When Did Your Preemie Crawl?

Updated on July 24, 2011
S.J. asks from Cherryville, MO
11 answers

I know all babies are different. =)

I have three children, first two were term babies and were walking by 9 and 11 months.

My third was born a month early and has shown no interest in crawling. He is 8.5 months.

He does about 45 minutes total of tummy time per day, in intervals. He will push himself up (like a push-up) and hold it, and is able to roll over back to front, although he doesn't do so often. He is fat and lazy!! (about 23lbs).

So, just curious to hear when others' preemie babes crawled. He has met all of his milestones so far (and this is being compared to term babies), but if this is something requiring early intervention or PT I would sure like to get on it now.

His next doc appts isn't until mid august, but of course I could always move it up if need be.

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So What Happened?

*Has been sitting up unassisted for about 1.5 months =)

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R.K.

answers from Boston on

Crawling isn't considered a milestone because not all babies crawl. They should have someway to get from point a to b by 10 months whether that method is cruising, crawling, scooting, etc it doesn't have to be crawling.

4 moms found this helpful

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J.K.

answers from Phoenix on

I had two of mine a month early. My son who is 15 months old crawled at about 7 months and walked at 13 months. My daughter, who is 10 now, was born a month early and was only 5 pounds at birth, crawled at 10 months and walked at 16 months. It had more to do with her personality than with anything physical. The doctor said she may not walk and be disabled because of a dent in her lower back but I didn't let that bother me since all my kids have that along with my husband. =) My daughter was very laid back and preferred that her siblings do all the work for her. She had them wrapped around their little fingers...LOL She was a little peanut and still is but very laid back and easy going. Now she's a go getter and nothing can hold her back. I think he's fine. You won't know if he needs PT or extra care until he's much older. I'm sure he's okay. Good luck!!

2 moms found this helpful

M..

answers from Detroit on

My SIL's baby is 12 months, not a preemie, and just started crawling a month ago. My daughter, not a preemie, was almost 8 months when she crawled.
I think he sounds perfect.

2 moms found this helpful

A.S.

answers from Iowa City on

I just answered your other question. My preemie didn't crawl until after she walked. She walked later than most children. It was around 14 months. She also took a bit longer to do some things (like catching a ball, throwing a ball, negotiating steps, jumping). Basically she had a very mild gross motor delay. She caught up by age 3 and is currently a completely healthy and happy 4 year old with no developmental delays.

2 moms found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

I LOVE CHUNKY BABIES!!!!

He's pushing up and rolling over...I wouldn't stress over it. as you already said - each baby is different!

I don't think it requires intervention...he'll probably be cruising next week!! :)

EDIT - sorry - Greg was 6 weeks early and was crawling at 8 months. Nicky was 4 weeks early and crawling at 7 months...go figure! Greg was walking at 11 months and Nicky didn't walk until 12.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.G.

answers from Springfield on

Rachel K. is correct! Crawling is not a milestone! That is very important to know, because you have absolutely no reason to be concerned (but you're a mom, so it comes with the territory).

Bring it up with your doctor, because it will make you feel better. Also, your doctor will be able to ask you questions just to make sure.

But, to answer your question, my son was preterm not premature (born at 36 weeks). It's hard to remember, as he'll be turning 5 next week, but I think he was around 9 or 10 months when he first crawled. I know he was 14 months before he walked. He is incredibly agile, climbs everything, gets into everything, rarely falls because he's actually quite careful and deliberate, runs like a girl (but my husband is going to work with him on his technique) and is just all around very healthy.

Your little one is doing great!

2 moms found this helpful
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K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I answered your other question about crawling, but I'm going to answer this one too.

My daughter is going to be 9 months in a few days and she has only been crawling for about a week. She wasn't a preemie - born 5 days before her due date - so I think if you adjust your son's age, my daughter would actually be about a month older than yours, right? Anyway, I don't think 8.5 months and not crawling is a problem, since even term babies are only just learning (another 9 month old I know doesn't crawl).

Also, he is on the heavier side, and chubbierbabies often hit gross motor milestones a little bit later than their peers (don't mean that to sound mean or negative at all.... there's nothing better than a cute baby with fat thighs!!!).

If he's pushing up and rolling over, it sounds like he's well on his way to hitting his gross motor milestones.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.C.

answers from St. Louis on

My son was a term baby and he didnt start crawling till 9 months... He sounds like he is doing everything else fine so I wouldn't worry too much : ) My doctor also told me that if he is not sitting up he wont crawl...He needs the back or trunk muscles to crawl so if u would like to help him start crawling make sure to help him sit up all the time so he can eventually do it independently....Hope this helps : )

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A.D.

answers from New York on

My son was born at 31 weeks and didn't crawl until 14 months and walked shortly after.

Best of luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.K.

answers from Stationed Overseas on

My 33wkr didn't crawl until 10-11 months and then didn't walk until 18 months. Not all kids do things on time especially preemies. I'd wait until your next doctors appointment and see what they have to say.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.K.

answers from Kansas City on

I had a 34 weeker that crawled at six months and a 36 weeker who wouldn't crawl until 10 months. My 35 weeker was in the middle, about 8 months. I wouldn't worry about PT just yet! Lol!

1 mom found this helpful
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