Parenting Newborns & Infants (0-1) Support Group
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I have a 3-month-old daughter who was born 5 weeks premature. I am starting to get a little concerned about some of her milestones. She seems to be right on track socially/cognitively-she smiles responsively, tracks objects, looks for me when she hears my voice, tries to get our attention, etc. However, while she has fairly good head control while she is upright (like against my shoulder), she hardly does anything when she is on tummy time. I read that she should be lifting herself up with her arms on tummy time by this time-she is not. She is also not batting at objects, and will usually not grab onto toys, even when they are pressed into her hand. She does, however, grab onto us, such as holding onto my shirt while she breastfeeds. I guess I am wondering how concerned I should be. I know that some three month olds are rolling over, holding onto toys, batting at toys, etc, and she is not doing any of these things. Thoughts?
RoxiesMama
It sounds to me like she is doing fine. My son was 7 weeks premature and did everything late...but on time to his gestational age. He was 5 months old when he first rolled...but 3 months gestationally....you need to make sure that you are correcting for her age when you look for milestones. My son was also 13 weeks old when he first smiled...but 6 weeks gestationally. If you are really concerned then I would bring it up to your ped. When my son was 8 months old he wasnt sitting up on his own. My ped was a little concerned and wanted him evaluated by Early Intervention. Well they didnt come for 2 weeks and in that 2 weeks he learned to do so much more..including sitting up and he passed the evaluation with flying colors. The milestones are just a guide anyway...dont put too much weight into them.
deleted_user
My daughter was 5 weeks premature and is now almost 8 months old. She wasn't doing anything you described at 3 months either and just now is learning to sit up by herself. However, she runs in her walker around the house, reaches for everything she can grab, and is responsive and doing just fine. Don't be discouraged. Some babies just take a little longer to catch up. She'll get there. If you are truly concerned talk to your doctor but to me she sounds just like how my daughter was at that point in development. Good Luck....
deleted_user
Also, you really can't go by what you read as every baby is different. I started doing that and quickly realized those are just guidelines. My nephew was the total opposite of my daughter and was sitting up on his own at 5 months. Do you have a play mat she can lay under with toys that hang down? My daughter started with that and it really helped her motor skills as far as reaching and grabbing. I would suggest that to start if you haven't already. Don't be in a rush because before you know it she'll be grabbing everything she can get her hands on....LOL :-) Happy Holidays Sweetie
deleted_user
All babies are different. Ds was born at almost 42 weeks and he still didn't roll over until almost 5 months. He lagged a little on the motor development between 3 and 5 months while being ahead on social. Now at 6 months he's flipped it. Ahead on motor and slightly behind on social/language. Be sure to adjust for prematurity and consider a few weeks swing for normal development differences
YvonneKB
My daughter was 5 weeks early and was in the NICU for two weeks. Because of her NICU stay she qualified for a early intervention nurse to come out to the house. The nurse comes out regularly and helps me with games/exercises I can do with my DD to help "catch her up". She is behind in several areas, even when they adjust for prematurity. Early intervention is key though. I wouldn't be shy about asking if your state offers an early intervention program. In my state the evaluation is free, regardless if your child was in the NICU or not. Good luck to you.
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