anyways.

Answer 4

One question I would have is, is he a big baby? That may be part of the problem. But by now he should have reached some milestones. Usually (not always) subsequent siblings reach the milestones earlier. Also, does he take a pacifier all the time? I have seen on tv that that can also hinder the motor skills development as they are just content with their pacifiers and don't really care to do anything else.

Answer 5

I symapathize with you. My 10 month old is having almost the same issue. I have 2 other children who developed rather quickly so it concerned me when she didn't start hitting the milestones. I consulted the doc. and he said that some of it had to do with her being born early but he thought most of it was due to the fact that she wanted to be lazy. She also hated being on her stomach (but that seems to have changed lately) she is able to sit up alone. It was nice to hear I wasn't the only one dealing with this concern. I wish you the best and hope all turns out well.

Answer 6

I think you should ask your doctor for a referral for a physical therapist for your baby. There is definitely a range as to when your baby will reach certain milestone (sitting alone, crawling, standing, etc) but he is reaching past those ranges now and now it's time to be concerned.

The thing is, it could also be his environment. You say you have 6 other kids. Do they always get everything for your baby? If this is so, this may be inhibiting him from reaching out and trying new skills like crawling since every need and toy is always within his reach. Just something to think about.

Good luck.

Answer 7

As you said all children are different... My daughter just turned 10m on the 12th. At 9 1/2months she was able to sit up but was not very coordinated...or mobile. In a matter of 3 weeks she started rolling all over the place, crawling and this week she is pulling herself up in the crib and on furniture and now is even cruising...Its amazing how fast it all happened.
And while I truly hope that nothing is medically wrong with your son and taking him for tests can't hurt.. I think you should not worry and enjoy the fact that you have 1 less child to chase after..Good Luck and best wishes

Answer 8

Sounds like there is cause for concern, have your Dr. refer you to Regional Center in your area and they will get you ANY help you need. I know this because my son is a special needs child and he was diagnosed at the age of 1. He never hit any of his milestones on time. He is 3 1/2 now and still doesn't talk but he is in speech therapy. Anyways the best time to work with them is NOW, so don't wait any longer.

Answer 9

Keep on the doctor to figure out what is going on. From what you have described it doesn't sound right for a ten month old not to be rolling over, and beginning to crawl. It raises red flags that his gross motor (large muscle) is so delayed. Did he have difficulty holding his head up? Push the doctor to make sure that there isn't a physical problem.

Answer 10

My mother told me that she thought the same thing about me when I was around that age so she started watching me VERY closely. Come to find out that I was doing alot of things behind her back but when being watched I acted like I couldnt.
I just wanted to be held all the time and carried so when being watched I was being sneaky and not showing what I could do..........LOL

If you have that many kids then maybe your child has figured out that this is the only way to get your undivided attention. You think that he/she cant do it so you do it for them.