#asktheexpert my son is 7 months old he is not crawling...still he is not trying also ... he is rolling only

Question

Accepted Answer

Not all babies follow the same developmental timeline, and there is a wide range of normal when it comes to reaching milestones like crawling. It's not uncommon for babies to start crawling anywhere between 6 to 10 months of age. Some babies may skip crawling altogether and move directly to pulling themselves up and cruising.

However, if your seven-month-old baby has not started crawling yet, there is generally no need to worry. Babies develop at their own pace, and various factors can influence their motor skill progression. Here are a few considerations:

1. **Tummy Time:**
   - Make sure your baby has plenty of supervised tummy time during the day. This helps strengthen the neck, shoulder, and arm muscles necessary for crawling.

2. **Encourage Exploration:**
   - Provide a safe and stimulating environment that encourages exploration. Place interesting toys just out of reach to motivate your baby to move towards them.

3. **Developmental Differences:**
   - Babies can have significant developmental differences, and what matters most is the overall progression in their gross motor skills. Some babies may excel in other areas, such as communication or fine motor skills, before they start crawling.

4. **Variety of Movement:**
   - Some babies may prefer other modes of movement before crawling, like scooting, rolling, or bottom shuffling. As long as your baby is exploring different ways to move and is making progress in their overall motor skills, it's generally fine.

5. **Consult with Pediatrician:**
   - If you have concerns about your baby's development, it's always a good idea to discuss them with your pediatrician. They can provide reassurance, monitor your baby's progress, and offer guidance if needed.

Remember that babies reach milestones at their own pace, and the range of normal development is broad. If your baby is making progress in other areas of development, appears healthy, and is generally happy, there may be no cause for concern. However, if you ever have specific worries or notice other developmental delays, consulting with your pediatrician is the best course of action.