Not Crawling Yet?

How many times do mothers compare their child to anothers?  All the time despite the fact that children grow and develop at different rates.  Well, I put down my child's not crawling to just that.  He was just developing at a different rate than everyone else. 

I did plenty of research online and in books to find out why he wasn't crawling.  I asked the MCHN if there was anything to be worried about...of course not!  He was developing appropriately in all other areas.  He would eventually get there.

Come to find out, I was the reason he wasn't crawling. 

Around about the time he started rolling (3 1/2-4 months) he started showing an interest in sitting up.  So I thought I would help him to sit up.  I used pillows, my legs, what ever to help him to sit up and play.  He was still getting tummy time and floor time but I added sitting up and playing time as well.  It was also at this time that he stopped rolling.  But all the books say that kids sometimes develop a skill and then stop doing it.  So I didn't worry too much.

Tummy time was something he hated but I did for short periods.  I was always told tummy time was for neck strength and head control.  Well he had a strong neck so I didn't push the issue.  He would spend 10-15 min on his tummy several times a day.  I thought that was enough.

Talked to the MCHN at my 6 month check up and asked about walkers or other devices to help him to sit.  The only advice I got then was that they don't really help with development of those muscles need to sit and often the kids get left in the walkers longer than they should be.  I also talked to her about him not rolling.  No Worries, he will get there.

Finally at my 8 month check up I asked again about him not rolling or crawling.  It was then that I was told to increase tummy time and stop sitting my child up.  Well, I lost it.  Turns out, I was the reason he wasn't crawling.  Why crawl when his toys are right there, he can sit up tall and see everything and play happily. 

Finally at 11 months he started commando crawling.  That has been happening now for about 6 weeks now.  I don't know if he will ever crawl on hands and knees because he is starting to pull up on things.  May just go to walking!

So in short, tummy time is a must.  Using things like mirrors and toys to encourage lifting of the head is important.  Floor time (back time) is just as important.  And don't prop your child up!  He/She isn't ready developmentally or physically to do this task.  If you do decide to do so, limit the amount of time.

Harrison finally got there and he is so much happier!  And so am I!

In addition...Just wanted to update on the latest.  Harrison started crawling properly in March and has started walking now on his own!  I knew he would get there, he just needed to take his own sweet time.  I am thrilled and he is proud as he could be!