To say something to my sister about the baby

[Zcity]

She's gorgeous, 14 months old. She will shuffle on her bum to get around a little. She cannot crawl at all, or stand by herself, she has no inclination to move really, she's very happy just sat on a mat.

I do not have children and Google tells me very different things but I'm worried (as is our mum) as she said to me that baby should be crawling at least.

DM bought the subject up with her but she said she had been to the GP and GP said it's fine as she can stand unsupported- but thing is, she can't. She cannot stand by herself, if you gently pull her up so she's standing she will need to lean against something (sofa) and she only stays upright for seconds until her legs buckle.

Would you be concerned or am I overstepping as loving auntie and wind my neck in? All babies are different, which I understand! Maybe just a late walker? Hoping for reassurance!

Sounds normal to me. My DD was. Bum shuffler, never crawled and had to be encouraged to walk at 17 months - wasn’t bothered about moving at all. Is now a very agile and physically capable 12 year old! DS looks like he will be walking by 9 months , he’s standing on his own unaided and has been crawling since 5 months. They’re all so different.

My lazy 3rd child (son) never did much at all until 16 months. He even got his first tooth that month too. He never bothered talking before then either. Every kid is different.

My dd who is 50 now couldn't sit by herself at the age if 1 year and didn't crawl at all. Also shuffled about on her bottom. She's very bright. My youngest grandchild didn't talk till 4. She's now 8 and doesn't stop. Don't worry about it. She'll suddenly start racing around the house.

I walked at a year old which I thought was about average. My mother had a picture of the moment as it was at my first birthday party. My mother in law talked about her boys running around at 11 months and I frankly thought she was exaggerating. I was bit startled that my sons took after their father's family and were indeed running around at 11 months - they were very late to crawl but after a day or two they were up and off and within a day or two were sprinting down the hallway (No, they didn't turn into great athletes.) It's possible that your niece takes after her dad's side of the family who may have been slightly later walkers. I do know that bum shufflers usually walk later too.

My oldest never crawled. She rolled very adeptly, then pulled herself up around 17 months.

Our pediatrician was never concerned, since she was always making progress, just at her own timetable.

A bit hmmm at the responses in this thread. Yes it’s perfectly normal not to be able to walk, but it’s not normal to be unable to weight bear as described. From quite young it’s developmentally normal for babies held upright to be able to ‘kick’ up and hold their weight a little, by a year they should be able to do this easily. If they can’t it’s usually poor muscle tone, common and fixable. Op, all that the gp would recommend (unless there are other warning signs) is essentially physio- when you are with baby try holding them standing on your lap- sit them down, hold them standing. Give their leg muscles practice to help them build this strength. Googling low muscle tone in babies might turn up a lot, I know at least 3 friends and family members babies who have had this and all are fine now.

Read all your responses and comments.

Seeing your sister has mentioned it, you could bring it up now in a "I think she's absolutely wonderful and is totally fine but youd know better than me & I don't want you to think I'm not being supportive. So, is there anything I can do to help you feel okay about it? Do you think seeing an (insert professional here) would help you feel relaxed? I'd come with you if you want, or not, whatever works for you"