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How normal is it to only just be sitting at 12 months?

6 replies

duchesse · 14/01/2011 16:59

Asking this as I don't see one of my sisters all that often, as she lives in Thailand. Her DS2 is her 4th child and has just turned 1. I met him for the second time at Christmas (first time he was 5 months) and was amazed that he is not sitting reliably yet- can only do it with cushions around to stop him tipping over- but that she could leave him half-reclining on the edge of a chair or sofa and he wouldn't move or make any effort to throw himself off. She can leave him sleeping on a sofa and when he wakes up he neither moves nor cries at all. I'm sure he must be very easy to look after because of it but I found it very unusual.

How usual do you think this is? My mother says that babies in Thailand are discouraged from moving much due to heat and nasty beasties. His head seems awfully large, which may be a family trait but I was slightly worried about him, I must say. Could not say anything to her, she would go berzerk. She and her (d)H don't do scans or mainstream medical at all, so for all they know he could have a problem.

He looks as bright as a shiny new button btw- very happy to look and smile and anyone who will give him the time of day, and will reach out for toys if he's given them. He just doesn't request anything or complain at all.

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ppeatfruit · 14/01/2011 17:42

Surely if yr sister has had 3 other L.O.s she would notice the problem? IMO and E (as mum of 3 and exnanny and C.M it doesn't sound normal sorry.

duchesse · 14/01/2011 17:45

ppeat- you would think that she'd notice wouldn't you? I think she is just exhausted and thankful that he's not a handful. Her (d)H is another responsibility. But if he says there's nothing wrong, she says there's nothing wrong. I'm not sure how to broach the subject with her tbh without her going nutso on me.

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smashingtime · 14/01/2011 20:28

Could it not just be down to practice? Babies need to spend a certain amount of time strengthening their muscles in order to be able to sit unaided - if he hasn't been doing that then I expect he will be behind.

On the other hand, I have a DD with low muscle tone who didn't sit reliably until 13 months and who has needed physio in order to become mobile.

I think you would need to spend more time with them to tell whether is a genuine problem or just a delay.

duchesse · 14/01/2011 21:50

It could be, smashing. I know that as number 4 in 5.5 years he doesn't get much attention, but mine wouold have been bouncing of the walls regardless by his age. I guess he must be a calmer personality.

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ppeatfruit · 16/01/2011 11:29

I remember 1 of my acquintances having a similar problem, she just ignored it until picked up by the medics. IMO they can't face up to it.

ppeatfruit · 16/01/2011 11:41

i just read that yr sister doesn't do medics oh Shock

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