Patented Q & A Database

My eight-month-old daughter is not yet rolling over or crawling. How can I help her progress? Suggestions for specific exercises are appreciated. Thanks!

Sue Cox Replied: Try not to think about what other children are doing at this age. Just make sure that she has plenty of tummy time on the floor with you and interesting things on there that she needs to reach for. As long as she has grown well and has a good appetite then she will reach her milestones at her own pace Warmly Sue
Posted On 2009-09-25 01:42:34

Jill Wodnick Replied: Dear One, Your daughter is lucky to have your interest and love in her life. Spending time on the floor with your daughter on her belly is a simple way to promote trunk strength---which is needed for crawling. Does she roll over? Does she smile and react in her face to your smiles? What is her interest in stacking toys, blocks and large balls? These questions are tools for you to use in your support of her. You can always call Early Intervention--the phone number is easily available through your county department of health or on the internet. Early Intervention does free screenings of infants and toddlers with possible developmental delays. The best thing about the assesment of EI, is that they can assure you that she is meeting the physical developmental milestones or provide free services if there is a need. Please email back and keep in touch in your journey. Warm wishes!
Posted On 2008-03-16 18:00:26

Charlotte Cowan, M.D. Replied: One cannot address the achievement of milestones in babies—such as smiling and talking, sitting and rolling over, crawling and walking—without first acknowledging that all children are different and that they will reach these milestones in their own good time. More important than the exact age at which a child reaches a milestone is the fact that she continues to progress; if a child begins to lose milestones after she has learned them, then that is a sign that something is wrong and a visit to the doctor is advised. You are describing a child who may be later than her friends or siblings in rolling over: a great many eight month old babies roll well from front to back and back again; but some don't and, assuming that she is otherwise well, this should not be a cause for concern. Sometimes babies who are not given much time on the floor—lying down rather than sitting in a swing or a Johnny jump up—have little time to practice the skills they need to learn. The first move I would make with a child who needs to learn to roll over is to put her on the floor and sit there with her, talk to her, distract her, interest her in toys and have her reach for them. Put the toys just beyond her reach and see what she does. For her to learn to crawl, you do much the same thing but start with the baby on her tummy. For both of these activities children will need to be able to have traction with their feet: if their socks are slippery or of they are on a soft blanket that will move when they do, their feet will not give them the traction they need either to flip or to move forward! Finally, I would have a low threshold to discuss your concerns with your pediatrician when you go in for the nine month old visit. It is always reassuring to learn that the way your child is achieving milestones is perfectly normal!
Posted On 2008-02-25 21:12:22

Aileen McCabe-Maucher Replied: It can be worrisome and frustrating when other children in your child's age cohort are reaching milestones your child has yet to master. Rest assured, each child develops as they are meant to at his or her own pace. Even a preverbal child can pick up on your anxiety so be sure that you are communicating your unconditional love and acceptance of your baby. Engage your child in as many back and forth gestures as you can. Each time your child makes a bid for your attention be sure to responding with a warm smile and gesture of your own. Spend lots of time on the floor with your child at eye level. Play peek a boo with scarves. Roll or spin infant safe objects just out of reach of your child. Place favorite objects and toys slightly out of reach. However, be sure to hand these items directly to your child at some point so he or she does not become frustrated. Make sure that your child is getting adequate time on his or her tummy each and every day. Place your child on his or her tummy at each diaper change as you spend at least ten minutes playing and lavishing your child with love. It is vital that you discuss these concerns with your child's doctor so the doctor can do complete physical and developmental assessment. Babybuilders.com is great resource designed by physical therapist that teaches you specific exercises designed to get your child rolling over and crawling. Above all, be gentle and loving with yourself. It sounds like you are committed to doing everything you can to help your child thrive and prosper.
Posted On 2007-12-28 14:21:15