Am I a bad mom?

Jennie - posted on 03/04/2012

My daughter didn't crawl until 10 months and didn't walk until 14.5 months. She is now 15 years old and a top runner in track and field at school:)

Your baby will catch up....try not to stress about it.

Heather - posted on 03/04/2012

Enjoy this time once she is mobile you will have tons more to stress about!

Erin - posted on 03/03/2012

Not at all! My first walked 5 days before his 1st birthday, but my second didn't even crawl until 3 weeks before her birthday. She didn't walk until 18 months, and when she finally did, she hopped up and raced around like she knew how to do it all along. I know it's frustrating, but your child will hit the milestones when he/ she is good and ready!

Jayde - posted on 03/03/2012

Hi there, you are definitely not a bad mum!!! My son who is now 3 was an absolute chubba of a baby (simply gained weight very easily) and was basically too fat to crawl lol...he held his head up from birth and was sitting unaided by 3.5 months but walked before he was able to crawl properly (around 12-13 months). I like all first time mums, was very quick to race to the dr and think it was my fault that there was something wrong, which ofcourse I was told to just relax!!! He will do everything when it's the right time for him....my words to you are, just enjoy being a mummy, as they grow up way too quickly! THings will happen when they are ready and if you are really concerned, take your bub to the doctor who will hopefully ease your worries! Also the worst mistake I made was constantly comparing my bundle of joy to everyone elses babies, I learnt very quickly to focus on all the wonderful things my baby could do and stop worrying about the things he couldnt!

Bernadette - posted on 03/02/2012

Like Pamela said, we can't control our babies' physical development. However, just make sure you do things to encourage it, like lots of tummy time, putting things the baby badly wants just out of reach to encourage him/her to have to wriggle forward to get it, etc. If you already do these things, the baby could just be a late developer and in that case, it's not anything you have or haven't done, it's just a matter of waiting until bub is ready. And being a late developer doesn't necessarily mean "slow" either. Babies do things in their own time. And if you are worried, get him/her checked out, just to make sure there aren't any developmental issues.

Pamela - posted on 03/02/2012

We as mothers DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT CONTROL our babies' physical development. Most children do not walk until they are around 1 year of age and some not until later.



Babies develop individually, just as each person does throughout life. Do not compare your child with others but do keep your pediatrician visits regular so that a doctor can keep an eye on your child's physical development.



The most important thing you can do for yourself and your family is to throw WORRY out of the picture. WORRY is based in FEAR and fear can destroy many things....even countries!



Allow your child to grow as it's own patterns will develop. We are each unique. We learn and grow in our own ways, even though society tries to teach us how to do it to "fit in". Don't be concerned about what you see around you....be more concerned about what you see within yourself and your child as the baby matures.



Do your best to guide and not to worry!

Danette - posted on 03/02/2012

Not at all, sometimes you literally have to show them.

Get on all fours and put them in the same stance and move

their arms and legs to crawl. then walking will come later.

My grandson crawled for like 2 weeks and then started walking. He didn't get put on his stomach much so to him it was wierd, so he didn't like it and would not learn to crawl, but he picked it up and off he went. all babies do it at different

times. I had one at 9 months, 1 at 11 months and 1 at 12 months walk, Especially if the baby is chubby. My last one was and he had the hardest time learning to walk he couldn't get his balance.

Kathy - posted on 03/02/2012

U might want to get ur child tested incase your child needs extra attention. Every child moves at their own pace. What does your Dr have to say?

What makes a bad mom is a mom that notice the problem and ignores it.

Sandra - posted on 03/02/2012

I have three children. My oldest crawled at 12 months and my youngest walked at 11 months. They are both beautiful kids today ( my oldest is 11 and youngest is 5). It's a totally individual thing!

Risha - posted on 03/02/2012

Hi Jessica,



My son started crawling at 13 months & started walking at 18 months.. The nurse that I take my kids to for vaccines suggested I take my son for physiotherapy when he was 12 months old. We did 1 session & a few weeks later he was crawling. I didn't push him to walk till he was ready.

Jayme - posted on 03/02/2012

My son didn't crawl or walk at all until after he was 13 months old, he's 11 years old now and runs on the cross country team in Jr High :)

Alexandra - posted on 03/02/2012

sweety, i don't know why you are asking this, if it is because of yourself or somebody said something to you. The achievements of our babies have only so much to do with us. And these kind of milestones are reached by every baby at a different stage.

If you are concerned, you should call your pediatrician. But by no means ever think that you are a bad mom!

Laura - posted on 03/02/2012

Try not to feel bad Jessica, Mums are far too quick to say what their children are doing, I think this makes a new Mum feel that she is doing a good job.

Just to reassure you, my first 2 children were so quick to walk both around 10 months old. They both had quite severe learning problems.

My 3rd baby, was 17 months old, she still didn't crawl, walk, talk and had no hair or teeth, guess what, she's one of the top in her class now.

We all worry, but really there is no need, enjoy the fact that all the other Mum's have to chase their babies around, and you can still enjoy a cup of tea and know exactly where your little one is.

You are not a bad Mother at all, just a quick question, do you cry over this, if so maybe talk to your Doctor or midwives about Post natal depression, I thought I'd add that because its very common, and some Mummy's can miss the diagnosis.

Heather - posted on 03/02/2012

My son started the army crawl at 10 1/2 months, finally got up on his knees at 13 months old and walked at 15 months old. Every kid develops at their own pace, don't worry, it'll happen.

Carolyn - posted on 03/02/2012

No this does not make you a bad mother all children develop at there own speed and this is good , if your child is not crawling talk to a person who really knows. Not another mom who well make you fell bad, we all what are child too be the same as the rest of the kids ,but they are not . Just love can give encouragement. The one thing the a parent can never do enough of is LOVE and HUGS Best of luck

Mellisa - posted on 03/02/2012

My daughter didnt crawl till she was 10.5mths ,but then she started walking at 11.5mths , my other daughter only just started walking at 15mths she is 17mths now and still looks like a druck most of the time lol, but yeah don't worry to much ,but if it is bothering u take your bub for a check up and talk to the Doctor. Good Luck

Autumn - posted on 03/02/2012

No, it doesn't. My daughter only wiggled and did an army-style crawl until she was 10 months old. She started crawling with her tummy off the floor the day she turned 10 months old and would pull herself up to stand. She didn't start walking until she was 14 months old. All babies are different.

Amanda - posted on 03/02/2012

No, your child's development is not a poor reflection of you.



All children are different. My first child never crawled, she started walking one day.



My twins, one preferred crawling because it was quicker, the other walked sooner just because she was amused by it.

Lucinda - posted on 03/02/2012

All kids are different, no need to worry your child will get there in their own time :)

Sharon - posted on 03/02/2012

No. Not at all. All babies and children grow and develop at different rates.. If you have any health concerns contact your health visitor. Every child is different angel, doesn't make you a bad mum. Makes you a loving caring mum for being concerned. Hugs to you and your child x

Margaret - posted on 03/02/2012

No, it doesn't make you a bad Mom! Every child reaches it's milestones at different ages. Relax. You could try allowing him/her to 'fetch' his/her own toys when they are out of reach (if your child is used to someone answering demands, your child has no reason to move after all).



In the meantime enjoy the fact that your child is stationary, because when your child does start moving, you will wish that he/she would be still!

Becky - posted on 03/02/2012

Babies work on their own schedule, no matter what mom wants! My niece never crawled then just took off walking at 13 months. My suggestion is be glad they're not moving around yet - once they are - it never stops. :-)

Kelly - posted on 03/02/2012

Not at all! Neither of my first 2, now 3 1/2 & 5, crawled before they walked, and they both were ahead of all other developmental milestones and were walking well by 13 months. All babies are different. I learned not to compare each child with those measurements, they are just there as an approximation. You're doing great!!

Paula - posted on 03/02/2012

My daughter started walking the day after her 1st birthday. If after 1 or later even then worry...talk to your doctor. AND why would you think your a bad mother? No way. Just relax...but have that camera ready..because when you least expect it...it will happen just like that!

Karolyn - posted on 03/02/2012

Every child is different. My son didn't start walking until his 1st birthday. When they are ready they will do it. Don't worry!

Kelly - posted on 03/02/2012

My first daughter never crawled. She just wasn't interested. One week before her first birthday she decided to start walking. My 2nd daughter started crawling at 8 1\2 months. Same parenting style, different kids. They choose how they want to get around.

Deanna - posted on 03/02/2012

My older son never crawled and on his 1st birthday he started walking!!!!

Karen - posted on 03/02/2012

Every baby is different. My daughter walked at 10mos. My son tried to walk...fell down and then crawled for a while. He was tough. He hated to crawl but he did it before he walked. He sure was a lot more content on two feet :)



My siister's kids didn't walk until around 14, 15 mos old. Now their married with their own kids.



Don't worry, Jessica. Soon enough you won't be able to keep up with you child :)

Deanna - posted on 03/02/2012

Most children actually avoid the crawling stage and go straight to walking. As long as your child is fed, clothed, changed, well loved, you are NOT a bad Mom.

Jenna - posted on 03/02/2012

My boys didn't walk until 16 and 17 months. They are almost 4 now and never stop moving!

Krista - posted on 03/02/2012

Goodness, no! Babies all go at their own pace. If you're worried, check with his pediatrician.



But my goodness, if you're going to think you're a bad mom anytime your child is a little late hitting a milestone, then you're going to be in for a rough go of it! Ease off on yourself, Jessica.

Dawn - posted on 03/02/2012

No, of course not. Both of my kids started walking right around a year old. One crawled at 8 months, but the other was around 10 months. They're all different, and will develop at different rates. I myself didn't walk until I was 18 months!

Donna - posted on 03/02/2012

OMG no! My daughter never crawled as a baby. She started to walk just after a year. Every baby is different, with different environments. I have another friend with a 22 month old who is just starting to walk & she's fine. Breathe easy and enjoy this time where you're not running around. Gives you extra time to baby proof. :)

Maria - posted on 03/02/2012

No that don't make you a bad mum a baby will do things when its ready. My daughter didn't start to crawl till she was about 11 months then walked at 14 months (the week we was packing to move into a new house she decided she was going to start walking lol) but she was and is forward in other ways. My son was crawling at 8 months but did not walk till 15 months. They do it when they are ready. :)

Tina - posted on 03/01/2012

How quickly babies develops and hits milestonse isn't neccesarily an indication of what they're going to be like later in life either. I wouldn't worry. I've heard people brag about there kids doing things early like one of my partners relatives stating how her brother was sitting up on his own at 2 months you wouldn't know it now. He can't hold a job is a dead beat dad he doesn't see his kid and yet their are others that hit milestone later that are just as intelligent and do things just as well later in life. You are not a bad mum. All you can do is keep up with checkups and be encouraging. Don't feel bad. I think we worry as parents that if our kids aren't doing everything early or at a certain age that they are going to struggle in life but that's not the case. Kids all do things in their own time it's nothing to worry about.

Aleks - posted on 03/01/2012

Is this a serious question?????



Babies crawl and walk when they are ready, nothing to do with good or bad parenting. And definitively something that you CANNOT TEACH.



Some don't start walking until they are over 18mths of age.

Many babies skip crawling all together.



My 1st baby only started to crawl when 10mths old and walked at 12mths.

My 2nd baby started to crawl at 7 or 8mths and walked at 11mths.

My cousin skipped crawling all together (I can't remember at what age he walked, but am sure it was over 12mths).



Relax.... your baby will do those things when s/he is good and ready.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 03/01/2012

Are you kidding me? NO! Every child is different. Do not compare your child to others, that is always a big mistake. My son NEVER crawled....and literally walked into the kitchen on his own at 14 1/2 months. He never walked before that. My daughter started crawling at 13 months, and started cruising the furniture at 14 months and at 15 months was walking. If your son is not crawling, he just isn't ready. Let him take his time, and don't put so much pressure on either of you!

Melissa - posted on 03/01/2012

no this is still in the realm of normal.

Krista - posted on 03/01/2012

My daughter didn't walk until she was 17 months old. We tried the push toy. We put her in a walker. Nothing. She learned to crawl so she could get the dog! But we just had to wait until she was ready to walk. She just stood up one day and took off. She hasn't stopped since.

Rachel - posted on 03/01/2012

My nephew didn't start walking until he was a year old. That was just his pace. My daughter was walking by 10 months but she has always been strong willed and pushes herself. That was just the pace that each of them went. Unless all you do is lay your baby in his/her crib and ignore them all day rather than interact with them, you are not a bad mom. Children develop at different rates.

Anne - posted on 03/01/2012

A friend once told me: "We can't wait for our kids to start walking and talking, and once they do, we wish they would just sit down and shut up!"



There is nothin wrong with your kid. My kids didn't start walking until almost 17 months. They didn't feel like it.

One never crawled, just butt-scooted.



Forget those baby books you read and stop comparing your kid to other kids you know. Every kid is different. If there is anything wrong with your baby, you will know and the dr. will tell you.



Oh, and both of my kids had diapers until 3 1/2 years. My youngest had his pacifier in bed at night until his 4th birthday.



Both kids are right on track developmentally. Just take it easy and relax.



Good luck!

Jessica - posted on 03/01/2012

-bonnie- I agree. she is doing everything she should be for her age except for crawling. and, though it worries me at times, I'm glad that crawling is the only thing she hasn't done yet. She's just taking her sweet time with it.

Bonnie - posted on 03/01/2012

Sometimes you wonder why some doctors are doctors, I know. Some do start walking by 10 months, but that is not the average. At this point, I think your doctor should be focusing more on the things she is doing, rather than isn't doing.

Jessica - posted on 03/01/2012

I asked my doctor if i should be concerned that she isn't crawling yet. the doctor was more concerned that she isn't walking yet....at 10 months. sometimes i swear doctors are so stupid.

Bonnie - posted on 03/01/2012

These types of things you cannot force. They do not make you a bad mom at all. Every child is different. Some just take longer to develop. Besides that, 10 months is not late. Some babies skip crawling completely and some don't walk until 18 months.

Sal - posted on 03/01/2012

all.babies develope these skll at different paces, my kids were all on the early side 10 12 and 7 months (yep 7) but my friends baby only started crawlng at 12 months and her son was 19 months before he walked, and they are all healthy normal kiddies.....how ever chatting to your dr or early childhood nurse is a good idea just to put your mind at ease.

Jaime - posted on 02/29/2012

first of all, the average walking age according to the books is 12 to 15mo. some babies walk early, some are late.



secondly, if your baby is rolling around and sitting up then i wouldn't worry. some babies skip crawling all together. so don't fret, she'll figure it out.



some ways you can encourage her are by crawling around with her (we did this with my baby, it worked pretty well), not picking her up and carrying her everywhere, not letting older siblings (if she has any) bring her things or carry her around, and setting some toys just out of her reach so she has to at least get on hands and knees to get to them.



i'm sure once you try these ideas out it won't be long before she starts crawling around. it shouldn't be much longer anyway. if you're still concerned, ask your doctor, as he/she would be able to assess the situation much better than anyone on CoM.

Sharon - posted on 02/29/2012

nope. Kids do these things when they are ready . My son was a "slug" and didn't do much for a long time, didn't walk until 16 months of age. So stop stressing.

Sarah - posted on 02/29/2012

My daughter didn't crawl until 11 1/2 months old. It had nothing to do with me and everything to do with the fact she was a bit slower at all her milestones. It's not a reflection on parenting ability at all.

Jaime - posted on 02/29/2012

It would be wise for you to consult your doctor, because had you done that already you would probably have saved yourself the drama of posting on a public forum about how bad a mother you are because your baby isn't crawling or walking. Ten months isn't failure, it's just your baby's own pace. If your baby is sitting up, can hold his/her head up, can move around, etc and so on then I'm sure it is mere weeks or months before the elusive walking begins. My son didn't crawl until he was 10 months and he walked at 12 months.