Late Crawling and Learning Disabilites

Talk to his dr. But I have heard from other moms that their kid didn't crawl and there is nothing wrong with the kids. I'm one of the moms. My son is now 15 yr old if he did crawl it was so little that I don't remember him doing it. When he does his school work (thats an whole other story) he gets A's & B's. The only problem I'm having is normal teenage stuff. So like I said talk to his dr. but I really don't think you have anything to worry about.

I would love to tell you that I went through the same feelings as you onc. My daughter didnt crawl till she was 10 months...And that was kinda forced. I say that because I placed my cell phone on the floor and she always wanted that...so she crawled to it. It was funny to watc her do it. As for walking, my daughter is 14 months old, and not walking although the ped says she will. She pulls herself up on everything, and walkes behind and beside everything. I am not rushing her. Once they start walking , they will never sit.LOL

I wouldnt worry about it too much! My son didnt crawl until he was 9 months. He is now 23 months and right on target with everything. You probably dont want to hear this but every child develops at there own pace

First, I just want to say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with your son. Second, you can't judge your son, off of someone else's child. Each child develops differently and at different speeds. Case in point: My daughter did not crawl until she was 10 mos, my nephew was somewhere around 8 mos; my daughter started talking in sentences and understood timeouts at 18 mos, my nephew is now 22 mos, and still does not do either of them. And , personally, I can handle my kids being a little physically slow, as that has nothing to do with their mental capacity or learning abilities.

I don't mean to be rude, but I have never heard something so ridiculous. Plenty of children don't crawl at all, and get up and walk, and are perfectly normal children. He is already standing and trying to walk, and if he can drag himself around and roll, he is fine. He may just crawl later too, one day he will figure it out.

Please relax and don't let this stress you out. Some babies just don't crawl. It's not a "required" milestone. The age range for developing this skill is really wide because some simply don't so some lists don't even include it. When mine were at that stage, my pediatrician was most interested to know that they were attempting to move in some way, but didn't really care how they did it. If you are really concerned about it or have observed other behaviors in your son that add to your concern, talk to your pediatrician. That is what they are there for. They should be willing to review it with you.

My son, now 7, crawled for maybe like a month and then started walking at 10 months old. My daughter, now 4, never crawled and went straight to walking by 9 months old. So far, the doctor has not said my children will have any type of disabilities, learning or otherwise.

Lots and lots of advice and stories here... Thought I'd add one more for you.

My daughter just rolled around forever... She would get up in that crawling position, but she wouldn't crawl. Heck she didn't even rock in that postition. She would just get up in it and then look at us like, "Yeah, OK now what?"!! But then she would just lay flat and roll where ever she needed to go!! She was pulling up and such, jsut not crawling. She never did crawl, she went right to walking!

Long as your child is getting where he wants to go I wouldn't worry about it! Just make sure your house is completely baby-proofed, because one day you'll turn around and he'll be walking across the room!!!

Take what these people are saying with a grain of salt. My mother loves to tell everybody that I was the laziest baby in the world. She thought I had a problem too because at 8 1/2 months, I wasn't crawling. The ped reassured her that I was developing normally. My mom was a stay at home mom and I was her first child, so naturally as soon as I realized I needed somthing, she gave it to me right away. I never had to move to get anything. After talking with the ped she started trying to coax me to move more by making me get my own toys that were out of reach, etc. I still never crawled, but at 9 1/2 months I was walking to get to things. I've never had any learning disablities and was a straight A student. It sounds like you don't have the same issue, but that your baby has just chosen another form of mobility (rolling and scooting) which is also very normal. I'd talk to your ped, but if they say everything's ok, I wouldn't lose sleep over this pretty unfounded theory on baby development.

Hi R.

Don't worry my 19month old son had the same problem. He didn't start crawling until he was 9 months and also he tried to pull himself up from the couch to try to walk. It's just that some children develop their skills at different stages and ages. It dosen't mean that your child will have a learning disability when he is older. Whoever told you that is completely wrong. But if you have concerns you can contact your childs doctor. But they will tell you that he is right on schedule. If they felt he had a disability trust me you would have been informed when he was maybe 3 to 4 months old..

I hope this helps

S.

Relax!! Late crawling does not mean that you're child is destined to have a learning disability. In fact, many doctors insist that crawling is not even considered to be an official "developmental milestone" because of the variability involved. If you want to encourage him, just make sure he has the opportunity to practice. Put an enticing toy just out of reach and have him work to get it. If you're really concerned, speak with your pediatrician, or you can even call Early Intervention (the number is in the phone book) and request a developmental evaluation. Early Intervention will screen him for any delays, and then provide services for FREE if he's found to have any. Both my sons were involved in Early Intervention. My oldest, has Apraxia, SPD, and several developmental delays, and has since transitioned from EI to the special education system. My youngest, had torticollis when he was an infant and received physical therapy for about a year, after which he was discharged and has been completely typically developing since. So please, don't panic just because he isn't crawling yet. I've heard of some children that never crawl much, and just go straight to walking. If you are concerned, or just want piece of mind, please don't hesitate to contact the appropriate people. Best wishes! Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions!
J.

I worked in an infant room at a daycare for 3 years and there were plenty of babies that never did crawl. They would drag themselves across the floor kind of like a military crawl. Don't worry though because every single one of them learned to walk at the same time as the other kids. That's just the way they learn to "crawl" and if they can get around that way then there's no point in teaching them to crawl because they already are...just in a different way.

I definetly would not call that assurance. Of course only your pediatrician can tell you for sure, but if your son has reached most of his other milestones on or around the right time, I would not worry. My oldes son never crawled, NEVER. He would roll or drag himelf around the floor like he was in the army. I was worried too. He must have just not liked the feeling of the hard floor on his knees, because no later than a few days after I voiced my concerns to my husbands family, that boy pulled himself up & took off (walking/running). I would not worry about him, he sounds the same way. They are all different in the way they learn to walk. And from what I've learned, as soon as you start worrying about a phase, they prove you wrong & are already onto something different.
I bet it'll be any day now...good luck.

Unless your doctor told you to worry, DON'T!!! My son never crawled, he sat like a bump on a log (he could get in the crawling position & stood up, but never went anywhere) & then one day when he was 10 months old, he got up & walked across the room. He is not only NOT learning-disabled, he's reading 2 grade levels above where he should be. My daughter on the other hand, crawled like a maniac from about 7 months old & didn't walk until almost 11 months. All babies are different & learn at different rates & do what feels comfortable to them. It could be that your son just isn't interested in crawling. Trust me, if he wants to get somewhere badly enough, he'll figure out how to do it.

My youngest is 9 months old never crawled and is pulling up like your son and his doctor told me it is fine. Some babies don't crawl and that not crawling has nothing to do with learning disabilities.

R.,
I have one thing to say OMG. Please do not listen to other people. Talk to the dtr. My daughter didnt crawl until she was 10 months old and my son didnt until he was 9 months. My daughter is in kindergarden and shows NO SIGNS of a LD at all. She is one of the brightest kids in her class. My son is in 15 months is running now. So what the other mothers are saying you can tell them to GO POUND SAND and mind there own business. He will do it when he is ready.
Sorry I am PMSing so this triggered me off. LOL

Chris

Hi R.,
First off tell those nosey mothers to mind their own business, they have no right to make assumptions such as the one you described, unless maybe they have their degree in child develpoment or pediatriacs. My son, who will be 3 in march was the same way.
He made no attemps to crawl, just rolled to where ever he wanted to go. at 81/2 months he walked. as for learning disabilities, let me tell you, he could spell his name at 18 months, has known his ABC's, and not just memorizing them, can recognize any letter, can count and recognize up to 30, and can read 25 words (which he taught himself how to do)
he never crawled, and is far smarter than most kids 2 years older than him. you little one will do things at his own pace.
remember little kids are like sponges, they will take and absorb all the information you give them. So give him lots!

Enjoy your son, and forget those other nosey mothers, trust your motherly intuition, you'll know if something isn't right!

Peace and Love
J.

P.S. the reason kids aren't crawling much (your son isn't the only one going right to walking) is becasue of the "back to sleep" thing. I bet you put him to sleep on his back, when babies sleep on their backs they lose the motivation and muscle strength to lift up their bellies. well thats what my ped. says anyway :) good luck!

You know.....people should really think before they open their big mouths. What they are telling you about your son not crawling is absolutely NOT true. Some babies never crawl. Like my daughter. She never really crawled, but did drag herself using her arms and her legs would be sticking out straight behind her! 5 days before her 1st birthday, she walked! She is now 3 years old. She is super energetic and very, very bright. I also found out from my husband and his mother, that my husband never crawled. Don't listen to those crazy people! Follow your instinct and communicate with your baby's doctor when you want "expert" advice. Enjoy your son! :)

I don't think you have anything to worry about. Both of my children pretty much developed the same, they sat up around 6 months, started pulling themselves up and "cruising" at 8 months, and then didn't start crawling until 10 months, then walked around a year. I have heard from a lot of people that their children never even crawled. I don't think him crawling has anything to do with a learning disability. Whoever is telling you that probably had that experience and now thinks that every child that doesn't crawl is going to turn out the same way, when that's totally not the case. I wouldn't push the issue too hard, but if you want to see some progress you should try and challenge him, put toys a little out of reach, get really excited when he moves a little bit, etc. Good luck!!

My nephew was the same way. He never crawled, he just scooted around on his little behind. In his case he had great motivation to walk. He wanted to do everything his cousin (my son) did. Since my son is 2 years older he was obviously able to a grand variety of things my nephew couldn't. So, instead of actually crawling he just went right to walking when he was about a year old. Your son could be thinking the same thing. If you are truly concerned about the impact of your son not crawling the only person you should really be talking to is your child's doctor. After all, you trust their opinion and their medical expertise, otherwise, why would you have picked them?

My son also would get on his hands and knees and just kind of rock for about 2 months. All of a sudden, he crawled! Your friends are slightly misinformed. By crawling, they mean, commando style (dragging), rolling, anything to get where they need to go. The important thing is that you see that he is crossing the midline. By that I mean he can do one thing with the right hand/left leg and then the left arm/right leg. Usually, in the commando style or dragging, they get that concept. AND if your child does not pick this up, in Kindergarten, usually they have what they call early intervention programs where essentially they teach this skill (usually by teaching them to skip). So not to worry, but it sounds like your son is doing just fine! Do not worry.

Hi R.,
My daughter is going to be 10 months old in two days. She just started to crawl around 9 months or so. She has been sitting well since she was 6 months old. I never heard anything about late crawling and LD.
My aunt, who is in her 60's told me that she never crawled and started to walk at 9 months. As far as I know, she didn't have
any kind of LD.
If I were you I would just be patient for a little while longer. Plus, I think it is too early to be looking for any kind of LD.
I hope everything turns out okay.
J.

Oh good Lord, these people probably read something, or heard something from somewhere and are now of course experts, they cause such anxiety when they have no business telling people these horrible things and then going on with there day or you just became on the edge of a nervous breakdown, I am the mother to 6, 34 years old, I have a daughter tha is 3 1/2 years old and is severely mentally and physically handicapped. I have a 15 month old that has had 3 brain surgeries and 3 hip surgeries, so I know a little, but, by far not a physical therapist. No one should ever tell you or give you advice on your babies physical or mental state, it infuriates me, they read something they are an expert. Gawd, the stories I could tell you from my own experience. Of course, go to your peditrician, she can set you up with with therapist in what took me like 2 days. Please to not let this go, if by chance there is a problem they can start therapy immediately if not, then you will have peace of mind.

all four of my kids were different.my 1st daughter started pushing with her legs and was standing at 4 months and walked at 6 months.then she started crawling and did not walk until almost 9 months old. my son walked at 6 months and never crawled.my 2nd son craweled until almost a year old.and our youngest daughter would have been content if we just kept carrying her at 2yrs. she was up and running all over.sometimes if they have older sibblings or adults to get things for them they are content to sit or crawl longer. because they don't have to.also with your 1st born sometimes we tend to rush things or are concerned that they can do things. so we push alittle more because of the novelty.

Just tell these "several people" that your son is actually gifted because he's learned that crawling is a step he doesn't need to focus on and is preparing himself to walk first!!

Please try to relax about this motherhood thing (coming from a seasoned mother of a 2 1/2 yr old!!). ; ) It's all OJT and comparing children is ok to a point but not to the point that it makes you worry. And believe me, we've all probably done it to some extent or another.

If your intuition--or dad's--tells you something is wrong, ask your pediatrician. If it's just a worry, then trust your child to know what works best for him in this case.

I know a bit about this worry thing--when my son was almost one, I received a lot of info about autism. Well, he had 4 red flags and I had him evaluated, even though my pediatrician insisted me Jack was fine. The doc was respectful of me and made the referral anyway.

Although I didn't lose sleep over the possibility, I figured if he was autistic, I wanted to act quickly to begin minimizing the affects. Turns out, the evaluator knew the moment she SAW him that he wasn't autistic but tested him anyway. What a relief it was to me to have that reassurance from a credible source.

I hope this helps you!

D.

Don't worry about it! Your child is unique and will do things at his own pace and nothing you or anyone else says or does can change that. My son did not crawl or cruise at all. He went straight to taking his first steps at 9 months. As long as your pediatrician says he's ok, and your gut feeling is that he is ok, don't let what other people say bother you. If you feel something is wrong, get a second opinion, but trust your gut instinct!

Some kids walk first then they crawl and have had no other problems, some walk and never crawl....Have you crawl next to him or try rolling a ball slightly in front of him not far but where he would have to move to get it also try the moving toys like the crawling winnie the pooh.

But try not too worry he should be fine...i just don't see why him not crawling would give him problems in the future.

The blanket statement that not crawling is a sign of LD is just wrong. My son didn't crawl at all he was a "sckootcher" and he was fast! My daughter didn't crawl until she was walking but the point is neither of them seemed to have use for it. My daughter is four and talks constantly, she colors nice pictures, writes her first middle and last name, she knows letters, numbers, shapes, patterns, she uses three syllable words on a regular basis, I can't be sure but it doesn't seem she has LD. I am a teacher so I think I would be alert to LD. Whoever told you that might be jealous and trying to get you worried or scared. Don't let it get to you and if you can't stop thinking about it, do some research. Talk to your doctor. If you want to talk more, feel free to respond and good luck with the new joy of your life.

L.

I wouldn't worry at all. Neither one of my children were crawlers. My son (3) went straight to pulling up and "cruising on the funiture". My daughter (5 1/2) did a semi army crawl for a month and then straight to walking. And my niece would only go backwards. Talk to your pediatrician if there are other developmental issues that you are concerned about. Sometimes the old wives tales and parenting folklore give us more reason to worry than actual advice. Good luck!

R. Please seek help from your peds doctor. Im not a professional, but my Uncle/and godfather, my fathers brother had a simular problem. He didnt crawl either he went straight to walking, but they didnt realize at the time, this was probably in th 1960's that crawling stimulates a part of the brain that causes or awakenes it for the Learning disablity you had mentioned earlier. He struggled thru school and was basically pinned "Retarted" for a long time, When the doctors finally realized that he hadnt crawled as a infant, made him crawl around in front of mirrors for Im not sure how long it was, and after that he seemed to be fine, and had really come out of his shell after that. He excelled in school and his personality changed. I dont want to scare you but i would definintly speak to the childs doctor about it, as it is something that needs to be addressed.

My son did not walk until he was almost 3. Don't compare your child to everyone elses. It's not fair. All children develop at different speeds. Boys are usually slower than girls it seems. If you are super concerned you can always contact the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers. They can evaluate your child and see if there is any learning disability.

My son walked at 8 months old and never crawled. He is a very bright child and what people are saying is not true. Today he is 11 years old and in 6th grade. He get's A's in almost every subject. He has lot's of friends and he is absolutly normal.Don't listen to anyone from this time forward about negatve things. You are his mom and you will know if things are normal or not. God Bless....

Ok, You've gotten some really good advice and some really not so good advice here. I won't waste time re-iterating what was already said here. I just want to encourage you to listen tho the moms who are telling you not to sweat it. All babies are diffrent just like all ather people are diffrent. Therefore they all do things at their own rate. And some babies NEVER crawl they instead go right to walking. The most important thing is that you see your child progressing. Which you do!:) I am a pediatric R.N. and I see mom's like you all time concerned,of course you are this is your baby. I encourage you to talk to your pediatrician just to put your mind at ease. Good luck!

Just make sure you discuss your concerns with your pediatrician....early intervention (if necessary) will only help both you and your child in the long run if assistance is needed.
I am a HUGE fan of talking to my docotr. And if yor doctor brushes you off....try a new pediatrician! It is your baby and he (or she) is responsible for servicing your concerns!

I was lucky.. all three of my kids were crawling by 5-6 months and walking by 8 months. I do know that if your child doesn't learn to crawl first, his/her depth perception will be a little off.
My husband and I are raising one of his grandchildren and have been doing so since she was 2 days old, she is now 3 yr old. she was a rollie pollie for a while then the crawling. by 10 1/2 months she was walking all over the place. 7 months, she was crawling up the steps.
Each baby does things at their own pace. The 2 siblings of the one we are raising didn't walk until about 15 months. They did a lot of things late. Also, their development is dependent on how much you work with them. IF you don't work with them, their development will be slower.

I never heard of late crawling leading to learning disabilities. Every child has his/her own pace of doing things. If you are worried bring it up at your next appointment with the pediatrician.

My son started walking when he was 8 1/2 months old... he pretty much completely skipped crawling. He was very mobile from the day he was born, rolling, scooting, etc, but he just seemed to think that crawling just didn't get him to where he wanted to go fast enough so he just kinda got up and walked. He's 7 years old now and is great and no developmental problems. Personally I've never heard of such a thing. All kids are different and will do things their own way and at different speeds. I had a Mom tell me how worried she was that her child hadn't started walking yet at 12 months I told her to be thankful cause once they start you can't keep up lol I would guess that the learning disability if you don't crawl is one of those old wives tales that seem to come along just to drive us Moms insane with worry!

R.,
I doubt your son is doomed to a life of learning disability just because he's not crawling. Some kids never do. Maybe he just doesn't need/want to. Also, just because you don't see him do it, doesn't mean he isn't. I'm pretty sure my youngest started crawling a couple weeks before I actually saw him do it.

My oldest son has ADHD but I'm not blaming that on his late crawling. He didn't crawl until almost 8 months and then it was with one leg behind him and one crossed in front of him. I suspect the ADHD is more a result of biological and environmental factors rather than developmental ones.

One last thing, many learning disabled children are highly gifted at the same time. It's not always all negative.

T.

My son never crawled. It made me nervous for a while, because he didnt sit up on his own for a long time either. Then all the sudden at 9-10 months he started sitting up on his own and then pulling him self up and walking around everything. Then one night maybe 2 weeks into him walking around things, his father stood him up and he walked right to me. The look of suprise on his little face was more than we could handle. At that point we knew our son would be just fine. He did a lot of things late, but then did a lot of things early too. He never rolled over, or crawled, but then every child is different. He is now 4 and is in an all day kingergarten and has no learning issues at all. It actually is the other way around. He excels at almost everything he does. He is very creative and has an amazing imagination. Its almost like he sat around all that time collecting information before he made his "big move". i wouldnt worry uness a doctor finds this unusual. Good Luck!

mmmmmmmm i would look up asperger disorder, and ADHD,check out these and see if your child have any of these symptoms.Also check with your pediatrician..

I know of a few children who walked before they could crawl and they had no type of learning disability. If it is that much of a concern to you, however, I would ask the one person who may be able to answer your question for sure...his pediatrician. The doctor should know this type of thing. Good luck! :)

My daughter didnt crawl until after 9 months & started to walk at 13 months. She rolled like a ball across the room to get to what ever it was she wanted to play with. She then would sit up & stand if she wanted. I was worried but my pediatrician assured that there was nothing wrong with whta she was doing. All children are different. I NEVER crawled. I did what my mom likes to call the army crawl & my younger brother scootched on his bottom and never crawled either. We are just fine and crawling is not a determination of learning disabilities. I felt my daughter was delayed but was told due to the fact that she was born 5 weeks early that makes a big difference the first year. So all her development would be 5 weeks behind. I hope that helps. Don't get to anxious & remember that the books only state averages not every child falls into those catagories. So as long as you see your child as an individual & not a group being studied you will be fine. Good luck.

If I were you I'd worry more if he couldn't put himself into the crawling position. When my now 7 year old son was that age, he could get himself into the crawling position, but wouldn't actually crawl; instead he did the "Army Crawl." He never actually cawled until right before he started walking at 13 months.

I do home daycare, and I had a little boy that did the same thing. He never crawled. He got right up and walked. The mother so upset, she went to the doctor. He said some babies do not crawl. 2 of his kids did the same thing. I would sit on the floor and try to get him to. But he wanted to walk. So now, he is up and walking. He is now 11 months old.I hope it helps. R..

After reading some of the advice you've already received, the best advice I can give is to not let anyone make you feel as though your concerns are "ridiculous" or that your son isn't "keeping up". As the very wise peds rn said, all children develop at different rates. If you have any concerns talk to your pediatrician.

Neither of my children have crawled. My son, now 3, never crawled and when he decided he was going to let go and walk he never had any balance issues or anything! It is great to watch the viedo of him, he is just so excited to walk!!! The night he let go and did it on his own he walked around our pool table and living room for at least an hour before he fell down! The same with my daughter, she is just now 1 and has never crawled. Walking and climbing are no problem for her. Every child is different and don't be so concerned if they are not crawling yet.

J.
SAHM
Helping Mom's Live Dreams
www.formymunchkins.com

My son went straight to walking and skipped crawling. He also never ever liked "tummy time" as an infant. I didn't think a thing about it until he was struggling with his handwriting and pencil grip (1st Grade) and I asked the OT at his school to take a look at him. The first thing she asked me was if he skipped the crawling stage! I was very surprised. She said he had weak muscle and coordination because he never development those muscles from crawling. It's not a big deal and I certainly wouldn't consider it a LD. We do a few exercises for 5 minutes a day and all is well. Good luck!

I just had to add my two-cents. I have heard the same thing. I usually just blow it off. Your son's doctor can best tell you what you should look for. My daughter is almost ten months. She gets into the crawling position just fine, but won't crawl. But she likes me to help her walk. Part of he hold up was that we have hard wood floors so we would pt her on a blanket. Turns out she didn't like that. But she figured out how to roll onto the floor and now she scoots and rolls all over. The point is, your son will be fine. If my daughter is any indication, your son is probably very smart. If you are worried about anything, see if your ped. can recommend any testing to put you a ease. I also read in American Baby that 17% of babies skip the crawling stage completely. I wish you much luck on being a new mom.

WOW!!! All these responses are scary!!! Please don't listen to anyone if they are not certified in th elearning disability field!!! My son who is 81/2 months hated tummy time as well, but is now crawling very well and has been pulling himself up and now climbing up stairs. Every baby progresses at their own speed and on their own time! Your son just might never crawl and that is completely normal! good luck

My oldest didn't even sit up or roll over until she was eight months old. She went through physical and occupational therapy as a baby. She is now in the second grade. She is in the gifted program at her school. She reads on a 6th grade level and scored above the 98th percentile in the standardized test she took last spring. She is doing fine although she certainly lagged behind her peers as a baby. She still isn't the most coordinated kid but she excels in other areas such as academics and music.

My second child, never crawled in a four-point-position. She did a commando crawl from 6 months until she started walking at 14 months.

I hate to tell you not to worry because I know what it is like to be a first time mother with a child who is not meeting the developmental milestones at the same times as his/her peers but, stop worrying. Honestly, 8.5 months is still young to be crawling. As far as learning disabilities are concerned, I haven't heard that theory.

Please, relax and enjoy your baby. Try not to compare him to his friends, he is an individual who will blossom in his own time.

R.,
I would worry about it. All kids develop differently. If you have spoken to your doctor about it and he doesn't have a problem with it, I wouldn't worry. I walked before I crawled and I don't have a learning disability or any kind of problems. Good luck!