10.5 month old doesn't want to move or stand - normal?

[Pretendbookworm]

DS is 10.5 months and it's only within the last 6 weeks or so that he's started travelling around by rolling. I know every baby is different but his cousin who is 5 months old has started doing the same!

And he doesn't want roll around every day - he just wants to sit up and play. If I try to stand him he might keep his legs straight for a second but then his knees give way and he sits back down again and cries.

He does make a wierd rocking motion as if he's going to start bottom shuffling though but that's been the same for around 6 weeks. I do things like leave toys out of each and he'll lean forward for them and then eventually cry.

What can I do to encourage him to move other than leave things out of reach? That only seems to last for a few minutes before he has a meltdown and I don't want it to be negative.

Note: I've spoken to HV who recommends to stop using the jumperoo (or limit it). Which sucks as he's a clingy baby and it's the only way I can leave the room without him.

Physiotherapy would say, no jumperoo and more tummy time. Trying to get standing without the right muscles developed is pointless. Crawling is an important stage.

Even if they don't like going on their tummy,, short spells with interesting toys and distraction from you, it is important they get more time in this position to start with. Being placed in upright or sitting position can delay the development to walking apparently.

Is your son able to roll in both directions? Play a rolling game with him with nappy changing (change the nappy on a soft surface, eg changing mat on carpet or bed, not hard floor) then sing-song with rocking legs side to side, and then encouraging to roll fully over, especially to the side they don't normally roll, then when they roll over, leave a little gap before encouraging rolling over to back again. Make a game of it, gradually increasing tummy time during the game.

There are gradual steps to encouraging the development through to crawling before walking.

It might be your only chance to leave the room with him in his jumperoo, but it will delay walking and independence, which you might want to encourage if he is a clingy baby. When you are with him in the room, encouraging tummy time is important.

He can roll either side and infact crawls around his cot while he's asleep. As soon as I put him on his belly he rolls back again though. Keeping him on his tummy doesn't seem to work but I'll keep trying.

That is great that he is crawling in the cot, next step, encourage going from sitting to crawling. Sit with your legs out in v shape, with your son in front of you, then have toys he will want on the side, so that he has to try to go over your leg to get to what he wants. It is easier for them to get the toys this way, as you are encouraging the natural hip movement and leg movement for him to get across. If he stays laying over your leg playing that is fine. You can help him move the leg out from underneath him, so that he is in crawling position while laying on your leg. He won't be able to roll over while laying across your leg, but it will be a good position for tummy time, if only briefly. It is hard to encourage the right movements, but a little frequently will speed things up.

Sorry this is a long description, if I can find a picture to add I will later.

I hope this is helpful for you?

I think your son sounds completely normal, though I totally understand the anxiety as I've gone through similar myself. They all do things at such hugely different rates- your son will probably be talking in sentences when this other child is still babbling.

My son (now 20 months) always hated tummy time, didn't even sit until 9 months, and then happily sat playing but did no more than turn in a circle until 15 months. He started doing the bum rocking then within a month was shuffling around at high speed. He's still (!) not quite walking but I've been assured by Dr and physio there's nothing wrong - he's just at the slower end of the spectrum when it comes to walking and will get there in his own time. He's a great talker and has very good fine motor skills.

Also, I'm a psychologist and colleagues of mine who do research on motor development tell me there's no relationship between when children start to walk and their physical abilities late in life. It's frustrating but he will get there!