Ok my kids are 4 and 5, so I don't remember the age developments for a child less than 1 year old, but here's my dilemma. My sister had a kid almost 7 months ago and this baby cannot sit up on his own, attempt to crawl or "play". She's currently living with my dad (huge drama of how the baby came in this world) and not working, so she's a SAHM. And from my observation, she holds him all day long. When she does eventually put him down, say to use the restroom, he screams not cries. She's not very good at taken advice from other moms (such as me, our stepmother, etc), but she will take advice from our dad. I would like to know where this child stands on the norm with other babies because the rest of the family is a bit concerned at this point. And by "play" I mean he doesn't play with toys or interact with loud noises because that diverts his attention away from momma. I guess spoiled is a BIG assumption.
Thank you all for the wonderful advice!! Since I don't live near my sister and only see them but once a month, I think it's best that I just step back and watch. I don't believe she is doing a terrible job, I just hope her baby doesn't delay in development. But the only concern the pedi has is his weight was less than 50% at his 6 mth checkup. So to me I guess he just needs to eat some more. Thank you once again for the great advice!
Baby development varies a lot from child to child.
My son didn't crawl until 11 months (but was never considered delayed). He could sit up at around 6 months old. But my daughter sat up much later.
Carrying a baby is not spoiling him, on the contrary it's good for them, as long as they get some floor time also to develop their muscles.
No the baby is not spoiled.
But, ultimately, does the Mom herself have concerns about her baby's development?
ALSO, is she taking him to his well-baby visits? At 6 months, he should have had one, then at 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months then at 24 months old.
At these check-ups, the Doctor will see if the baby is developing normally... but the Mom has to express any concerns as well.
At this age... a baby "usually" is rolling-over, sitting up by themselves, does tummy time, and/or crawling and playing and has good eye reactions meaning, that they can follow objects with their eyes etc.
IF the baby is not doing that... nor responding normally.. .then, there could possibly be some delays. But, only a Doctor can determine this.. ..and what is outside the normal range.
At this age also though, "separation anxiety" does occur developmentally and is normal... and a baby also is learning what is called "object permanence." Look these up online. These are NORMAL developmental stages in a baby.
So, ultimately, Mom has to take her baby to his well-baby check ups, and if she has any concerns about her baby, to tell the Doctor.
MANY Moms carry their baby around. There is nothing wrong with that per say... but, a baby also needs to do floor play as well, to develop their trunk muscles/neck muscles and motor skills too.
All the best,
Susan
First of all, I don't think you can call a 7 month old spoiled. You can't spoil a baby, especially with love and attention! My child wanted to be held all the time too when an infant, so I did just that. Now I have a confidant, outgoing and advanced child. So holding a baby does not spoil them. But to answer your question: by 6 months old my child was crawling. Playing with small toys started around 4 or 5 months, as did sitting up. But every baby does things in their own time. Some babies skip crawling and go straight to walking. You can't compare one baby to another. Is this child's doctor concerned? If not, then you don't need to be concerned either.
If your sister doesn't like to take parenting advice from other members of the family, it makes me wonder if your advice to her is that she is spoiling her baby and should be doing things differently. She probibly doesn't want to hear that. No mom does. Honestly, if she is being an attentive mother (which it sounds like she is) then you all need to butt out and let her parent her own child. I don't mean to sound rude because it is nice that you are concerned for your nephew, but I think you need to step back and let her be a mom. Good luck.
Look at the ECI website for the Texas. That is Early Childhood Intervention.
4 mo the child usually can turn over on their own.
6 month sit up
7 month start to craw
and so forth. Check out the website you can google it.
I am not sure what resources are available in Texas, but in AZ we have a program called AZ Early Intervention Program. If there is a perceived developmental delay (as you are suggesting by not sitting or playing), anyone can refer a child to the program. You can remain anonymous. You may have a similar program in Texas. You can probably ask a pediatrician. Good luck!
hi -
this is an EXCELLENT site that has information for parents, milestone charts, red flags to look for, the importance of tummy time, etc.
Well around 6 months is when they start to sit ,some are older though (my youngest was 8 months). She does need to put him down though otherwise he won't be able to strengthen his core muscles to enable him to sit up. If she will listen to your dad then go to him with all the info and have him talk to her.
My favorite website.
http://www.babycenter.com/milestone-charts-birth-to-age-3...
