Late Crawler

My son didn't crawl until about 10 months. EVERYONE kept commenting to me that "something must be wrong with his legs", etc. And it was hard to see that all of my friends kids that were the same age were crawling from 7 months on up. But we just worked with him to keep him on his belly more (he always hated it). We took a big exercise ball and put him on it on his belly with cool toys in front of him to help him "like" his belly. We also gave him things to crawl after- knock down block towers, toys, etc. He didn't crawl until 10 months, but started walking at 13 months and now he's 21 months and doing fine...running, trying to jump, etc. There is such a wide range of skills with kids I wouldn't worry. I think that it's normal range for a child to take up to 15 months to crawl. If you are really concernd and he doesn't seem to be progressing after a month or so..you could always recommend a physical therapy evaluation. Many times the evaluation is free through the county depending where you live. Good luck and hang in there.

My daughter did not crawl until she was 17 months, very late. But nothing wrong, our physical therapist suggested to have her crawl up the steps. It can help them get the motion of crawling without being on the floor all the time. With in a week after starting the stair routine, she was crawling. Please email me if you want to know more about the stair crawling technique.

My daughter never did crawl. She didnt scoot or anything, she did start walking at 11 months though. Like you said babies do things on their own time and they decide if it's something they would like to do or not. I wouldnt worry, he'll be up and going before you know it.. One way or another..

Crawling is no longer seen as as big of a milestone as it used to be. A lot of kids skip the crawing and go straight to walking. I wouldn't worry about it. My oldest didn't crawl until he was at least 10 months old, almost 11 months. He walked at 15 months. He was, however, a 35 week preemie so we're not sure if that affected things or not. My youngest crawled around 8 or 9 months and walked at 13 months. They are both now very busy boys, running non stop throughout the day.

My daughter was a preemie and I was determined she wouldn't be behind. At 9mos. she hated crawling but I would put her on her tummy and encourage her to crawl to me, she would get mad, upset and angry but I wouldn't rescue her right away I let her fight it and work hard.She never really was a crawler not her thing. She took her first steps a week before her first birthday. Was really walking around 13mos. I didn't let her give up or wimp out. Sounds harsh but I felt it was for her own good.

S.,

My son Charlie was a belly scooter. He didn't actually crawl until nearly his 1st birthday. I think he was just starting to scoot at about 8-9 months. He didn't walk until he was about 14 or 15 months. He figured out it was easier for him to scoot on our hard wood floors, and crawling didn't interest him. He is 3 now and totally fine :) In fact, I'd say by the time he was really walking well (16 or 17 months) you'd never know he was slow on the get go for moving at all.

I've known babies much older than 9 months that still were not crawling... my nephew was about 10 or 11 months before he started too.

Good luck!
J.

My son never crawled. He went straight to walking. At bout the age of 2, I did teach him how to get down on all fours but that was it.

Why are you subjecting your child to what the others are doing? Does that mean if he's the 1st in this group to do something, you will stop him? No, you won't. Each child is different, no 2 are alike. Don't push. He'll learn in his own time, not yours or anyone elses.

Hi S.,

Some kids skip crawling all together. not the case for my boys. My oldest army crawled for months before he actually crawled and didn't walk until he was 14 months old. He runs with the best of them now.

My youngest is 12 months and still just crawling..

Although I can't remember exactly how old my son was when he crawled (unless I look in his baby book), he was later than most kids. He walked later, too, at 16 months. However, he is just cautious and thoughtful about his movements. He just turned 2 and likes to hold our hands when we go down stairs, etc. I think it's often the case for firstborns - this awareness, and my theory is that we as parents pay more attention to the first/only child. My oldest sister was like that, too. She's also the most responsible sibling I have! You shouldn't be concerned one bit; he will catch up. Our little guy talks, recognizes letters and a couple words, and is right on or ahead of schedule developmentally. He was also a very content baby, like your son.

Both my daughters were on the late side for crawling and walking. 10 to 11 months for crawling. My 1st daughter walked at 13 months and my 2nd at 17 months. Once they get started they master those skills very quickly! My daughters are now 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 and both are very coordinated and love to run, run, run. So nothing to worry about, some babies just master these things later then others.