13 month old not crawling or eating solid foods

[happyMom]

Our 13 month old daughter is very bright and responsive, but she is not crawling yet, and does not seem interested in eating solid foods.  She gets up on her hands and knees and rocks back and forth, but when she tries to crawl her leg crosses over and she sits up instead.  Is she just a late bloomer or should I be concerned?  If I should be concerned, what should I do?

[ninamic]

I'm surprised your pediatrician didn't cover this at the 12-month checkup! I don't know what the procedure in the U.S. is for children who don't reach milestones, but here in Germany we were sent to a "developmental neurologist" when our son had just started crawling at 12 months (before that he moved forward on his elbows). He was diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency. At 19.5 months, he is still not walking unassisted, even after (a minimal, in my opinion) dosage of B12. We will soon take him in for a Bayley Test. Sorry if this is straying; new to group and trying to sort things out... Good luck. My advice is don't be afraid of testing; aside from blood tests(!), they are noninvasive and allow you to see your child with more open eyes. Also, it is very important not to think your child is lazy! Children will do whatever they are capable of doing. The more patient and understanding I am with my son, the happier I think he is, and more responsive as well.

[2mom]

My daughter did not walk until she was 16 months old. She is now 3. She also would not touch baby food period. She went straight to the talbe food at 7 months. However, when she was not hitting her crawling milestone, I did bring it to the attention of my peditrician who said that early intervention would be reccommended at the age of 18 months and not to worry about getting her help until then. (needless to say she didn't need it because she manage to walk at 16 months. Two days of wobbling and by the third walked like a champ.) She is extremely healthy today, but a bit defiant.   My son on the other hand is 9 months old and walking.


Mention it to your peditircian, because you can only here our opinions which can make you feel good, but really do not change your concerns.  And don't worry so much unless you have received medical diagnosis. She could just be a little lazy. ( Most girls are its in our nurture.   I can say that because I have the pre-Madonna of laziness. She thinks she has a full time waitress.
(Get me this and get me that.) Bare in mind it could be within arms reach but god forbid she lift her prescious finger to pick it up for herself.

Our greatest fears are that something is wrong with our children, but the biggest contributors of those fears are ourselfs.  We can't except that nothing is wrong.  That is human nature.

Enjoy her she will be off and running before you know it.
2mom

[Angel Mom]

Every pediatrician is "supposed" to do a developmental assessment at every check-up.  (I was told this by a neurologist)This doesn't mean having to fill out a form and check off boxes, but just 3 or 4 quick questions regarding typical development, and if half the answers are "no" the doctor should do a more formal eval (still only a one sheet form).  I believe it is called the Denver Assessment or Denver Scale.  For example, for a one year old, he/she would ask if the baby is walking or attemtping to walk, how many words is the baby using, how is the baby's appetite, ect..

Seeing a specialist would most likely be covered by your insurance.  If it is not covered, every single state has an Early Intervention services program that will assess for free your child's development.  This would most likely be done in your home (the child's natural environment).

I do think not walking at your child's age is a cause for concern.  Not all out panic, but it should be looked into.

All of my daughter's developmental delays were overlooked, brushed off by her pediatrician. Finally when she was not walking at nearly 2 years old, he agreed to refer to a developmental specialist.  Of course getting into see a specialist there was a long wait (6 months until first available appointment).

Eventually we learn that my daughter has a genetic disorder called Angelman Syndrome (see www.angelman.org). Major characteristics of AS are late walking, eating difficulties, excessively happy demeanor, absence of speech, fine motor difficulties.

This disorder can sometimes be hereditary, and during the time that the pediatrician "comforted" me that my daughter was fine, I had a 2nd child, who by the grace of G-d is fine.  My daughter did not walk until 30 months of age, and her baby sister walked 2 months later at 9 months old.

My whole point is better be safe than sorry.  If it is truly nothing at all, you will be none worse for the wear.

Good Luck.
Take Care.

Emilie

[Kaileysmom]

I wouldn't be to concerned about it as long as she gets around somehow, either by rolling, scooting on her bottom, or any other form of transportation.

My daughter didn't "crawl" off her belly until 9 months.  We didn't start her on ANY solids, including rice cereal(which she still has not had) until 8 months.

Have you tried solids with her?  Are you using jarred baby food?  If so she may not like it, and you may just want to go to table food.  That's what we did with our daughter, and she LOVES any food.  She will not eat any jarred food, she thinks its icky :)

As for going to a specialist, THAT is a little extreme, and most likely costly.  Just mention it to your PED and I am sure they will put your mind at ease :)

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Children develop at various rates, and there may not be reason for concern. But, having said that, I would pursue this with her pediatrician, and request an evaluation with a pediatric orthopedic specialist.