Developmental delay?

My six-month old boy shows no interest whatsoever in rolling over from back to front or in getting himself mobile. He hates tummy time (at best he can do 5-6 minutes after which he begins to cry or roll over onto his back out of frustration), does not like to sit (although he can manage to sit unsupported for about more than a minute). All that he wants to do now is stand up with some support. Of course he is happy to be on his back too - rolls over to his side, plays with/mouths his toes, babbles, etc. He seems to be okay, otherwise. Feeds well (exclusively breastfed till 5-1/2 months of age), was introduced to solids recently (enthusiastic eater). A small baby but has maintained his weight at the 15th centile/thereabouts.


Another thing I noticed is that he used to be interested in rolling over at 4 months. In fact, he would inadvertently roll over on to his front occasionally but his hand would come in the way but somewhere along the way, that interest waned. The only reason I can think of is the difference in climate/clothing. He spent the first four months in much warmer climes (in very light cotton clothing). We returned to HKG during the onset of winter and he has had to wear warm/heavy clothing. Does clothing really restrict their movement? Also, now that he is interested in standing up, will he progress to walking without rolling over/crawling?


I have to admit, I introduced tummy time at about 5 months only - that is, after I began wondering why he had not begun rolling over. I have an older son, who was never put on his tummy, but was rolling over both ways by four months and at six months was 'combat style' crawling.


I had been to his paediatrician who examined him and opined that there was nothing wrong with him. However, I am beginning to wonder whether he needs to be seen by a developmental paediatrician (DP). Anyone have any experiences like this and can anybody suggest any experienced DPs?

I think you shouldn't worry but also trust your instincts. I do same with my children. My oldest one now 2 was rolling over very early, same as sitting. The youngest daughter is 6 months and doesn't show any interest in rolling。 Ocasionaly she will turn left and right for her toys or look at me but never realy rolls. Not worried cause she is growing fine ,at her own pace and seems pretty strong in muscles to me .

There is a wide range of normal. Babies do not read these books, so they tend to do things in their own way in their own time. If you are comparing with a sibling, then you will make yourself mad with worry - things are always a bit different. So by all means try a specialist, but do not be surprised if you are told exactly the ssame thing - all is normal. Abnormmal results will be apparent when the times expected for developmental stages are grossly out of normal range. So far, your little one is well within normal range.

I think a kind of story that qoqis shared with us is what I would find helpful on this site. Of course you go to the doctor if you need professional advice, not a website, but even if you heard it from a doctor, you would want to have some assurance that all is well...by knowing other babies who had the similar situation had turned out to be completely normal and smart later on. It is very difficult not to worry. Yes, Daddy Long Legs, mothers worry (too much sometimes) but I think it is a form of "love" I noticed. (I used to think my mom worries too much and it was annoying when I was growing up but now I understand exactly how she felt.)

My first son hated tummy time. He first rolled at 4 months, did it twice, then didn't do it again for another 6 weeks. Except when we put him on his tummy, he always rolled onto his back straight away. He also always wanted to stand. He didn't crawl really, he could commando crawl but just hated being on his tummy so much that he rarely did it. Only to get something really special would he do it. In the end he walked at 10.5 months.


My second son is happier on his tummy that on his back and rolls around everywhere, and looks like he'll crawl soon. They're all different so I wouldn't worry.


They say it's good for their brain to crawl (and for speech), but there are other things you can do to compensate. We didn't and our son still talked early and his speech is better than most of his peers.

All babies develop at different rates. Your baby has demonstrated that he can roll over and sit unsupported for brief periods. Most babies do not crawl until 7 to 9 months of age. Wanting to stand supported is quite normal, so you may want to consider an exersaucer for him.



The exersaucer is a stationary activity center, which features a sturdy round base with an elevated seat for the baby. They are shaped much like a walker, only baby's feet do not touch the ground, instead resting on the saucer's base. Exersaucers allow babies to remain upright to practice standing and play with available toys while taking in the action around them.



Matilda International Hospital

Well Baby Clinic - 2849 1500

Hong Kong

http://www.matilda.org

I agree with silivica in that you should trust your instincts. There may be nothing wrong, but there may be something. He is still very young and all kids develop differently. But do what you need to do to allay your own fears, without becoming too paranoid. Matilda has an excellent Child Development Centre.