11 Mo Old Won't Crawl. Help!!

L., you have not done anything wrong. The reason for the delay could be because of his helmet. It would have been harder for him to balance. My son was around 11-12 months when he started to crawl, and then, only did the military crawl. He was a heavy baby! Even at 9 months, I had to prop him up w/ a pillow to just sit. By 13 months, he was learning to walk. It all happened within a matter of weeks. He went from not crawling, to sort of crawling, to standing, and then walking, within a short time. Give him a little more time and maybe just help him with the walking part, to strengthen up his legs. We used an item called "walking wings" to help with the walking. That was before he was even crawling.

I would find me another doctor---NOW! It is not so much that he doesn't crawl---but he cannot sit up--he is also problably off balance and "top-heavy" wearing the helmet---sounds like maybe a muscular/skeletal development issue--I would have an orthepedic doctor take a look also----you can take no chances!

Me: Mom of two and Nana of 3!

My daughter didn't roll over until 8 months. Then, she never really crawled. She did this weird thing where she scooted on her bottom and used one leg to push her forward. She ended up walking at about 13 months and was, and is just fine. I even had ECI, Early Childhood Intervention, come and do an evaluation on her, and they too said it was nothing to worry about. And guess what, she is 7 years old, and you can't tell the difference in her and those "early walkers or crawlers" now. They are all the same.

L..
A babies time line is NOT always right. Both my girls were either to far on it at their age or behinnd on it. My oldest, know a teenage never crawled. She stood and walked around the table at 7 months and walked on her own at 8 months. This is way early. My youngest who is 8 know also did not crawl. Instead she rolled to get where she wanted to go. She started walking at 9 months then at 11 months she started to crawl. Most babies will get on knees and hands and rock forward then fall, this is the first step to crawling , then watch out they learn fast. Help your son when he is down that way. Move arm then knee to show him this is how it is done. He will get it. YOU ARE NOT A BAD MOM!! REmember every child is different. good luck your a wonderful mom:)
P.

My daughter had similar issues. When she was not crawling by 11 months I called early childhood intervention...childfind. You can get a referral through your school district. The came out to her daycare and worked with her to build up her strength in her arms and coordination. They thought she might have toricollis but it turned out, after seeing a cranio-facial specialist and doing and x-ray, she had craniosynastosis, where one of her cranial sutures had already fused in-utero. She ended up having surgery to correct it at age two and is now a beautiful little 6 year old girl. Now, you already know your son has plagiocephaly and wears a helmet so that could be what is causing his delay in crawling. Get in touch with ECI, they can help.

L., I know exactly how you feel. Our little girl didn't start "crawling" until she was almost one. She would roll everywhere prior to that...I'm a physical therapist, so that had me very concerned. I had been working with her for months, and still, no crawling. At almost 15 months, she finally started walking. Don't worry too much; I know it's easier said than done, but if your son is showing no other signs of developmental delay, it could be that he just isn't interested in moving and grooving yet. However, if your mommy instincts are concerned, you can always ask for a PT referral to be on the safe side. Enjoy the process...once they start moving, you're life changes drastically! :)

K.

Was your son diagnosed with Torticollis as well? A lot of times Tort and Plagio go hand in hand. I think that seeing a physical therapist to evaluate your son would be a good idea.

My son wore a helmet as well and he did physical therapy for Tort. The therapist was great because once the Tort was resolved she worked with him to meet the crawling, sitting up and walking milestones.

Your peditrician should be more concerned. My son didn't sit up by himself by 9 months old- and they immediately put him in Occupational and Physical therapy to strengthen his muscles and help him get back on the developmental milestones.

Talk to your ped and if they won't recommend PT and OT- I would seek a different doctor. Every child develops at thier own pace, but if they are behind they need help catching up.

i have 3 girls...the first and the third never crawled. they went straight to walking. just keep working with him on his balance and give him the toys like a activity table were he can stand up and lean against it fro support to play. he will walk on his own time. my second was a slow crawler and an even slower walker...she wanted to be carried always. as a a matter of fact she'd still let you carry her if we would. they are so different. enjoy!

I know all kids are different, but you should definitely voice your concerns with your doctor. The fact that he is not walking isnt as worrysome as the fact that he doesnt like to sit up or cant sit up on his own. I have twins that were born with low muscle tone and the sooner you find the problem, the sooner it can be corrected. Im surprised they havent done any xrays or something. He sounds like his legs are strong, so that is strange that he falls back when sitting.
I wouldnt worry too much about it, since it sounds like he is a strong little boy, but definitely talk to your pediatrician about it. They have a list of developmental milestones and if they are not doing certain things by a certain time they are supposed to figure out why.
Good luck!

he may skip crawling and just cruise and then walk....
my two kiddos never really crawled and did not "walk" until 15mo.-- don't worry. Just keep doing tummy time not matter how much is fusses about it-- it helps his neck/shoulders/arms get stronger!

crawling is not a developmental milestone that is measured - some babies never crawl.

You are not a bad mom!!

If you are concerned, get a second opinion. You say if he falls over from sitting, he can't get up. Does he roll from his back to his tummy? Or tummy to back? If he isn't rolling, sitting in a stable position and trying to move in another way than crawling, he may need some physical therapy.

My daughter didn't roll until about 7 months, she didn't crawl until 10 months - and then she barely would do it. Once she turned a year old and took her first steps, there was no more crawling for her - just wasn't her thing.

I'd say, get a second opinion, can't hurt.

Good luck!

Hi,

Has your baby had a hip dysplasia sonogram? You mentioned having to hold his hips steady. You may want to ask you ped. to refer to you to the Scottish Rite hosp. My baby had to have one, b/c he to had the flat head thing, as well as torticollis - which is when the head is tilted in one position. The staff at Scottish are amazing and all there services are free. Not sure if this is the cause or not, but it seems similiar to what we went through. Hope this helps!

I did't read all the responses..But I agree with everyone that said contact ECI!!

I beg to differ with some of the respondants. Children develop their visual perception when crawling. It's a necessary part of their development. Having said that, children are also of the "monkey see, monkey do" mentality. My grandson wouldn't crawl. I asked my daughter if she ever got down and crawled so he could see it. NO! So I started crawling around him. Eventually he got it and started crawling. It was a scoot at first, but developed into a full crawl. Try to entertain him while he is on his stomach, a little at first, extending the time a bit. This is one of the downsides of keeping babies on their backs all the time. Keep working with him and I think you'll see improvement.

My son hardly crawled. He, for a very short time, crawled if you want to call it crawling, and then he went straight to walking. Differnt kids develop at different points. I'd talk to your doctor about this to ease your mind, but honestly I think this is more common than you would think.

Don't worry about it. It sounds like he is still on track. Keep up all the things you are doing. Babies develop at different rates, maybe he is more advanced in other areas. I know it is a natural thing to do, but try not to compare your baby to others. My little boy hated tummy time and only crawled a couple of weeks before he started to walk. He started walking one week past his first birthday. Now, he is advanced in all areas. He knows all his letters and numbers up to 20, can read several words, and can write several letters independently. He is 3. Keep trying to develop those areas, but also play on the floor with him stacking blocks playing with balls, roll the ball back and forth, etc. All of these things develop motor skills. Good luck.

If it makes you feel any better...My niece did not crawl until her first birthday. She did not seem frustrated by this she just didn't have anywhere she needed to go and if she did someone carried her there. She is now 18 months old and runs all over the place. Some babies will not do a new skill until they can really do it. That's why you hear about babies that wouldn't walk one day then got up and ran across the room the next. I'm sure your doctor is not concerned because (based on what you said) your baby has good muscle tone. Every baby reaches these milestones at different times. It is not necessarily an indication of mental or physical problems/delays. When people ask about it just laugh and say "Why walk when you have a personal transportation system (mom;-)!"

Hi L.!

I did not read the other responses to please forgive me if I am redundant!

You are most definitely not a bad mom, and you have not done something wrong!

I have a very dear friend whose little girl just turned two at the beginning of October. She went through the same thing. Your son may never crawl, but he eventually will walk and all will be fine. My friend's daugther hated tummy time, wore the helmet because of a flattened skull and rather than crawl she scooted on her bottom everywhere. She was a late walker, but at 19 months she took off, and you would never know now that her skills development process didn't fall in the typical line of most babies.

My friend had to wrestle with and work through how she felt people might view her or daughter. That is definitely the hardest part of your situation because although it's not the "typical" pattern of development, your son will catch up just fine and will be okay.

I hope this helps encourage and comfort you! If you are interested in talking with my friend, I would be happy to connect the two of you!

Love in Christ,

Lisa :)

First of you, don't beat yourself up! I seriously doubt you did anything wrong. Secondly, request that ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) come out to evaluate him. You can self-refer without needing the pedi okay. At the very least, it will put your mind to ease that he is developing normally. At the worst, they will decide that he needs services and those will be provided to you for free for at least the first 6 months. I speak from both professional and personal experience. I teach children with severe developmental delays but I also have a son that has only very recently (2 weeks ago) been discharged from his ECI services. If you want any further advice on how to contact ECI, feel free to pm me.

Frist of all, you are not a bad mom!! Second of all, I seriously doubt there is any permanent damage done! I am an occupational therapist that works with young children. By 11 months, he should be able to get in and out of sitting on his own, and he should be able to move around the room in some fashion other than just rolling (commando crawling on his tummy or crawling on hands and knees). If he is not doing these things, I highly recommend getting an occupational therapy or physical therapy evaluation. ECI can do a comprehensive evaluation at no cost to you at your house, and there are also many great therapy clinics. The sooner this is addresses, the sooner he will most likely catch up on all motor skills. The normal age for walking is 10-18 months (not 12 months like many people think), so he has lots of time to walk within the normal range, but it does sound like he is behind in some of the transitional movements needed to progress at this time.

The Back to Sleep campaign has caused many of these issues. It serves it's purpose but nothing tells you how important Tummy time is or that you need to start it early because if not the babies hate it. With this being said I would investigate your sons lack of motivation to walk or crawl. (My oldest daughter never crawled but was walking very early at 9.5 months, child # two did not walk until 2.5 years I did have him have physical therapy with ECI) You are not a bad mom you checked the problem out with your pedi. I would see if you could get him evaluated with Early Child Intervention or go to a developmental Pediatrician. I agree with an earlier poster that it sounds as if his core muscles have not developed along with the muscles in his legs ect. ECI or a developmental pedi can give you advice on save ways to develop those muscles. Good Luck ! The important thing is that you are paying attention to what is going on( that is a great mom) and seeking advice.

Unfortunately, I have to disagree with your pediatrician. Many babies have this situation due to the "back to sleep" campaign.

Babies who do not creep and crawl often end up having struggles in school and in other areas of their life. I see them in my practice every day. It is a shame that these things could have been avoided with appropriate development as an infant being emphasized.

Please consider taking some action at this early stage in his life---there is much you can do.

www.parentswithpurpose.com

I would contact your local ECI (early childhood intervention) team and they can come assess him for free to see if he might need some physcial therapy to strengthen his arms/body to help him crawl...

the evaluation is free and if they determine he needs some therapy they do it in your home most of the time for little to no cost to you at all...

the 800 number to find your local chapter is 1800-###-###-####

Good luck
A. J

Please don't feel embarrassed about something your child does or doesn't do. Some parents try to make you feel that way, because their baby did this or that and they treat it like a competition. Adults can be very childish. My baby didn't walk until he was 14 1/2 months old and didn't crawl until he was almost 11 months old. If he is standing, that is fine then maybe he doesn't want to crawl. Not all babies crawl and that is ok. Listen to your pediatrician, and if it will make you feel better take him to another and get a second opinion. Nothing wrong with that either. I hope this helps. Just be proud of your sweet angel and never embarrassed.

My daughter had a helmet as well b/c of plagiocephaly. She was "late" at everything b/c of her "stiff neck" as well. She did not walk until 15 months or so. I can't remember when she started to crawl; however, it was maybe close to 9 months or so. I wouldn't worry about. Just make sure you do the excercises to get his neck strong. You are not a bad mom.

Hi, L.-
Some children skip crawling all together. However, the fact that he hates tummy time so much and the face plant issue concern me. It sounds like he might have some core strength issues. I would call ECI and have him evaluated. It might be nothing but I would want to know.

My son was the opposite...he sat up and crawled early but HATED back time, didn't ever roll over, and couldn't nurse on one side. At one year I had him evaluated and we discovered that he really wasn't using the left side of his body. Now at 5 he is still having motor issues and still has strength and coordination issues. No one thought much of it early on because his legs were so strong.

You have done nothing wrong...children develop in all different ways and at all different times. Some just need a little help.

By the way, the average age to walk is 15 months and there is NO reason to be embarrased by what your son can or cannot do!!! Don't compete...he is who he is and he will do what he will do when he does it.

Good luck! If you have any more questions feel free to e-mail me.

You are not a bad mom! I have heard of babies who do not crawl. They just creep and then go stright to walking. If the pedi is not worried, then don't worry yourself. Don't ever feel embarrased because your child's developement doesn't follow what seems to be normal. All children are different. Just be happy to have a happy, healthy baby and be proud of the great mom you've turned out to be!!

TRUST YOUR OWN INSTINCTS. It doesn't mean anything is wrong with your son, so don't let emotions overwhelm your decisions or worry you. But, don't hesitate to get other opinions and read up about developmental delays. Our son was a late crawler, didn't walk until 18 months, and did have some severe developmental delays in motor skills and language that were more apparent by the time he was 2-3 years old. My pediatrican and most friends said not to worry even when he wasn't walking at 18 months. But, even at 8 months, I had my concerns when he struggled to sit up. And MY instincts were right, I'm so glad I didn't stop at the pediatrican's word and just look for comforting words to ease my fears. I studied and got educated and did my best to be objective.

It's less likely you will regret early intervention, than regret waiting to intervene. There is TONS AND TONS of help and success for kids who have developmental delays. Our son was rather severe and in special ed. at age 3, and taking speech therapy & OT, and did not learn to talk until 6-7 years. It was scary, but he was also an adorable bundle of love and we cherish those early years.

NOW, he's a Junior in High School in Honors Classes, college bound, plenty of friends, and participating in sports and an all round great kid. He's got some learning differences, and he had to work hard to overcome some struggles along the way. But, his early delays were not a tragic thing, but simply a challenge that we tackled and that taught him to become the super kid he is now.

Who knows, your son make stand up and walk and run in a 3 week time, and it will all be nothing. But, look for other developmental red flags so you can be on top of the situation if he does need some help. A little intervention at early ages can go a long long way.

Hi L. -

I'll be curious to see what other mom's (and any doctors that read this) think, but I would call the pediatrician and reiterate your concern. Ask her what the normal window for crawling is - I have heard of children that skip crawling altogether and just start walking, but it doesn't sound like your son is trying to pull up at all. You may be wise to get a second opinion.

L.-

I would get yourself and your son to a developmental pediatrician ASAP.

Although your current pediatrician isn't worried, a mother can often tell when something "isn't right" with their child.

Early intervention is the goal.

Take care.

Don't worry too much. You are not a bad mom,but you can still contact ECI for your own peace of mind. They are great. The back to sleep campaign really has caused so much of this and the plagiocephaly. I wish they would tell you more about these issues nad not just back to sleep when you have new babies. I have twins that were later on some milestones. One of them started crawling backwords around 11 months and didn't go forwards until after he was a year old. If you talk to your pediatrician again I would really ask about not being able to get to get back to a sitting position on his own and see if that changes his response. Otherwise, just understand that kids do things in their own time.

RELAX!!! Even though there are general guidelines, each baby goes at his or her own pace. I suppose if he had been stuck in a crib all his life thus far with no stimulus, you might have interfered with this babies maturation process, but outside of that, you've done fine. Just relax and let him progress at HIS rate, not other peoples' idea of what his progress should be. He may well walk before he even really attempts to crawl. Believe me, in the twenty years to come he will do plenty to embarras you! So save your embarrasment for those situations. Allow him to be the 11 month old he IS, not someone elses opinion of the 11 month old he should be. If you don't trust your pediatrician on this issue, what are you going to do in a critical situation?

Oh, bless your heart. Don't worry about it. Please let yourself off the hook. My son didn't walk until he was 15 months and my daugther did everything early and walked at 11 months. I did the exact same things with both of them. Kids are all different....
Find something he really wants and put it a few feet away from him. Let him work for it. He'll figure it out in his own time.
But seriously, don't be this hard on yourself. Love him, enjoy him, and laugh as much as you can. You are a good mom....you are asking for help and concerned....

ECI is great and does in-home therapy and evaluations/testing until your child is 3 years old. After that you have to go to private therapy or thru the school system.

Call ECI- Early Childhood Intervention and tell them what is going on and request for an evaluation.

My husband didn't crawl at all, he went to straight to walking. He does have dyslexia and a learning disability and this may be from not crawling. I know crawling is important for development. He is very intelligent, however has trouble with spelling, taking tests and takes more time if he has to answer questions on a test.

Your child may be delayed and will crawl later on. My child is developmentally delayed also and is now getting Occupational Therapy at 3 years. He went thru ECI also and has had behavioral problems.

You are not a bad Mom. Children all develop at different stages/times. Each child is unique and will do it when they are ready. You are doing the best you can.

ECI can work with your child, they have Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists, Nutritionist and licensed professional counselors to help you and your child. They work with your insurance and it is free for the 1st 6 months, then they bill insurance after that.

I'll keep you in my prayers for you and your child. Let us know how your child is doing later on.

Hi L., don't be so hard on yourself! He will get it. My second child did not start crawling until she was almost a year old. She slept in a swing until she was nine months old because of reflux, so she did not get much of a oppertunity for tummy time, therefore she was not able to "learn" how to do it. I suggest just making every oppertunity you can to encourage this milestone. Get on the floor with him, and encourage him to come to you or his favorite toy. Let him watch you crawl around, too. I would not worry too much as long as he is hitting his other milestones. I am sure before you know it he will be getting all over the place and getting into everything! Then you will be saying can you please sit still for one second? LOL!

I am assumming this is your first child. As a frist time mom I was really worried about the development of my child and I still am somewhat 8 years later. My daughter didnt start walking until 11 mo. and that is slow for girls, and she had a speech imparement until she was 5 and I kept obcessing over that she needed to be just right to be at the perfect stage every time, but then I realized that every child is different just like their finger prints. Some excell in some areas and some lack in areas. I have a friend who has a son who wore the doc band because of the flat headedness, he didnt walk for a little while, and I think ( my opinion ) that it feels a little cumbersome and maybe he might have a sensitive equillibrium ( sense of balance ). I do know for a fact that my friends little boy dosnt like hats at all! LOL Who could blame him after that!
My suggestion is just relax some, give it time, if you are still concerned about developmental issues maybe get a second opinion from another pediatrician. But if his other motor skills and verbal skills are fine then I wouldnt sweat it too much. Once the doc band is off for a little while and hasnt crawled or cruised or walked then I'd be concerned. Again dosnt blame yourself, relax, just try to roll with the punches and deal with things as they come. Over all it will all seem like a distant memory and story from the past to tell. Positive influence, encouragement, hugs, kisses and laughter are some of the best things we can give our children.

Hi L.,

You are doing a great job. Go easy on yourself.

I agree with other posters recommending a second opinion or an eval by ECI. I would like to tell you that I offer yoga therapy to children as young as one month. This therapy can help improve muscle tone. If you are interested please see my website.

Peace and Joy,
M.
www.yogapotential.com

There is a window of time for developmental steps that is considered "normal". I would recommend looking into a child development text book and seeing what the norm is.

He could be one of those kids that skip the crawling stage entirely and just starts walking. Dont feel bad though! Whatever IS going on is not because you are a "bad mom"!

I would continue to voice your concern to your pedi...maybe even seek another opinion. He might need therapy if he doesnt progress. Mostly though, Ive found out...all things seem to work in the end. Good luck.

i didn't walk till 18 months old out of pure laziness! if you really are worried, get a second opinion, but try not to be so negative about it.

I agree with everyone on here that babies develop at different speeds and ways--please be easy on yourself! The other postings recommending you contact ECI may be good ideas--if nothing else to make yourself feel more comfortable in what your baby and you are doing.

My baby was behind the developmental charts on turning over--ECI visited her daycare to do a quick evaluation on everyone, and the physical therapist taught me a few movements to work on with her. They seemed to help her get out of her comfort zone and try new movements that she wasn't automatically doing. Soon she was rolling all over the place. She was also slower to crawl than her peers and isn't walking yet at 13 mos. Through it all, her pediatrician was/is not concerned at all. But it was helpful to have someone to consult and something to do in the meantime while my baby got ready! Good luck!

First of all....Your ped is not concerned???? That is so insane. There may be something going on with him. If I were you I would stretch out his vaccines!!!! I am not anti vaccine but they wreak havoc with the schedule they have now. My son is vaccine injured so I know what I am talking about! You should probably go see another doctor. Maybe a developmental Pediatrician. Is there any other concern? If so call ECI (early childhood Intervention) and they will do an eval. I WOULD NOT WAIT AROUND and listen to your doc. Many times there are reasons for not meeting milestones. Even a sensory issue could be the reason.
L.

Give yourself and your son a break--he will crawl and walk when he is ready. My husband's little brother didnt walk til he was almost 2 and now is a completely normal adult. Some kids do things differently. Eventually he will catch up--I bet he can do other types of things that other kids his age can't, too. I know it is easy for others to tell you to relax, but if your pediatrician isnt worried, I dont think you should be.

L.,

As a mom to three and a grandma to two, I want to commend you for your concern. While your pediatrician may not be concerned, you are. I agree with the posters who recommend Early Childhood Intervention's involvement. I also agree with the posters who suggest that you seek a second opinion. Your pediatrician is not with your son all the time, and you are. Trust your motherly instincts. That is why God gave us that sixth sense.

Regarding the questions about your son's development, you don't have to feel as though people are questioning your ability as a mom. Just come up with a "stock" answer and smile. You could say something like "He's right on track!" Then change the subject.

Best of luck.

My daughter crawled "late" and walked "late" and she continues to do other physical things "late". But for all these things she is still in the normal range. Perhaps it's just the nature of your child, that is what I have decided. He is just not motivated to be physical.

All that being said, if you are really worried make them listen and test him. Seriously don't wait, follow your instincts. When they tell you it's OK, tell them NO, I WANT YOU TO TAKE ME SERIOUSLY AND FOLLOW ALL COURSES OF ACTION.

good luck. Cat

My youngest didn't crawl until 11mo. She was a big baby. I don't know if that had anything to do with it but I always thought she just had a hard time moving her big ole body around. She didn't walk until almost 18mo. People used to drive me nuts asking why she wasn't crawling/walking yet and what's wrong with her? Well, I'm happy to day she now 2 1/2 and perfectly normal. I was worried and scared too. If your pedi isn't concerned than you're most likely ok. If you really feel strongly that something is not right, follow your instincts. Get a second opinion or call Early Childhood Intervention and get an assessment. I know I did and they told me to wait until 18 mo. By that time, she was running around all over.

Don't feel bad and you aren't a bad mom. My son didn't crawl until he was a year and 2 days old and he didn't walk until he was 16 months old. He never was a tummy time baby either! Now at 19 months, he's running all over the place. All I can say is enjoy the time right now that he's immobile; everything is still safe and you aren't running all over him like crazy! As long as the pedi isn't concerned, I wouldn't be either.

I think you already have had enough feedback, but I still felt like I should tell you not to worry about his development but I specifically wanted to touch on the fact that you feel like a bad mom.

You're not! I, too felt embarrassed about everyone talking about how chubby my daughter is and she also didn't crawl until she was 11 mos and all her little baby friends were already walking. I felt embarrassed and felt like a bad mom. But we're just being human. Not bad people.

He will develop at the rate that his little body is ready. My dtr is now 13 1/2 mos old and not walking but she did finally crawl at 11 mos. I don't worry about her walking as much as I did about the crawling b/c that put things into perspective that they will eventually do it - when they are ready.

Hang in there and it sounds like that ECI place is a good option too if you can't stop worrying.

But don't push him. I think that only makes them regress.

I would ask for a referral to a developmental pediatrician. It could be that your child is just slow or it could be that there is something wrong developmentally. Please trust your "mommy" instinct. You have done nothing wrong. I have worked with many mom's and children with special needs and disabilities as a Early Interventionist and now I am a case manager for disabled individuals. If your dr will not refer you than call your local Early Childhood agency and have them come out and do an evaluation.

Feel free to email me and I will do my best to assist you with finding who your child needs.
L. ____@____.com

Don't worry!!!!! They are all sooooo different!
I have three kids
#1 walked at 13 months
#2 didn't walk until she was 19 months old
#3 is 9 months old and will walk any day.