5 Months Old - Not holding and not grabbing toys

[Papierdoll]

Hi all,

I've seen a few previous posts about this but really looking for reassurance as I’m an emotional wreck about it all right now.

My daughter is 5 months old and was born via ventouse delivery and sunny side up (head facing upwards and not downwards). The ventouse cup was attached to her forehead and not the back of her head which left severe bruising to her forehead.

We were monitored for jaundice in the hospital and that cleared up pretty quickly. However the poor love cries the majority of time when awake. We’ve been told it’s just colic etc and I’ve had to fight for reflux meds and amino acid milk in case of allergies which has helped a little bit.

Whats concerning me the most is she’s not able to hold any toys, has no interest in them and only reluctantly holds my finger but only during feeding her bottles. She on occasion does like to grab my hair but more with the right hand then left.

She hates tummy time due to reflux but I’m forcing it a bit now although her arms are always straight down by her sides and almost hates me touching or moving her arms and moves them straight back.

Ive spoken to our GP and they’re going to make a referral but last time we did this (for her reflux, milk, crying), the earliest they could see me was in October so worry we’ll be waiting a long time.

Has anyone experienced anything similar and the babies were perfectly fine? I’m so worried about her delivery and the impact this has had on her and worried sick she may have something neurological going on.

Any reassurance, tips or help would be very much appreciated.

From one very worried mama x

Congratulations on your baby.

It's all such a worry.

Lots about her not grabbing, what's she like other than that? Smiling? Laughing? Rolling? Sitting up? Eye contact good? Responding to you? Crying when you leave?

Tummy time forced, is not for mine for sure. They spent lots of time on tummy lying on me, but rarely on floor. Not interested or happy, like miserable.

Grabbing things, reaching, I think is around six months. I could be wrong. It's funny I was moving a lot of baby toys away today, I have two girls. Both the baby and the toddler suddenly wanted to play with them, squeak them, shake them, these were the toys nobody had any interest in.....

Have you had the usual HV checks. any concerns?

I would make the referral to put your mind at ease and see how you go, hey can always cancel. But they all do things at different speeds and stages.

Is there any update on your daughter @Papierdoll ? My daughter is 5 months and we are going through a very similar thing. We have an appointment with a paediatrician in Jan but in the meantime are booking a private paediatric physio

Hi there,

My daughter is now 11 months. Started reaching and grabbing stuff the next month and rolling about 6 months too. All gross motor skills are delayed with her not sitting until 10 months. We’ve done an MRI under general anaesthetic which came back clear so thought all was fine. But then we were referred to a neurologist and now we’re having to go through genetics testing to rule out any potential neurology conditions which they think could be possible. All very scary but won’t get results until the middle of next year so trying not to think about it.

We see a physio so definitely get the ball rolling with that and try and encourage playing on a baby gym. We found the fisher price one with the foot keyboard a game changer. And wrist rattles. I’m sure everything is absolutely fine with your little one but totally understand the worry and anxiety. Did you have a normal birth / delivery?

Hayley

Thank you for your reply. The anxiety is stress is so hard to deal with. She was a c section baby, supposed to be planned but ended up an emergency. We have an appointment on Tue with a paediatric physio so will hopefully get a few answers then. Or at least some exercises to help her. I’m buying the wrist rattles and play gym right now. Sorry to hear you’re still waiting on answers with your little one. I’m sending you lots of positive vibes x

Hy
my son is same he is 8 month and not grabbing anything he just look at it

Hi Maryxxx,
my DS is 6 months old and exactly like this - looks at toys and smiles but it is like his brain doesn’t know he has arms and he doesn’t attempt to reach or grab for them! Finding it tough because I think he needs to use his arms/hands to start pushing up on tummy time and pivoting etc but lacks motivation as he doesn’t want to get anything I put around him! How is ur LO now?

he did improved now he is grabbing things but his still delay not yet siting up himself and not standing alone , he is stimming as well when excited

Good news on the grabbing! Hopefully he continues to strengthen up! Thanks for getting back to me x

Hi, any updates? Our 5 month old doesn’t reach for toys either. We will be seeing a neurologist. Feeling really stressed it might be something serious as he also has a small head.

Any updates from anyone? I am worried sick as my 6 month old does not reach for toys either.

Any updates? With genetic testing - in a similar situation!

Hi, we got a diagnosis of cerebral palsy - my LO is 22 months now and very delayed but working hard! Hopefully you all get answers and can start any necessary therapies !