Concerns about my 10m old son (missed milestones)

[Julymom2023]

Hello , my son turned 10m a few days ago and he has not hit several milestones. His pediatrician did not ask us to come in for a formal 9m checkup. He cannot crawl, cannot pull to stand. He is just starting now to get into a sitting position by himself from lying on back. He does not really respond to his name, doesn’t point, doesn’t imitate, doesn’t wave. He smiles from time-to-time but it takes a lot to get him to smile. He babbles but it seems more to himself than communicative. He’s also recently started clapping but it seems more to himself than imitative. I’m concerned- I’m a ftm. Is this something anyone else has experienced? Please give advice and share insight- thanks so much.

If concerned, get in touch with your local pediatrician and book yourself in. All children are different; try not to stress too much.

Rough guide here for milestones: https://www.pampers.co.uk/baby/development/article/10-month-old-baby

I can only advise on the physical milestones but I would say that not being able to crawl or pull to standing isn't out of the ordinary for a 10 month old. Mine didn't crawl until over 11 months, didn't pull to stand until around 12 months, and now he's an incredibly active toddler. Neither of mine said their first word till around 13-14 months and now both very talkative lol. I'd ask your health visitor when the 9 month check up is, as you can voice your concerns then x

Some of what you're looking for I think it's a bit early – a few babies point at 10 months, some babies point before a year, but for most it seems to emerge between 12-15 months, and it's not 'late' until 18 months, which is absolutely ages when you're 10 months old. Other things, he's in the range, so a fair number will be doing it, but a fair number won't – things like crawling, pulling to stand, waving. Other things, like not seeming very interactive or engaged with you, are a bit unusual, but could just be personality.

For an overview of his development, I'd have a look at the 10 month Ages and Stages Questionnaire (https://www.socfc.org/SOHS/Disabilities%20Mental%20Health/ASQ/ASQ%203%2010%20Months.pdf). Do check the scoring at the back, though – they never expect yes to every question in a section to get 'development appears on track', usually it's more like 4 out of 6. A section or two in the grey is also very common, and usually resolves itself. Lots of grey or sections in the black, and I'd want to get him seen.