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7-month-old not crawling or sitting – any tricks that worked for you?

8 replies

Rozzzeto · 05/08/2025 14:34

Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate any advice or ideas you might have.
Our little boy is 7 months old, and according to our pediatrician, he’s slightly behind in his physical development. He can roll onto his tummy and back, but he’s not showing any signs of crawling or even pushing up on his hands (lifting his body with straight arms). When I try to help him push up on his arms, he starts crying.
I’ve tried various things, but he usually ends up crying if he has to do something he hasn’t decided to do on his own. We took him to a pediatric neurologist, and thankfully everything seems fine.
He also can’t sit independently yet—his max is around 2–3 seconds. He does reach for toys that are out of reach, but when he can’t get them, he starts crying and rolls away—he doesn’t try to move closer or make an effort, just gives up and gets upset.
When he was younger, he didn’t tolerate tummy time at all. What helped the most was placing him on his tummy in his stroller—he can stay like that for up to 30 minutes without dropping his head.
I’d be really happy to hear any tips or “tricks” that might help encourage him to be more active or to try things on his own.
Thanks in advance!

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
cestlavielife · 05/08/2025 14:39

Crawling too early to be concerned.
Sitting up he is managing few seconds but take him to a paediatric physio for assessment and suggestions

42wallabywaysydney · 05/08/2025 14:51

Sounds completely normal for his age, I wouldn’t worry at all and no need to encourage him, he’ll do it when he’s ready. One of mine crawled at 6 months and the other at 10 months, it’s a wide range. The 10 month crawler also wasn’t sitting at 7 months, I think he started sitting independently around 8 months. Also hated tummy time but I never forced him, they do things in their own time and long term it makes zero difference. Also they are a menace once they start crawling so just enjoy this time while you can!

BarnacleBeasley · 05/08/2025 14:54

My second didn't even roll over till 10 months, and only learned at the same time as crawling. He was amazing at sleeping, though - I think he just didn't get enough practice as he was asleep pretty much all the time. He's now 20 months and has been able to jump with both feet off the ground for a little while. He can also somehow climb up onto the dining table, which is not ideal.

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Countingtoten10 · 05/08/2025 15:06

I wouldn't worry about it either, lots of time on the floor and he will figure it out. If you're hitting 9-10 months and no progress then maybe time to see someone.

JaninaDuszejko · 05/08/2025 15:11

Some children never crawl, they bum shuffle. Top tip: patience.

usedtobeaylis · 05/08/2025 15:19

I don't have any tips but try not to worry about crawling at least - the timeline and methods are both wildly different for all babies. Do you ever prop him up on cushions for sitting?

MummaMummaMumma · 05/08/2025 15:20

Absolutely normal, do not worry!

Borgonzola · 05/08/2025 15:57

My daughter didn’t crawl until 10mo and she was roughly in line with most of her peers.
once they get going you will long for the time before they moved around so much!

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