9mo can't do all fours position

[BabyQuestions]

I'm thinking about calling the health visitor tomorrow.

Our 9 month old baby initially struggled to lift her (huge) head for a long time in tummy time, now she can sit well unsupported and can stand wobbling holding on to something, but still can't hold her weight on all fours at all. She can spin on her (chunky) belly and sometimes slides backwards/sideways but can't make any forward progress on her belly or lift it off the ground. She has been getting very frustrated wanting to crawl for months. If I lift her hips she faceplants. She also can't sit up from lying down, sitting to lying is a rare messy flop, and she doesn't roll much recently although she has had periods of rolling both ways.

(She was ECVd and later born with forceps, I think they had to turn her with the forceps, I wonder if she may have an injury or weakness in her back).

Has anyone had a similar situation with your babies, how did it turn out please? Or do you have any advice on if I should ring or wait and see? Thank you.

Yes. We had an almost identical situation with DS. 97th centile with a massive head. Only span on his belly. Also face planted the floor when his hips were lifted. Never went on all 4s. Went straight to pulling up to stand at also about 10 months. Finally walked at 15 months. Was cross until that point then became far more laid back.

He’s now 1.5 and walks well. Can get to sitting from lying down (maybe did that at 12 or 13 months) but still can’t get to standing from lying down even now. Has, to the best of my knowledge, still never got up on all 4s. Has only just mastered bending down to pick things up without holding on. Very socially advanced and has many more words then the toddlers in my NCT group, but way behind on gross motor.

You should call the HV if you are worried, but they weren’t remotely bothered at 12 months when he scored near on zero for gross motors, as he was developing well in all other domains. I had a straightforward, normal vaginal delivery. For DS I think it’s a combination of his size and temperament.

Thank you AliceW, that's reassuring to hear, it sounds like your little one has been really similar to mine, I'm glad they are doing ok. It's such hard work for them with big heads isn't it.

Sounds exactly the same as mine was at 9 months although he could pull up and cruise if sat next to furniture. On his front he would only raise himself as far as his forearms, never extended arms and had never got onto all fours. Within days of turning 10 months he was crawling on all fours at speed as if he had been doing it all his life. He learned about a month later to back himself up into the sitting position. Took his first steps at 11 months and walked confidently by 14! Sometimes they just do things a little weirdly!

Oh that's nice to hear, I'm glad your son is doing well. My HV wasn't worried when I phoned. I really want our baby to learn to crawl and walk with me before she goes to nursery but I guess she'll just do it when she's good and ready,