Friends comment about my baby

[mumaw]

Just the above. I have a friend who's baby is 2 weeks younger than mine who is already sitting up in a bumbo seat. She mentioned to me that it was worrying my baby still can't support his head properly - he's still really wobbly with it.

I've started to panic now. He's my first baby so I don't know if it is something to think about or not.

I have tried putting him on his tummy so that he can practice lifting his head but he hates it and starts to whinge until I turn him on his back.

Is this normal?

My nephew is about 22 weeks. He learnt to roll a few weeks ago. Prior to that he hated being on his tummy and it really looked like he was straining to hold his head and getting very cross. Last time I saw him a week or so ago he was lying on his tummy happily watching tv for a bit until he then rolled back over. I commented how he looked so much stronger and happier on his tummy in just a few weeks. He is yet to be able to sit up properly though. But sure that will come in the next few weeks.
My own children sat at about 5 months and were rocking on their knees about 6 months. Neither walked until 1. There is a guideline for when babies do things but it's not set in stone, so good for her if her 15 week old can do that. No guarantee it will continue to progress like that though and may sit until gone one and refuse to budge
Sorry if I've missed it but can your baby hold their head up at all on their tummy?
Also regarding food. Babies do not need food at 15 weeks. They may show an interest and watch people which is great for development but it doesn't mean they are starving. Personally I was in the 5.5 month to 6 months camp for weaning. I found it such a faff and milk is so much easier
Tbh, depending how good a friend she is I would pull her on it if you feel strong enough. Say, 'Just wondering how long you are going to keep comparing them for?? Because if it's until they are adults then I best start writing down all the times your child has beaten mine for you so you won't forget. Personally I'm not bothered and I'm just happy watching my child grow and learn.... but if it makes you feel better to compete......'
Or alternatively just distance yourself from her or say 'thanks for that info'/ 'that's nice' and change the subject every time.
Do not let her make you feel bad. And I guarantee any other new mums you will come across and who listen to her, there will be a portion of them who will be inwardly or outwardly rolling their eyes at her bragging.
I had a friend who was a bit like this with my first. I reckon it came from insecurity really. I just made no comment and let mine get on with it. Including putting her down to confidently toddle about in her bare feet whilst her 'walking' child wobbled and fell over in her big heavy shoes. She commented Oh she can walk?? I just replied, yes for a week or so now.

If it makes you feel better I was told off by my Ped for trying to get my son to sit sooner with a bumbo etc as apparently there are studies that show kids who are propped up before they are ready are worse at maths as they get older as they don't fully develop the problem solving part of the brain required to figure out how to sit up by themselves . I'm hoping your friends comments are coming from a place of concern - if not maybe you can casually drop that into conversation if this one upmanship continues . My son didn't sit up unsupported till about 7.5 months and I admit I was starting to compare and feel worried . Then in a matter of weeks he was pulling himself up to stand and I wouldn't be surprised if he's walking at 10 months . I think it takes longer for some kids to join the dots and then when they do it all clicks into place .
Tummy time is worth persevering with and it's normal they protest - just consistent building up every day- a small mirror they can look at was a great distraction for my son. How this puts your mind at rest a little :)

All babies are different. Easier said than done granted, but don’t fret over when they do things. Only worry if they don’t at all. My little one does have learning seats due to health issues and wasn’t walking until three, is now four and still doesn’t say many words and those she does are more sounds than anything. She didn’t sit until she was a year old etc. I’ve learnt to not worry, she will do them when she is ready and she is, slowly but she is. It’s not a competition and soon your learn to be proud when they do achieve something, and not how long it took.

Learning delays that’s should read.

My dad couldn’t hold her head up till 7 months. She was fine just lazy.