my son who is 13 months seems to be developing slowly for his age?

Question

My son is 13 months old, he did not sit up until 10 and a half months. Last month I took him to a paediatricain who said that he would probably devlop later than average and he would look at him again at 18months and if he wasnt walking then would refer to physiotherapist. I am very concerned though. He can now sit up perfectly and can stand holding a coffee table. However, he cant pull himself up yet. He gets into crawling postion but doesnt move. He doesnt clap hands or wave, and when I try and walk him holding hands he very rarely moves his feet. Other than that he is in very good health and is a happy little boy, but I am very concerned over this and wondered if anyone has experienced similar things or could offer advice.
Thank you

Answer 1

hey don't worry he is perfect in every other way right so maybe buy him a walker we got a sit an walk one it encouraged her she was walking quite quick i encouraged her by holding one hand an taking small steps then found that standing them on your feet dance bit walk make it fun then they will want to copy try getting down in the crawling position show him how to crawl in front of him he will try an copy you this worked with mine hope this helps just encourage him he will do it when he feels ready he is probably waiting to surprise you bless them the do that good luck with him enjoy him being like that soon he will be running rings round you

Answer 2

Hey, I don't know what state you are in, but there is something called E.C.I. (early childhood intervention) here in Texas. They will come out and do an evaluation on your child and let you know if the child needs their services and if you should be worried or not. Also, it sounds like you need a new pediatrician. Doctors should not ignore delays in you child's development, especially at this age if it is so obvious to you. To find out about the eci thing, you should contact your local mental health and mental retardation bureau to find out who to get in touch with if it is different in your state. My daughter is 21 months old, and she is probably about a week away from walking, so i know how you feel. Don't assume he is retarded or anything, some babies are just not motivated to walk for a while. My daughter is special needs, but that doesn't mean you son is, but don't dismiss your concerns, you are the one who sees him everyday, and if something is wrong, you are likely to be the first to notice. If your pediatrician is a man then i suggest you find a female, they tend to pay more attention to you and your concerns, and don't dismiss you as hysterical or premenstrual if you tell them there is something not right with your baby! take care, and keep working with him. I hope this helps!!

Answer 3

I really wouldnt worry for the time being, some boys take longer than girls to develop, sitting up at 10 and half months is excellent compared to my son, my son is developmentally delayed due to medical conditions, some boys dont walk until 15 months you ll probable find that he ll take his first steps pretty soon. Try getting him a toy push along thing,, cant remember their name when they can push it along walking so it gets their feet moving a little bit. As for clapping hands wouldnt worry about that either, try singing clapping songs to him, make it fun for him.. If he is happy and in good health for time being, dont worry, your childs health visitor or paediatrician will soon pick up something if their is something wrong, but listen to them and you ll know yourself, think it comes with being a first time mum with all the worry that they are not developing properly... Dont worry... Good Luck

Answer 4

Don't worry all kids develope at different rates, my daughter did not walk until she was sixteen months old. Now you cannot stop her. If his speach, sight and hearing are normal he probably is just a little lazy or not confident enough. Try using a walking device such as a wagon or something for him to push around. If you continue to be concerned ask your GP... that is why we pay all that National Insurance!

Answer 5

I work at a preschool for children with disabilities, and I believe that if you are concerned, you should have your child evaluated by a specialist. Doctors are not always right, and you know your child better than anyone else. Contact your local Regional Center. They deal with children under 3 years old and help to provide services and equipment. If you cannot find information about a Regional Center near you, contact your local school district... they should have a contact for you to get in touch with that can help evaluate him.

Answer 6

Sounds like my lad. Lets just say he was a late developer, and a very contented baby.
Einstein didn't talk till he was 3. Let your lad develop at his own pace. Play games with him to encourage his interest and hand eye co ordination. Get some plastic beach skittles and play in the hallway. Get a big soft ball and roll it towards him while he sits down. Let him draw, and start reading with him.
And please try not to worry, you'll only be watching him like a hawk and you need to be playing with him and enjoying yourself instead!

Answer 7

My mother told me that I was 13 months old before I would walk. Is he heavy? Heavier children are sometimes slower with their motor skills. All children are different and you can't measure one by the other. If you feel that he needs it, ask the pediatrition to go ahead and refer you to the physiotherapist now. You could get him started on theraphy now if he needs it. It can't hurt.

Answer 8

I would take him to another Doc.. get a second opinion. My grandson has been diagnosed with Autism. I don't want to worry you but he was quite slow.

Of course he might be a late developer but if you are worried go to a Doc for second opinion.

Good luck.. and try to relax.. he is probably wonderful.

Answer 9

Calm down. All babies develop at different stages and he might be slower. One thing I will tell you is that the longer he crawls the better it is for him. So encourage him to crawl. When he gets to his knees, get on yours. Rock back and forth and get him to rock with you. Then let him see you crawl. If your doctor is worried, he will get you the help you need.

Answer 10

My daughter was 15 months old before she walked... she is now 4 and the same as every other kid.. don't worry.