WIll my baby be disadvantaged because she only commando crawls?

Question

My baby is almost ten months old and gets around by commando crawling--that is moving her arms and legs but keeping her stomach flat on the floor. I've read that crawling is an important milestone because it requires the infant to coordinate his or her right and left extremities simultaneously, which is important for the neurological development of infants. Here is a link: http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/13/12/20.html
I've also read that babies who skip crawling may be at risk for dyslexia and ADHD. Here is another link:
http://www.myomancy.com/2006/08/how_important_i
I wonder how all this applies to my baby who seems to rely on commando crawling as her primary mode of transportation. Is she disadvantaged because she does not crawl in the regular style?

Is this all just BS put out to increase the worries of already anxious mothers with too much time on their hands?

Answer 1

I think you should stop reading!

Seems like it is just driving you mad.



All babies develop at their own rate, if you have voiced your concerns to her pediatrician & he doesn't see what you do, it would ease my nerves.



Just enjoy your baby, at this age she is changing so fast.

Don't self diagnose her, I think she will be fine.

Answer 2

Commando Crawling

Answer 3

Whether in public or in private, I always go commando - I don't own any underwear and the majority of my friends don't own any, either. I've been going commando for more than half my life, and there simply aren't any disadvantages to going commando. Now, while I essentially concur with what Kenneth P said, I feel there are a few things that need clarification. First of all, yes, there are certain rules of hygiene you should adhere to. However, if you don't, it still isn't going to make a difference whether you wear underwear or not. Contrary to common belief, underwear isn't an impenetrable barrier that keeps microbes in. To micro-organisms, the thin fabric that underwear is made of is like being a flea in an elephant's cage. What under wear *is* very "good" at, however, is preventing sweat from evaporating (throughout the year): thus, a humid, warm environmet is created that actually helps micro-organisms to proliferate. Wearing underwear under your jeans for 16 hours is bacteriologically equivalent to wearring those same jeans commando-style for several days (up to 4). So you save on washing not just by not wearing underwear, but also because you can wear the same pair of trousers longer. 2nd misconception: if you observe the afroementioned rules of hygiene, the genital area of men is very clean, much cleaner than, for instance your hands or mouth. So as far as hygiene is concerned, underwear is actually less hygienic. What's more, and as Kenneth mentioned: underwear will overheat your testicles. However, this isn't just bad news for your sperm cells. Testicles are the primary source of male hormone in the body. If testicles are permanently (read: several hours a day) overheated, the body will first try to normalise temperature by letting the cremaster muscles relax. If that doesn't work, it'll decrease the blood flow to the genital area. Which, in turn, doesn't only lead to a decrease in flaccid volume, and as Kenneth said, muscular atrophy (it's more the constant overheating, than the support that causes this), but also to a decrease in male hormone production. The very hormone that makes men, men. This decrease leads to a whole series of effects. And yes, you may have concluded: wearing underwear (any type, not just briefs) does decrease your gential volume when flaccid. Conversely: yes, going commando will (not: can) make "things" bigger over time (provided you never wear underwear for a prolonged period). And yes, those muscles will start to develop again, resulting in a more muscular scrotum (and not a floppy sac, as many believe) I have never seen any need for underwear. They are mainly a marketing ploy, and it's interesting to note that, ever since their introduction to the public at large (some 90 years ago), there has been a steady drop in fertility of men, and a doubling of cases of testicular cancer every decade. In short: there isn't a real contradiction here. Underwear is not an alternative to going commando, and there aren't any *actual* disadvantages to going commando. It's just sexual insecurity that makes men stick to their undies. Going commando is much healthier, much more comfortable, much more hygienic, much more convenient, and yes, sexier too.

Answer 4

I think so.....everyone devolps diffferently. If your baby is "commando" crawling she is still moving her arms and legs simultaneouly. I wouldn't worry too much. My son didn't crawl til almost 9 months he would just pull up on his hand and knees and "hump the air" as my husband put it. He did that for awhile then eventually discovered he could actually move his hands and knees. As long as she is moving she doesn't mind how.....me and my husband would get down on our hands and knees and crawl around the house and show him how to crawl.....within a few weeks he picked it up. Don't worry though.....I'm sure your baby is just fine, she just has her own way of doing things.

Answer 5

It's becoming very common these days that babies don't crawl as much or as early as they used to and try to skip over crawling completely and go straight to walking. That is because we don't lay them on their stomachs as much anymore when they sleep. Laying on their stomachs is a great way for them to build strength in their arms.

My nephew started out with an army crawl, and just recently began to crawl on his knees. (still reverting back to the army crawl at times) It sounds pretty normal, but if it's bothering you, talk to your pediatrician and see what the expert opinion is.

Answer 6

Whatever. Some babies crawl, some don't. I've read lots of studies, including one that concluded ADHD is ONLY due to genes. My nephew never crawled, he is almost 4, and can spell, write, and sign his own name. He can read some words, and in my eyes, is just short of a genius.

Answer 7

It's not ALL BS, but mostly.. yes.



I've been told that my mother never crawled, she just rolled everywhere & then started walking. As long as a baby has a method of getting from one area to another, then she's fine.

Answer 8

My daughter did the same thing. At 11 months she started regular crawling and now it seems that she speed crawls. Some babies never crawl and are fine. If you are worried, ask her pediatrician.

Answer 9

My little girl would commando crawl. When she never learned how to crawl I had her evaluated. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.



It's best to have her evaluated by her doctor, to rule out any possible neurological issues.