Is it normal for a baby not to support himself at 6 months?

[alexpolismum]

I am a little worried about my ds2, now just 6 months old. The thing is, he doesn't seem to be doing very much. He doesn't completely support his head, he doesn't sit, he doesn't roll over, he doesn't reach out for toys, he doesn't grab, he doesn't even grip things. He is bright and alert and shows an interest, he smiles and responds by kicking his legs up and down, but that's about it. Is this normal at 6 months?

I also have a ds1 and a dd and they both did all those things by then. I know I shouldn't compare, but it is very hard not to, especially when the difference is so vast.

When you say he doesn't support his head do you mean that if you put him in an upright position it flops? Or more that if he's lying on his front he can't lift his head up then?

when I put him upright, his head falls forwards. From lying down on his front he can lift his head but only just and it is obviously a strain and he quickly flops down again.

Was he full term?

yes (39 weeks 5 days)

it was a natural birth, he wasn't induced or anything

Does he try to roll over but get stuck, or just not try at all?

he doesn't try

Well... I have a studio photo of my son sitting up aged 7 months and I know that was only acheived by my arm supporting him disguised by a satin sheet! Rolling over is not something they all get the hang of. As you say, he's bright and alert. I think I'd ask the HV about the other things, though. They see more babies than we do.

Thanks Chil. I will have to talk to the paediatrician (I live abroad, no HVs here). I'm supposed to take him for vaccines soon, so I can ask then. I hope he doesn't think I'm neurotic - he already thinks I'm wierd because I bf dd till she was 21 months, and ds2 was born when dd was 18 months.

It's probably unusual but not necessarily a problem. Remember these milestones are just statistical calculations, not an absolute must for every baby. My DC didn't sit up until more like 7 or 8 months. I would be more concerned about the not reaching and grabbing than the not sitting / rolling. Probably worth checking with your doc or HV if you trust their opinion.

at least he's not the only one not sitting up, though, that's something at any rate

I am very concerned about the non reaching and grabbing. I try to offer him interesting objectsto reach for, but he just smiles at them and kicks his legs.

If you give him a toy or rattle and place it in his hands does he try to hold it?

no, it just drops on the floor

My DS is 6 months this week and rolled today for the first time (I think it was a fluke, although he's been trying hard in just the last couple of weeks). A friend's DS rolled once at 3 months and then not at all until 10 months, when he also started crawling and, within a fortnight, walking. So personally I wouldn't think it was that odd.

DS can't sit up unsupported either, but I think that's normal too. However, he has spent the last month or two reaching & grabbing for things so I'd be inclined to get that checked out if I were you. But it sounds good that he is generally alert & responsive.

I would get him checked out, not necessarily because I think anything's wrong (I have no idea) but because you're worried now and that;s not going to go away until he's been checked.

Stealth - you're so right. I know I'm going to keep on worrying. I have an appointment next Monday to give him his vaccines, so I shall talk to the doctor about it then.

it doesn't help that my other two children did all these things and were very active babies and I can't help but notice the difference.

I bet! You only go on your own experience really.

I know - it's hard not to compare them by what the older ones did. My dd2 is 22 weeks old and showing no signs of wanting to roll over. They are all different but you will feel much better if you speak to your doctor.