Late developer?: should I be worried 12m?

[Firsttimer7259]

My daughter is gorgeous and great fun but at 12 months she is not crawling or creeping. She can sit without support which happened at about 9 months and in last few weeks has started trying to move about.

She has never been that interested in objects or grabbing and exploring things. She is very affectionate, smiles and laughs lots. Not sure if she knows her name she doesn't always respond when called. She isnt babbling but has a growing range of noises.

I try very hard not to compare. Its difficult to read development calendars that lost all the things she 'should' be doing. Maybe I am over anxious...but would you be worried?

The first time round I probably would have been. The second time round I've been far more relaxed.

They really do all develop at a different pace but usually all get to the same point in the end! I think you're right to question the crawling though. She may simply be chilled out and relaxed and just taking her time. Have you spoken to your health visitor or GP about your concerns? They are usually very helpful. (If not then find another who listens and takes the time to talk to you. It's their job) Ask them to take a look at her. This should come with her standard check-ups anyhow.

Neither of mine responded well to their names at 12 months and they're both absolutely fit and well. Come to think of it, my eldest is 13 and STILL doesn't always respond :) Mine both developed at different paces to the development calendars and all my friends kids did too. Some did things at the predicted age, most did earlier or later. The calendars are an average I guess.

Ask your HV to take a look at her and be honest in airing your worries. They will help reassure you or deal with it if there does happen to be an underlying problem. It's likely that they would have picked on anything before now though at her regular checkups.

Enjoy your happy little girl. Smiling, laughing babes are happy secure babes.

I think it's too soon to worry but keep an eye on things - esp the communication. Most likely there won't be a problem but if there is at least you will have tracked it and have information to give people.

I think I would want her checked out re the crawling, in case there is a simple physical reason for it.

She sounds very similar to both my dcs, who were very similar in physical development - sat at 9 months, crawled at 13 months (actually dd never really crawled), walked at 14 months. Before 13 months never looked as if they were ever going to move anywhere, just sat still wherever they were plonked.

Dd was babbling at this age but not ds. He is 4 now and can walk, run, climb, talk etc just like any other 4 year old. There is a huge range of "normal" in terms of development so by all means have a word with your hv if it would put your mind at rest but I would try not to worry about it. I did worry a bit about ds, but by the time dd came round I knew she would be fine!

She might turn out to be a 'bottom shuffler'. some children don't crawl, they scoot on their bottoms and it's perfectly normal, just different. But see the HV if you're worried, they can refer you to a Children's physio. I saw one because DS toes looked a bit funny (blush) and she was lovely and managed not to make me feel too silly.

My DS didn't start crawling until around 13 months, and didn't walk until 17 months. He's now 4 yo and can outrun his 7 yo sister (and me ).

I wouldn't be too concerned at the minute...remember the developments are based on the average - some children are faster and some are slower.

If you are concerned have a chat to your HV.