So worried about development after visit to GP

[TheMichelinLady]

I took my 6 month old to the GP today. The issue I took her about turned out not to be a worry at all, but I left feeling sick with anxiety. She is very wobbly, and although her head control is pretty good when on her tummy she is nowhere near ready for a high chair and is a long way from sitting. She is very slumped. She can roll from back to front, but not front to back.

Anyway I asked the GP what he thought, and he asked what had been said when she was last seen by the HV. I said that due to covid, she hasn't been seen since he reviewed her at 6 weeks old. He was absolutely horrified that the HV service has basically not been running, and then became very preoccupied about getting a review in ASAP. I asked him again if he was concerned about my baby's development and he just said to wait for a proper assessment, and "then we can contact the paediatrician if we need to". I was really hoping for a more reassuring answer than that.

He did say that she's a large baby (despite only being on the 9th centile at six weeks) and this might be affecting her sitting etc. Unfortunately we don't have growth charts because she hasn't been properly weighed for months, but she has definitely ballooned - perhaps too much?

Not sure why I'm posting, think I just need a hand hold
She is my first baby and I just feel like we've been totally abandoned.

My DD couldn't sit up at six months either. It turned out that she's hypermobile (doublejointed). She's nine now, a bit uncoordinated/not very sporty, but otherwise fine and very bright!

The "contact your GP if not sitting independently" was 9 months old when mine were babies. And even that didn't mean there was anything wrong, just the point to check in. Another third of his life!
The rolling is excellent - don't try to sit him up, rolling is the exact natural pattern that strengthens the core to aid sitting. It's all in the right order.

Some lovely comments here from people with all different experiences and knowledge. I hope you can take comfort in those and see just how different any two babies can be.
P.s. my son didn’t sit up and hold himself properly until he was 8 months! He is now 2.2 and perfect 🥰

You can easily chart weight and height yourself. If you don’t have baby scales then weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself again holding your baby. Might not be quite as accurate as baby weighing scales, but it will give you an idea.
Height is more difficult with a tape measure and a wriggly baby...
Babies do all develop at their own pace, but I would want some reassurance from a professional, too, from time to time.

Thank you all so much, your comments have hugely reassured and comforted me.

Apparently HV is going to call me about an appointment next week, and if she doesn't then I need to let the GP know.

I do think it's disgraceful that they haven't even been keeping in touch by phone. I'd love to know what they've actually been doing! I have often thought over the last few months that there must be a lot of vulnerable babies going unnoticed and falling through the cracks. It's scary really. I think that thought is what I could see going through the GP's face this afternoon!

Even before lockdown I don’t think HV normally keep in touch much after six weeks, unless there are particular issues. My baby was born late 2019 and I recall mine coming round three times, once before baby was born and twice after in the first couple of weeks to do hearing checks and weigh baby. Then a phone call about three months in to see how I was doing. With my first baby a few years ago I had less contact than that. I think they focus on the first few weeks and then if you seem to be doing ok they leave you to it. But no weigh in clinics now which is a shame. And a lot less in person support for breast feeding which must be very hard for new mums.

Mine at 6 months had zero interest in rolling over. All she did was lie down and hold her toes. She started walking at 13 months. I think babies do things at their own pace. I hope you will be able to get some reassurance soon🌼

Please don't worry hun , my both my Children didn't sit until nearly 1 by which point they then just get up and start furniture cruising and then walking .

Both of them were chunky and tall although are now within normal range .

I am sure all will be fine , just get her checked but honestly I am sure it's nothing

My DS couldn’t sit up unaided at 6 months. He was probably 8 months before he could do it consistently, from about 7 months he was wobbly and we use to put pillows round him or sit him in the boppy. He ate in a high chair from 6 months. I don’t think he could really roll either at 6 months.

Then he walked at 10 months on the dot. He’s 5 now and perfectly physically capable

My DD is nearly 3 and I have no idea when she could roll or crawl or sit. I think she could roll quite early, and she was wobbly walking on her first birthday

Op dont worry. My LO shot up a few percentiles.. didnt start sitting on her own until 8 months! She was last weighed in March. My HV service is awol and I'm just thinking my lo looks happy and healthy so yeh.

@TheMichelinLady Hi! how is your little one doing now? I’m a first time mom, having a six month old with similar concerns you’ve mentioned. When did the head control improve? It’s quite worrying :(