9-month-old plays by himself for over an hour

[TheBerry]

I feel lucky on one hand, but worried that it might be bad for him on the other!

My 9-month-old will play in his playpen for over an hour by himself, 2+ times each day. Should I be interacting with him more?? Taking him out more?? Just be happy he’s so independent?

He enjoys it when we do go out and see people and seems generally a happy and curious little boy.

It could be normal but it's definitely unusual. How does he do on this SLT progress checker?

@SiouxsieSiouxStiletto thanks, I took the test. I answered “no” to some of them - mainly about recognising words. I don’t think he really understands any words apart from his name and “clap” - he’ll clap if I ask him to. He also doesn’t understand pointing. The only other action he’ll really use is raising his arms to be picked up.

I do talk to him a lot but he just doesn’t seem to understand a lot of words.

Maybe a problem? 🤷🏻‍♀️🫤

If it says "you've answered no to some important questions" then yes I do think it needs following up, especially if he's content for such long periods without interaction.

I'd use the free helpline from Speech & Language UK and see what they suggest. It might just be something as simple as getting his hearing checked to rule out glue ear.

I'd also speak to your HV and say that you'd like the 12 month check early, maybe fill in the Ages & Stages for 9 months (there's a different one at 10 months) and ask her to score it.

Thank you, haven’t heard from the HV in months but I’m with the perinatal mental health team so I’ll ask them!

He’s pretty advanced with his motor skills (crawled at 6 months, not far off walking now) but maybe behind with his communication. He definitely doesn’t understand if I ask him to hand me something, and although he laughs at peek-a-boo he would never initiate it, and although he says mama, dada, etc. I’m not sure they actually mean anything to him.

He definitely doesn’t have glue ear.

I think I’ve fostered this behaviour in him because I’m not good at playing with him. I feel bad about this. I’ve really encouraged him to play solo.

I’ll see what the perinatal nurse says.

I think I’ve fostered this behaviour in him because I’m not good at playing with him. I feel bad about this. I’ve really encouraged him to play solo

You definitely haven't

They're all different and you could have encouraged him to play be himself and you could have ended up with a baby who stuck to you like glue.

It sounds as though you've struggled a bit and now have some support. Don't put yourself down, it sounds as though you've come a long way already

I wouldn't rule out getting a hearing test, the wait times can be long and if he's a bit behind with his communication an SLT will want him to have had a hearing test before they see him.

Let us know what the Nurse says