11 month old butt scooting (not crawling)

[Anonymous]

DS turns 11 months this week- he has been army crawling since 8.5 months and has since chosen scootingon his butt as his preferred method of getting around. He totally refuses attempting to crawl on his hands and knees. He isn’t super heavy (50% percentile) and seems to be perfectly strong, he just doesn’t want to crawl. He’s pulling himself up on furniture and cruising, but probably still more than a month away from truly walking.

For those of you with babies that never properly crawled, were there any negative outcomes? I’ve read some things about crawling as important for the “right-left brain connection” and reading. I’m worried that I’m not intervening enough.

[Anonymous]

How is the movement in his legs? Good flexibility? Is he able to stretch his legs easily and flex his feet? His feet look normal and not too turned in or too flat? His limbs don't seem too stiff?

If all seems normal, skipping a stage isn't so terrible since he's found other ways to maneuver himself. I had one that went from butt scooting, to pulling up on furniture, and then walking followed quickly after that. Just did a bit of army crawling and never did normal crawling. He's a healthy 14 yo now.

[Anonymous]

My 99% DS started to crawl right when he turned 11 months...he never cruised, because he was too heavy....started to walk at 15 months. He is running everywhere now.

[Anonymous]

My youngest turned 11 months today and only started to crawl two weeks ago. Before that it was either rolling or butt scooting. He immediately started to pull up much more frequently after that. I think it was a confidence thing. He has had few falls, unlike my oldest who was crawling at 7 months who wiped out constantly.

[Anonymous]

Neither of my 2 very athletic boys crawled even for a day. Straight to pulling up, cruising, then first steps and never looked back. They probably started climbing before crawling.

[Anonymous]

My DS never crawled. He was meeting all of his other milestones, but went straight from butt scooting to walking at 12 months. I read much of what you're seeing now and can tell you that none of that applies to him. He is now a healthy 7-year-old who is coordinated and has no learning challenges. I think he just figured out that he was more efficient if he scooted, so he did what came easier. That kid was awfully quick on his butt, so I can see why he chose to skip crawling!

[Anonymous]

It's fine. I know a baby that never crawled, she literally rolled everywhere. Unless there's some other issue, like lack of arm strength or something, if the baby is motivated and moving, he's fine.

[Anonymous]

OP your child may be a month away from walking or he may be several months away from walking.

Cruising on furniture is great but it doesn't always mean they're ready to let go and walk.

[Anonymous]

My son never crawled either, just butt scooted and started walking at 12 months. I totally get it, I agonized over it in the moment and even tried to do these ridiculous “crawling exercises” with him but it really wasn’t a big deal looking back with the benefit of perspective. Easier said than done but try not to worry!