Topics of Discussion
When did your preemie crawl?

Preemie-l discussion forum       http://home.vicnet.net.au/~garyh/preemie_forum/
Tanya asks, "I know that this may seem kind of trivial but I feel compelled to at least ask.
I am not sure if I should start getting concerned or not. Tristan is 10 months old (8 months corrected age) and he is not even close to crawling yet. He does not get up on his knees to rock and he hates to be on his tummy at all. He loves to stand though and can walk across the room if we hold his hands. He still does not get himself into a sitting position but he can sit up on his own. Would you be concerned? When did your preemie start to crawl, walk? Please use corrected age."

Suzanne answers, "I think when a baby does skills is in part genetic. All the babies in both of our families walked early, so John Henry crawled and walked early for a preemie. The average age for FT babies walking is about 14 months and up to 18 months is considered fine. Some babies skip crawling, I don't think its really considered a developmental skill, that's why you usually won't see when the baby should be crawling listed in books.
John Henry got himself into a sitting position and sat comfortably right before he started to walk. I'd say he was late in that compared to when he did his other skills. In part it was because of his mixed preemie muscle tone which many early preemies have. His OT told us that sitting up is hard work for preemies!
I wouldn't be concerned about Tristan. It sounds like he is doing great! Some doctors think that you should actually correct for more than birth due date. Remember, your baby went through alot being born early. If you are really concerned, in the US there is the Early Intervention Program, your ped can give you the number. Other countries have similar programs."

Bill adds, "This is a very big concern for us. We have 29 weeker twin boys. Christian started crawling at 11 months in August. Corey still has not started crawling and they are almost at 15 months old actual age (corrected age is 12 months). "

Mary advises, "First, some kids never crawl--they just go straight to walking. Crawling is the most variable behavior as far as age goes that there is, I think. My 24 weeker started crawling at age 8 months corrected. She was pulling up to standing at 9 months corrected, but didn't take her first steps until she was 13 months corrected and didn't master walking until age 15 months corrected. Her gestational peer still hadn't mastered walking at age 17 months (she was full term). "

Pam thinks, "It's still too early for my babies to be crawling, but since they didn't like being on their tummies, I was concerned that they would not learn to crawl at all. We went for our 6 month NICU follow-up about a month ago, and we asked the occupational therapist about it. She said a lot of babies don't like being flat on their tummies, so roll a towel and put it under their chests to prop them up a little. This, at least, gets them accustomed to being on their tummies, which is obviously a necessity when it comes to crawling. It's worked for our 3. We give them "tummy time" every day, and Alex has even started moving his legs in a crawling motion (now if he'd only figure out how to coordinate his upper body then he wouldn't be digging his head into the ground!).
I don't know if you're in an after-care program like we are, but if you are, call your OT for some suggestions on how to help. You certainly don't want to force babies when they're not ready, but helpful hints like the towel trick can aid their progress!"

Liz remarks, "My baby is 7 months corrected ( 9 months actual) and has been creeping for a few weeks. He gets all over the house this way but his stomach drags along the floor. I call it "crawling" but the pedi said it really is "creeping". He also is pulling himself up and bearing more weight on his feet. Time to babyproof the house!"

Cheryl reassures, "My miracle man didn't really crawl, he scooted. I can't really remember when that started exactly but I do remember when he started walking. He took 3 steps about 2 days after his 12 mos. adjusted age birthday. FYI
Oh and my two cents, don't worry if Tristan doesn't crawl, lot's of babies don't crawl and become earlier walkers. My friend's FT baby boy (a brut born at around 9 lbs!) walked for the first time at 18 mos! Go figure! Every baby is different."

Patti adds, "Zachary is now 11mos (9 corrected). He too can sit on his own but has not yet pulled himself into a sitting position. He doesn't crawl on his hands and knees, but he inches himself along using his arms. I think its a great accomplishment that Tristen can walk across the room when you hold his hands. Zachary is still real wobbly when standing up."           

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