11 months: poor gross motor skills

[polechka10]

Hello. My baby turns 11 months on October 27th. By now she cannot crawl, stand up or try to make first steps. She never liked to be on her belly, always cried and then learned to turn around on the back right away. Starting the age of 6 months we put her to sit and she started sitting on her own all the time, she played with toys and everything, but never wanted to do more, to crawl or to get to the far toys. And she didn't learn to take sitting position herself - she sat only when we put her. I'm really worried now - her gross motor skills are not developed properly for this age (actually, they are not developed at all). Do I need to see a specialist? Neurologist? Will be very grateful for your answer.

[Angelinthemorning]

We were referred to a ped PT by our daughter's doc for same thing. (daughter is 9months).  It's only been a week and already seeing improvement.  I would definately bring it up with your son's doctor.  Even if it's nothing, it will set your mind at ease.

[Akbari]

hi, as an occupational therapist, I suggest you to visit a neurologist at first. he will reffer you to occupational therapost for sure to help our baby's motor development. I think he is a motor delayed child and maybe with hypotonia.

[bummedmom]

I also wanted to let you know that my son also did not learn how to pull himself into a standing position on his own until a few days ago.  I still had to pull him to a standing position or pick him up and place him on his feet to help him walk.  So, he didn't learn that until 12.5 months (he'll be 13 months on Nov 4).  Maybe this will help ease your mind about the fact that your daughter isn't doing that yet.  I hope it does.  Best of luck.

[bummedmom]

I agree with margypops when she said that your baby just might be a late bloomer.  My son was the same as your daughter in regards to the sitting.  He would sit on his own once we put him in that position, but it took him a long time to figure out how to do it on his own.  He finally figured it out around 11 months, I think.  He started the crawling process around 10 months...he started out scooting himself with his arms, but wouldn't get up on his knees to actually crawl until about 11 months or so.  He is now 12.5 months and is walking with assistance.  My son has met all his milestones a lot later than my daughter did.  She was running, I'm not kidding, actually running by the time she was 11 months! But I think that is really advanced for that age.  So, I think there is a huge range in what is considered a normal when it comes to babies meeting their milestones.  I would suggest just encouraging her to pull into a sitting position while holding your fingers.  Give her assistance, but make sure she is pulling too.  Do the same with pulling into a standing position by letting her hold your fingers, and you gently pull her up.  If she holds on and pulls on your fingers and can bear weight on her legs, that is a good sign.  Just make it a game, and try not to pressure her.  I would definitely suggest talking to your pediatrician about it though.  You can never ask a stupid question when it comes to your child's well being.  I have a feeling that you would be correct in assuming that a neurologist would be the specialist to consult if she continues to not develop her motor skills.  Best of luck.  

[margypops]

She could simply be a late starter ,but perhaps it would be good idea if you asked your Doctor for advice and if you should be refered on to any specialist