15 month old struggles with gross motor? Especially changing from laying to sitting?

Question

My daughter will be 15 months old at the end of the week. She is very bright--can do animal sounds, says several words, etc. Her fine motor skills are excellent, and she is a healthy eater and sleeper. My concern for her is gross motor skills. She didn't ever crawl (although she does a little forward-action army crawl with her toes), but since her first birthday has learned to scooch on her butt around the room. She is also learning to cruise and push wheeled toys while walking. My concern is that she can't get from laying to sitting or sitting to standing. She CAN roll over when we play and practice, but she seems to forget this when she is set on the floor or in her bed. She can sit up from laying on her back with minimal assistance, but won't even try independently. If she thinks we will "save" her, she just cries until one of us comes and gives her what she wants (to be sat or stood up) and then is happy. If no one responds and she can see we aren't paying attention (or can't see us), she is just happy where she is and finds something to play with there. 

I know kids develop at their own pace and we don't want to rush her, but I am worried that something is wrong. 

Does anyone else on here have a child with this same dilemma? 

I would love to learn more about other children that have had this struggle (if there are any), but I don't know of any parents who have had kids that did this. If you even know of books or web sites that would give me ideas of how to help my little one overcome this struggle, that would be great! Thanks a million!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Our son is 14months...we were very concerned with his gross motor skills at 10months so we used the early intervention program that is offered in our state(MA). Your pediatrician can recommend one to you. At 10monhts he was on a 6month old level....he is now walking with a toy walker and taking a few steps on his own even, the program has been wonderful!!!! It's ok to admit you child is a little slow and get help for it!!!

Hannah and Allie&#39;s Mum · Answer

A friend of mine has a daughter who is having gross motor skill issues. I don't know many details, but I do know she just turned one and they started her on physical therapy that is very specific. The little girl has to open up her hands and put them on the floor rather than fists, they have to work with her in certain positions so they build up certain muscle groups. They go to a local hospital twice a week for her therapy and it is amazing the strides she has made just in the last 2 months! Ask your pediatrician for a recommendation because I don't think I would try this on my own. There are people who have this kind of expertise for a reason! Good luck!

Whurlywheep · Answer

Definitely have your child assessed by a Pediatrician. If there are problems then you will get help quickly. If you delay and there is a problem then it is often more difficult to deal with. You will improve your own peace of mind once someone who knows what they are talking about tells you whether or not this is going to be long lasting.

hawaiian_mami21 · Answer

if i was in your predicament i would address my concerns with my pediatrician. see if they have any advice or know of it being common. your child sounds healthy either way..honestly kind of sounds like your folks spoiled her a little too much and nows shes lazy in a sense. she knows that if she cries and fusses enough someone will come along and help her out. i would let her cry...nothing is physically wrong except that she wont turn over or sit up on her own. you know?? unless of course the doctor says different. but check with your pediatrician. also its important to stimulate your child and exercise them. i was taught that from birth you move their legs and arms daily and help them to learn how to sit up. they dont do these things on their own you see..they have to learn somewhere. i hope for all the best for you and your family..and no matter whats going on your child is healthy..never speak otherwise. god bless!!!

firedancer · Answer

Talk to your pediatrician. In my mom's group there are a couple women who have experiences similar to what you are going through, they have received therapy for free, through the county or state. 

Good luck!

Trending News

15 month old struggles with gross motor? Especially changing from laying to sitting?

5 Answers