My son is 7 1/2 months old. He has suffered from reflux since birth and only weighs 15 pounds 10 oz.

I am wondering when I should start worrying about a delay because he doesn't do any of the following for 7 1/2 months old:

Doesn't sit unsupported. He can do this for maybe a second or two by himself.
Doesn't roll from back to tummy, only tummy to back.
Doesn't say dada, mama or any of the words I was told he should say by now. He simply makes his own sounds.
Doesn't get up on his hands or his knees. Can only push himself on his forarms.
Doesn't seem to really have the strength to raise his chest all that much.

His peditrician seems to think there is a delay but doesn't want to do anything about it. Always a "wait and see" if he improves.

If there is a delay, is it simply caused by reflux and poor weight gain/low muscle tone, or might it be something else?

Thanks for any advice!

Kristie:

I am sorry for getting back to you so late. The holidays snuck up on me!

When we look at developmental milestones, there is typical a range in age at when they should be attained. Every resource you look at will tell you something a little different. Getting your child together with other babies his age makes it worse. You may see other kids who have picked up some skills earlier than your son. Try not to fixate on WHEN he should performing gross motor, cognitive, and language skills. If there were something terribly wrong, your physician would be running tests already!

What I want you to know is reflux can do a number on our little ones. Think of where the problem is (lower esophageal sphincter). This is a midline problem that occurs in the core of the body. If that core is weakened, then a little delay in development would be expected. As that core strengthens, the development is going to pick up. Reflux tends to get better around the age of 1 when little ones are standing, walking, and eating more solid food that stays down. This is not always the case, however, the core gets stronger and stronger.

You mentioned that your little one is almost sitting up....that's great! He is also rolling from tummy to back. Continue to facilitate or take him through the movements of going from back to tummy by flexing his knee up to his tummy and crossing it over to his opposite hip. You mentioned that he doesn't have the arm strength to extend his arms for lifting his chest. Lay his across your lap with his arms extended down so he has to hold himself up while playing with a cause-effect toy in front of him (a motivator). Lastly, are you working with a dietitian for the poor weight gain to help increase his daily calories? Write back if you have more questions. Happy New Year!

Robynne