My son is 10 1/2 months old and seems to me to play differently then other kids his age. When we go to play groups other babies seem to crawl around and explore but my baby just wants to stay by my side. He also seems to be super cautious about pulling up, getting on his knees, and he only takes steps holding on to me but no cruising on furniture (and he still only crawls army style). My husband thinks I'm overly concerned, but I just want to be sure that this isn't a sign of some bigger problem.
I have a family daycare and have had a few babies come through just like yours. They have all grown up happy and healthly.
I know exactly what you mean. You're describing my oldest son. He just turned 3 yesterday, and is a happy, healthy child. He's still very cautious. It's just his personality. However, with time and experience, the cautiousness is not so overwhelming and he is now much more like the other children I see, especially once he's used to a place and/or situation. I spent a lot of time worrying about him socially for no reason. It's what makes him himself. It was hard taking him places when he really didn't seem to enjoy himself. However, we just discovered if we didn't push him and let him acclimate (sometimes taking many visits), he would eventually like it. If he really hated something, we just backed off and tried something else. I hope this helps - so many people don't understand this personality type.
So not a sign of a bigger problem. Don't be concerned. He'll be walking and running away from you before you know it and you'll be wishing you had that little guy that stuck by your side! LOL
Enjoy!
M.
Completly normal. My son is 9 and still attached to my hip!!!! I know your concerns though. My son started walking at 10 months and he didn't crawl. My daughter who is 4 walked at 1 yr. She wasn't a major crawler either. I started to compare and someone told me never compare their developmental growth. Everyone is different. Now when he is around two and if he is showing similar issues, then I would have him checked out. Other than that, he's fine. But never forget, everyone goes at their own pace:)
My son is almost two and it is very much a personality trait. He was so cautiuos! He is cautious about climbing (yay for me) and tasting new food (not so yay for me) but it's his personality. I would just encourage you to not force him on people. If he shys away from people you don't know let him shy away! He'll get comfortable enough with people as he begins to trust them.
Kids develop each on his own schedule, give him a couple of months and then see how he is doing. He is just being his own, special self!
Babies develop at their own speed. We have a 10 and 1/2 month old baby in our room (day care) Who doesn't crawl and barely gets up on his knees. He is content on his belly. He also now yells at the others when they get loud or crawl by him (6wks to 9 mo room) he also doesn't do finger food or drink from a cup like others his age. But trust me he is one hundred percent normal. Come to think of it, My son was the same way at that age but once he started moving he was unstoppable. He is still very shy around others babies and adults included (he is almost 3.) If you are really concerned contact your pediatrician but I am sure they will tell you the same.
