Advice from Other Mom's on My Concerns on My Son's Physical Development

Hi J.,
Both my boys were premature, the 12 yr old was born at 32 weeks and my 7yr old was born at 28 weeks. Lamar started catching up by the time he was 1. I compared him to my cousin who was born full time a month before him. I had to keep in mind though that she was a girl and girls are faster than boys. I spent alot of time giving him different therapy to help with his advance in progress. My baby boy, didn't start catching up until he was five and his weight is still under. Of course I was just about 7 months when he was born so there was alot of possible complications, but I didn't let them get to me, I stayed in prayer and did all the things I could in therapy, physical, speech,occupational therapy. The only problem he has is adhd and low weight. I can deal with that. Don't be discouraged. Work with your baby as normal. The things you feel the baby should be doing, work on them together and watch how you see the progress. Talk to the doctors about it and they should give you good tips and advise on things you can do as well. In the end you will have a smart healthy baby doing all the things you look forward to. hope this helps.

L.

Hi J.,
My daughter was born 3 1/2 weeks early as well. Everything you are describing, I feel like you were there with me with her. She didn't actually walk alone until around 20 months. She would cruise, a little, but not much. At her 18 month check up, I said something to the doctor and he basically told me that when she reached 2+, we would address it because she is perfectly within normal range. I can tell you now she is 4 1/2 and is a perfectly normal little girl, who takes dance and karate, very physical things. I hope this gives you a little peace of mind.

As a parent of a teenager and a 'tweenager... this is the ONLY time in your life you will beg your child to walk and talk... After you beg them to sit down for 2 minutes and just hush up. But dont consider looking into parenting books for what they "should" be doing. Children all learn at different paces. Nicholas will do everything at his own speed and do wonderfully when he's ready.

My daughter only started really pulling up and cruising around/right after her first birthday. She was a late crawler (almost 11 months). She walked at 13 months, and is now a normal, healthy, athletic almost three year old. I was worried, too, about gross motor skills when she was your son's age. What I found out later, is that she was really advanced in language skills. Maybe that made up for the late crawling/walking! Like you said, they all develop differently and at their own paces.

Definitely ask your doctor about your concerns at his check up. Your doctor has seen lots and lots of kids develop, so he/she can tell you if there is any concern. If so, they can set you up with early intervention to help him with some therapy. Good luck!

RELAX!!! Every child is diffrent. My youngest just started walking and he is 15 months and he didnt start crawling till 3 weeks before he turned a year. My oldest now 5 started walking at 19 mon. and my daughter started at 9 and a half months . Each child does it in their own time. I know as a first time mom i wanted my first to do everything (walk,talk) and then when they do its trouble :)

Hi

Does he crawl?

My little guy did not officially walk until he is 15 months, but he was a super fast crawler. So he probably thoght why should I walk when I can crawl faster. He used to do a military crawl which was a little odd compared to his peers. One thing I learned is that kids do milestones when they feel like it-not when the books say so or when parents want them to.

Definitely push your doctors though - "do not take do not worry about it" is not an appropriate answer. Ask them why they think he does not have any developmental physical delays. If you still are not reassured take him to a pediatric orthopedic. My little guy does not eat and has food adversions and they kept telling me he is ok, he'll grow out of it...well we just found out 3 years later via endoscopy he has EE.

Sure by the end of te summer you will be chasing him and you'll say why did I push more mobility...ha ha ha

My one son started walking at 9mnths, then his twin brother walked on his first birthday and they where 4weeks early. My hubsand didn't start walking till he was 19mnths.

Your son might just have a fear of falling. Just keep working with him and encouging him. But let your docotor know that you have a concern and that you would like some true advice.

My daughter was 3 weeks preemie with an underdeveloped stomach and acid reflux-she was a late bloomer on walking and some motor skills-Please don't worry-all children move at their own pace. I have 2 other daughters who were quick to walk and talk. Here is a little peaco of mind-my preemie is now 8 years old and an honor student top in her class-she is a complete book worm and loves cheerleading. She is completely active and no signs that she was ever a late bloomer. I hope this eases your mind.