My 5 month old struggles to lift his head for very long during tummy time, showing no signs of rolling yet

[booklady1990]

I am wondering if anyone has had this experience? We have tried to do tummy time but he always hated it, now I'm worried we should really have persevered as we have been doing it quite casually here and there. I went to a baby class today (I don't go to many of these things) and was shocked by how well the other babies (all the same age) were able to hold their heads up for prolonged periods of time. My DS can hold it up, but really for no longer than 10-20 seconds, then just lays on the floor and gets upset. The class leader also said, in a sort of off hand way, 'oh they are probably all rolling already' but my son hasn't shown any signs of this yet.

I have contacted my health visitor but haven't heard anything back yet, I am just wondering at what point you think I should try and get in touch with my GP or even a paediatrician?

Any advice is really appreciated! I feel sort of embarassed to talk to any of my friends about it as I feel like people will think I should have done more to help him before this point.

Both my DC have been like this. Hated tummy time and would just scream into the floor. Didn’t roll over until around 7 months and even then just did it a few times and couldn’t be bothered. Didn’t crawl until almost a year and couldn’t get into a sitting position by themselves until a year too (although fine if I sat them up from around 6 months onwards). From around 13 months one day they just stood up and walked, didn’t even bother cruising around the house! Mine developed skills like clapping, waving, tapping objects together months earlier than some other babies so it seems they all have different strengths! I don’t think you should worry at all. Lots can change in a few months

I think you’re right to check in with the HV. It may be nothing. One of mine didn’t roll until 7 months and then didn’t do it again for ages but if you’re in doubt, then it’s best to ask your HV.

If your DS does need some support then it’s good to get that early and if everything is fine then it’s also good to get that reassurance.

Before you speak to your HV I would fill in the 5 month Ages & Stages.

Lots of babies will score grey in a couple of areas but if it’s more than that or if your LO is scoring black in any area then the HV will probably refer you to a Paediatrician.

Don’t forget too that your LO is young for that assessment as it takes them almost up to 7 months so there is some time to catch up. The HV might want to see you again at 7 months or just before to see if your LO has progressed. If she does then try and get her to arrange the follow up appointment with you there and then so that your DS isn’t forgotten.

And don’t let it put you off going to groups. It sounds like a bit of a careless comment from the woman taking the session. My non-roller got pretty good A Level results and is now at Uni studying a STEM subject

Hope your HV calls back today. Dont be afraid to keep calling her until she responds.

Alternatively is there a baby drop-in clinic near to you? Ours did weigh-ins but the HV was there so you could ask questions

Thanks so much for getting back to me! I can't get to see the HV untio Thursday but I actually saw the Doctor last week, who suggested because he's such a big baby (on the 95th centile, with a 99th centile head) he may be a little slower simply due to being bigger and harder to manoeuvre. I am hoping this might be part of it! He does seem to be improving with his tummy time all the time and actually did a little accidental roll over the weekend which I am hoping he can build on. Hoping the HV will reassure as well...