Shouldn't my daughter be able to sit on her own now?

Question

She was born 3 1/2 weeks early. She's about to turn 7 months old (on the 14th) and she sits really well with support, but cannot sit on her own yet. She falls over to her side almost immediately. She also cannot hold her weight very well when you stand her on her feet.(of course with support from me or her dad). She is pretty tiny (weight wise) for her size. Should I ask her Dr. about this or is it normal for a baby to be a little slow?

Answer 1

My son was born one month early. He has just turned 9 months a week ago. I've found that his development is exactly one month behind where the "books" say he should be. He was doing the same thing (sitting wise) and right about 7 and 1/2 and 8 months he just started sitting on his own. Believe me, I know it's hard when you see other baby's moving forward or read where your baby should be by now and she is not there yet. But trust me she will get there it will just take a little longer than you think.

Answer 2

If she was born 3 1/2 weeks early, she should be 3 1/2 weeks behind. Usually a preemie will catch up by the time they are two. But all babies reach the milestones at different times, they are just averages. Ask you doctor about it at her next visit. And try not to worry about it. I'm sure she will catch up soon.

Answer 3

My daughter was also a premie.She was a little slow at some developments during the first 2 yrs.After that all is FINE.Don`t worry(I know...easy for me to say,my baby is 19 now & beautiful)
Everything will be fine I`m sure but if you EVER have concerns about your daughter definitely call the Dr! You are her Mom & you are the one who has her very best interest at heart.Good Luck w/your beauty & God Bless.

Answer 4

My twin nieces were born 3 months early, they will be one next week. They just started sitting on their own a few days ago.
Your baby will be ready soon do not worry.

I think it is called a bumble chair, look into that, it really helped them

Answer 5

Every baby is different, and you should automatically factor in her prematurity when looking at milestone averages. If she was nearly 4 weeks early then look at milestones for 6 month olds. Here's a link to milestone information that may help.

She's actually doing really great, as sitting unsupported is an 9 month milestone. :)

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/guide/is-your-baby-on-track

Answer 6

All babies develop at different rates. It sounds like your little girl just physically isn't developing as quickly. It's really not something you should worry too much about. She'll catch up soon enough. Just remember that developmentally, she's really just past 6 months since she was born early.

Answer 7

I have a son that was born 9 weeks early and he is just learning to sit up and he is 7 months. Preemies have so many things going on with them. She'll sit up when she is ready. One thing I tried with my son was sitting him on work out ball and bouncing him. He really had to use all of his muscles to help hold him up.

Answer 8

Every baby is different. Even the difference in my two are extreme. It wouldent hurt to ask the doctor Iam sure they expect questions like that. I wouldent worry. My first was a premie and small. It did take her a little longer but she is six now and you would never know.

Answer 9

She's doing fine but mention it to her doc. My friend's son didn't sit up on his own until 9 months, doc said it was because his back muscle hadn't developed as quickly as some babies.

Answer 10

Babies grow and develop at different rates. She sounds on track to me, but I think a mother's instincts are important. I'd have have the doctor check her out and put your mind at ease.