Calling all parents,

Gigi is 7 months old now and doing really well, but the only thing that troubles me is that she won't even attempt to crawl. She hates being on her stomach at any time.

She's got very strong back muscles and can put weight on her legs in her bouncer and baby walker, so I suspect she'll go straight to walking and skip crawling totally.

What concerns me is that I was told that babies who don't crawl have a much higher likelihood of having learning difficulties and dyslexia when they get older, as crawling stimulates the side of the brain that deals with motor functions - learning to co-ordinate left and right hands and legs, and that if these skills aren't developed it can have an effect on their learning patterns later in life.

Any ideas anyone? Should I just let her do her own thing, or try to encourage her to crawl even though she hates it?

My instinct is to leave her be, and try to stimulate those motor functions in other ways, by using toys/games which teach co-ordination.

Advice please :cool2:

Miss ils never crawled and she didn't walk until she was 15 months old...

She is now at Cardiff University studying Journalism and she needed Grades ABB in her A levels to acheive that...


I would say leave well alone Floops :)

When I 1st read the title, my advice was - DONT HAVE ANY!!!!

But then I read it - and it struck a chord - my youngest sis was born with a hip displacement and spent her 1st 12/18 months in "caliper" things that set her bones correctly (dont know the details to be honest!) but it meant that she was practically pram/cot ridden for that time......

she was classed as special needs all of her school life, she was diagnosed as dyslexic when she was 16 and doing her hairdressing apprenticeship and was no longer treated as stupid - she passed her city and guilds with flying colours!

So if there is a link to this perhaps there are things you can do about it, wouldnt know where you would start though.....maybe your health visitor or someone?

Floops ditto with my two - neither crawled and both bright as buttons, with superb motor/logic - hand to eye co-ordination skills. [blame the playstation]

If you are worried seek advice from mid-wife peopley type people, but I shouldn't worry in any way about this as long as she can get around [when the time comes] and eventually passes all the teeny tot malarky the health visitor ticks them on.

I think as a parent you always know if there is something up or not quite right - that would be the time to worry. In the meantime just enjoy her and watching her develop in whichever way she chooses to go.

I do think that someone has been worrying you unduly Floopy. A lot of babies never crawl, some do the bum-shuffle, some just roll, and some just plain get up and toddle.

However, if you have any fears then you must have a word with your Doctor, if nothing else he/she can allay them for you. All babies are different, and the 'norm' on any progress is only a guideline, the variables are massive.

Good luck to you Floopy.

I've never heard of that Floopy.

I'd just re-iterate what others have said, let her do her own thing.
If you are worried about it have a word with your health visitor.

My baby is now 12 months and he was very late sitting and crawling. I think he only started sitting when he was 6 and a half months. I was a little worried but eventually he started crawling on his own, and is nearly walking now (took his first few steps the other day).

When I was concerned, I asked around and found that my husbands mother and husband didn't walk till they were nearly 2 years old. Relevance is that they have all got genius IQ's (no joke- over 160). Very intellegent and not dyslexic.

Don't worry, babies do things in their own time, you may find yours speaks earlier or excels in different area's to a fast crawler/walker. If your health Visitor finds nothing wrong then your best bet is to let her do her own thing in my opinion.

Take her back - you've been sold a dud! :laugh:

...or have another baby! People always seem much more relaxed about supposedly "important" milestones with their second!

I don't think there's anything wrong with not crawling at 7 months. She's obviously agile and has plenty of mobility other ways - she's just working outside the box - why should she go from crawling to walking when she's found another way!

Floopy, none of my boys walked until they were 14/15 months and the oldest one was still stationery at 22months!!

They all get there in theie own sweet time........don't rush it, make the most of them still being where you put them down...it won't last. :laugh:

Floopy, it's all part of being a parent we worry...........about EVERYTHING!! :laugh: No wonder I have shares of L'oreal!

Some babies don't crawl, I have seen loads of bum-shufflers and loads who just don't move! My nephew never crawled he used to lie on his back and push his way or roll to whereever he wanted to go. He didn't walk until he was almost 2. He is 3 and a half now and is walking, talking and into everything!!

My oldest Katie crawled at 9 months, Abbie was about the same but she a strange crawl as she got up on all fours and "crawled" on her hands & feet, it was so funny to see.

Every child is different and they all start at different stages doing things. Dol is right though, have another and you 'll be amazed at how relaxed and chilled out you are with the second! :cool2:

Lol having had five i can say with certainty that each one is different.

There is no harm in worrying though, we all do that.

Try a baby bouncer.

Bouncer Tip
Don't put your bouncer on a table or any other surface your baby could "bounce" off of. Supervise your baby in the bouncer at all times, and make sure the seat is out of reach of furniture, dangling appliance cords, curtain pulls, and hot surfaces such as ovens or radiators.
http://store.babycenter.com/MEDIA/ProductCatalog/24406_200816_th.jpg (http://store.babycenter.com/category/gear/play_yards_and_bouncers/bouncer_seats;jsessionid=SXEUMZ1LVR4PKCUAQMMSJ0Q) Bouncers (http://store.babycenter.com/category/gear/play_yards_and_bouncers/bouncer_seats;jsessionid=SXEUMZ1LVR4PKCUAQMMSJ0Q)
A bouncer is a versatile, relatively inexpensive piece of baby equipment that your baby can enjoy from day one. Your newborn can recline in the bouncer while you do dishes, address a few birth announcements, or take a bath (just carry the lightweight seat with you). Later, the bouncer will respond to your little one's kicks with a springy up-and-down motion. This not only satisfies your child's desire for movement, it also helps to develop the muscles necessary for crawling. Plus, the motion has a calming effect, relaxing your baby and perhaps lulling him to sleep.

You can choose between a simple model that moves when your baby does and a battery-powered model that simulates a soothing ride in a car (http://go-acct.com/?go=car). Other great features you might want include a detachable toy bar or mobile; a sun canopy; a seat that reclines in several positions; and bouncers that rock or vibrate. All bouncers have a security buckle restraining system to keep even the bounciest baby safe.

Age Range: You can put your newborn in a bouncer and still use it nine or ten months later. Most bouncers support up to 25 lbs.


I reckon you just cuddle her too much, and she doesn't need to crawl.:)

Lol having had five i can say with certainty that each one is different.

There is no harm in worrying though, we all do that.

Try a baby bouncer.



Oh, I wouldn't try a baby bouncer, Floopy. I reckon that Gigi is probably at the sitting up stage and once baby's can sit up then a bouncer is not advisable! I remember using the bouncer for Katie and had only left her for a few minutes and on my return she was sitting up and then the bouncer toppled over. At 7 months she is probably a bit old for a bouncer, do you have one of those nest things? I found that quite good for my two, only thing is it is quite big and takes up a bit of space.

Chill out Floopy - I'm sure she will crawl in about 17 years time ....home from the pub! :laugh:

Chill out Floopy - I'm sure she will crawl in about 17 years time ....home from the pub! :laugh:


Lol, Dol! You know I am dreading this stage more than any other, cos when I think back to what I was doing at the age, I just hope my girls don't follow in my footsteps! :unsure:

I remember using the bouncer for Katie and had only left her for a few minutes and on my return she was sitting up and then the bouncer toppled over.

Same thing happened to me!

Thanks guys, for all the advice. I'm sure you're right and that she'll do her own thing and get there in the end.

We've had a bouncer since she was born, and she's too big for it now, she bounced so hard she travelled across the room and broke it in the end :laugh: .

She's perfectly happy sitting upright on a mat, playing with stuff, and riding her giant snail. We got her a ball pond thingy today and she's had a whale of a time in it, picking up the balls and eating them, so I'm not too worried about her hand/eye co-ordination.

Right, so next question.

How do I make the evil minx eat vegetables?

How do I make the evil minx eat vegetables?


Hark the eternal cry of many parents.......


Mine just ate them pureed up for ages, then stopped between the ages of 4 and 6 altogether and now have quite a healthy appetite for them.

They did like tinned vegetable soup for quite a while..the Heinz big soup was good.

However you do it.....don't stress over it! It will happen in the end.

Thanks guys, for all the advice. I'm sure you're right and that she'll do her own thing and get there in the end.

We've had a bouncer since she was born, and she's too big for it now, she bounced so hard she travelled across the room and broke it in the end :laugh: .

She's perfectly happy sitting upright on a mat, playing with stuff, and riding her giant snail. We got her a ball pond thingy today and she's had a whale of a time in it, picking up the balls and eating them, so I'm not too worried about her hand/eye co-ordination.

Right, so next question.

How do I make the evil minx eat vegetables?
Hehe mine only liked chocolate pudding - yes that's all five.
Three of them are now vegetarian - and i could eat a whole cow!
I used to be physically sick when eating sprouts, i hated them with a vengeance, now i love them.
I think anything in a can or bottle is crap for children, play 'yum yum' games with freshly cooked veg - she will probably catch on - if you eat it she will too.

I would give her veg for breakfast and if she didn't eat it, for lunch and if she didn't eat that then for tea, then again for breakfast ... do you see where I'm going with this!

LOL Dol:laugh:

My oldest son never used to eat anything when he was a toddler, he would only drink milk, awkward little b*gger he was.
But now he is alot better and eats fruit and veg quite regularly, but he doesn't like sprouts, but I can't blame him, I hate them as well:sick:

You can buy a pureed Organic mixed veg Jar at Sainsburys. Its the first stage though, very smooth and small jar so it is very easy to mix in with with another meal or interchange spoonfills.

Evidently Baby Jars are just as good for babies as home made food.

Dolores, I am swiftly coming to the conclusion that you are not a very nice person.

Right, so next question.

How do I make the evil minx eat vegetables?

Floopy, have you tried butternut squash and sweet potato, my two loved them all mashed up. And to this day it is a favourite in this household. Try the sweet potato with a pinch of cinnamon and also try putting some chopped up herbs, in with the vegetables. Get their tastebuds going at a early age!

Force feed Vindaloo!!

Anything after that even the dreaded brussel sprout [which, incidentally I adore] will taste fabulous!!

Have the Annabel Karmel Baby Food book?? I did but lent it to someone and have never got it back - but it does have some splendid ways to present veggies, so all babies will love them.

Floopy, I have the Annabel Carmel cookbook, if you want I could post it to you. PM me if you want it. :)

You gals are geniuses, I;ve just remembered that someone bought me the Annabel Karmel book when G was first born, but I put it away till she was old enough. I've just dug it out and it's fab.

Thanks anyway Bella :kiss:

My Em has never liked veg particularly - she's 11 now & still doesn't - butas long as she eats a small amount with whatever meal, I let it lie. She always loved carrot & turnip cos they are sweet but the rest, no chance. Just try to be relaxed about it & make sure it's not a big deal

Floopy, have you tried butternut squash and sweet potato, my two loved them all mashed up. And to this day it is a favourite in this household. Try the sweet potato with a pinch of cinnamon and also try putting some chopped up herbs, in with the vegetables. Get their tastebuds going at a early age!

I thought nobody in this country liked Butternut Squash!! My hubby hates it but I love it its from South Africa. We also put Cinnamon in it, Im coming over all nostalgic!! :sad: :bye: