Almost 8 months old, and not meeting milestones?

Question

I know all babies develop at their own speed, but I am getting a little worried. My 8 month old sits unassisted and plays, but refuses to be on her tummy. So, not crawling yet. She has only turned over a few times, but nothing consistent. She is also barely babbling (no consonants yet).

Should I be worried?

Answer 1

babbling doesn't necessarily happen til almost a year old, so thats not a big deal. alot of girls tend to learn to walk before crawling, so that's probably nothing siginificant either, she just may do this for a few months and get up and walk. try teaching her to walk as opposed to crawl, and you may get a big surprise :).

Answer 2

no. most babies hate tummy time. At least thats what I see. My daughter also wasn't much of a "talker" and now at 6 she never shuts up, where as my son "talked" all the time but waited until he was three to start talking fully. He's now 4 and again never shuts up. :)

SHe will probably never crawl and just start walking soon. Don't worry too much. BUt if it makes you feel better just mention it to your doctor.

Answer 3

your baby is only 8 months old, leave her be. you have no reason to be worried

Answer 4

I wouldn't worry. We worried about my cousins baby for a while- he was 1 and still not sitting or doing nothing. Then about when he was 14 months he took off and did everything fast. It is normal to worry but she is just taking her time that's all. If you are still concerned you can always talk to your pediatrician later on but right now I don't see a reason to.  

Answer 5

It doesn't sound like reason for concern. A lot of babies despise tummy time. Just remember to try to get her down on her tummy a few times a day with toys to reach for, grab at and look at.

She sounds like she is developing just fine =)  

Answer 6

It's only worrisome if they are many months behind.  Stop reading the books and relax!  Your doctor will be the first to tell you if something is really wrong!  My son didn't crawl until he was 10 months old, he also hated being on his stomach.  Think of the women in Africa and China who constantly have their babies strapped to their backs -- they don't worry about tummy time, and the little ones still learn to crawl and walk.  It's good that she's sitting and playing!  

Also, I've noticed that when they're working on a physical skill, they don't practice their verbal skills as much (and visa versa).  It's like they can only work on one thing at a time.  Give her some time, she's fine =)

Answer 7

you are jumping the gun here on your worry.  MANY children HATE to be on their tummy.  and a lot of kids are not yet crawling at 8 months.  Is your doctor worried?  give her time.  she is not significantly late on anything here.    

Answer 8

If I were you I would bring it up to my Dr.

My son was rolling over at 4 or 5 months and at 8 was up and cruising on furniture for a month already. But he did everything EARLY, he took his first steps at 10 months and first words around then too. Now ALL children are different BUT that does seem a tad bit slow TO ME...but sinceI only have my own son to compare to its probably nothing to be concerned about. Ask the Dr. if she's not worried then i wouldnt be either!

Answer 9

my baby is 8 months and not crawling, nothing to worry about. some babies never crawl, they go straight to walking!

Answer 10

all babies go at their own pace she may just be not be comfortable on her tummy she can see more sitting up i noticed that babies who are talked to and played with using words and not that babbling tend to pick it up more easier and faster

you know some kids who appear to be behind all of a sudden catch up at age 1

they learn from children their own age as well so set  play dates  

Answer 11

My sister did not start crawling until she was a year old. Then she didn't walk until she was 2! She is 34 now and the most amazing person I know. She has an awesome personality and there is nothing mentally or physically wrong with her.

My daughter is 8 months old and she doesn't make a lot of noise either. If your pediatrician isn't worried then I wouldn't be worried either. Do you go back for a 9 month appointment (some pediatricians do and some don't)? If not you can call and see if you can come in at 9 months for a wellness checkup and tell the nurse on the phone what is going on.