Preemies

Normal?

My DD was born a preemie, and is now about 6 1/2 months old. However, she's still not sitting up by herself, and though she "talks" and rolls/plays with toys given to her, and eats baby food like a champ, I am still worried as many people have told me that she needs to be sitting unsupported by now at least, and attempting to crawl.

She easily lays on the floor, rolls around, sits up supported, and "talks" when spoken to. She also stands when holding on to my hands, but I am concerned that she is behind because she's not sitting alone yet, nor is she crawling.

I am not sure when to worry, as she is my first, and I haven't had much experience with babies under the age of 1 before having her. Any advice you all can give would be much appreciated.

Re: Normal?

  • Is 6 1/2 months her actual age or adjusted age? Do these people who are telling you she should be doing these things have any experience with preemies, or are they going by what term babies should be doing?
    Hoping this one stays put a little longer
    BabyFruit Ticker

    Lilypie Premature Baby tickers


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  • Also, some babies skip crawling all together - my friend's term baby started walking before she turned one but still has yet to crawl...
    Hoping this one stays put a little longer
    BabyFruit Ticker

    Lilypie Premature Baby tickers


  • direy25 6 1/2 months is her actual, adjusted would be 5 months. I believe the ones giving me advice are unfamiliar with preemies. I have been told by a friend, who's child is also a preemie, but 18 months now that preemies do occasionally take a bit longer to do some things than a full term baby might.

    I am trying not to worry, but I'm just not sure when things become abnormal, versus normal as far as development goes.
  • Have you asked your Pedi? Mine said that sitting unassisted is an 8 month skill. Lots of babies might sit at 6 months, but they aren't expected to do it until 8 months. I wouldn't worry and if you are, always check with your pedi so they can reassure you.
  • For her actual and adjusted age, she sounds like she's within the normal range.  You can always talk to your pedi if you're concerned, though.
    This.  If she is 5 months adjusted she is perfectly within normal.  Many times a little education is important for those people who tell you what your baby "should be doing" at a certain age.  Usually I say "because he was a preemie, we base his milestones on the age he would be if he was born on his due date".  My boys didn't sit unassisted well until 10 mo/7 adjusted and didn't crawl until 11-12 mo actual age.  There also a big range of "normal".
  • Thank you everyone for easing a FTM's concerns =)
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