Children hit their various milestones (like rolling, crawling, talking) at various points in their lives. No two babies are the same. But when, as a parent, is it time to worry if your baby isn’t doing what he “should” be doing? How do you know if you are helping or hindering your child’s development?
Babies are flexible creatures that crave structure. However small they may be, their bodies are ready for exercise. The customs of parenting for children bend them throughout their lives. Let’s use the feeding example. Some parents will be more strict in their feeding routine than others, requiring that the child be fed every three hours on the dot, while others will be willing to feed on the child’s needs. However you are comfortable with the method, it is fine, but it is worth pointing out that babies who are fed on demand can use some external signs of hunger (murmuring, crying) when they need something else, like a new diaper. So, knowing when your baby is hungry takes some guesswork. If this is the routine that has worked for you, by all means follow your baby’s cups. On the other hand, parents who prefer to feed at regular intervals will more likely have a child who will begin to know when the next feeding is due, and this child will be able to use his communication methods more effectively when he wants that new diaper, not the bottle.
What is this about crawling?
Well, like feeding, the age at which a child starts crawling can be stimulated by exercise. Where does your child spend most of his time? A child who is constantly held, or is always placed in an exersaucer, sit bouts, swing or other such device tends to have an adverse reaction to simply being placed on the ground. Tummy time is very important for babies. While the baby spends in the belly, they strengthen the muscles of the neck, begin to use their arms, and eventually use their legs and back to twist and roll around. Babies who are restrained do not get the same muscle exercises as a baby who is taught to be good on the floor. If your baby cries when you put them down, this could be the trigger: obviously, the baby is unhappy and wants to be picked up! Surely your child will prefer constant, one-on-one attention. But gradually, it is good to give the baby time to work the muscles. It is also helpful to give the baby alone time. Children cannot be with their parents 24 hours a day. Spending time in the baby seat will not only work the muscles to roll over and walk, but I could. help relieve the separation anxiety that can occur when a baby is out of the parents’ sight.
Tummy period started at any age (always under adult supervision). Twelve-week-old babies learn very well to turn their head from side to side while lying on their tummy. But when will the reptile turn to wiggling? By ages six to nine months, you should see some mobility in your baby. Whether that means rolling over to get to the toy you want, or “creeping an army” on their bums to get to your pocket, mobility will come across. If your baby doesn’t move at nine months, don’t worry. Just examine your routine. Are you holding your baby too much? When your baby looks like a toy and starts to grope, hand over the toy to your baby or just put it away and encourage it as needed is it a little? Babies will respond to your encouragement and loving challenge by grunting and giggling to reach for their toys! This is a huge achievement, your child will feel very proud. You will be able to see it in their face!
During twelve months of age, children are most mobile. Not all children crawl in the traditional four-legged style. Some will be on their last legs, some will use one leg and hands to move around the room. These are all things to consider when crawling, and your baby is only doing well. In fact, by one year of age, most children learn to pull themselves up to a table or crib in an effort to stand and/or walk. Some children will take baby-steps around twelve months, while others will be content enough to crawl. As long as your child is engaged, there’s no need to worry, no matter what other kids you know are doing.
Children can be delayed in school for many reasons. While most of the time the reason is as simple as stubbornness, or a lack of motivation to move (what do I move when someone brings me everything I want, or takes me to it?), sometimes there is a more serious issue. Various disabilities and illnesses can prolong the learning process when it comes to mobility. Babies who are premature or who are sick at birth are usually slow after a few months, taking up to eighteen months to walk. If your child doesn’t have a recognized reason that you don’t care to think about as you move through the age of one, talk to your pediatrician about what to do.
