Strong neck muscles, but not pushing up with forearms?

It may seem like I over analyze everything these days (LOL), but more than anything I'm just interested in development and what you all have experienced.

Is this weird, in your opinion? Ben has alot of neck strength: he can hold his head well, has good torso control, sits in the bumbo like a champ, but when I put him on his forearms for tummy time he won't use them. He lifts up kind of like he's flying, using his neck and back muscles, but when I put him on his forearms they just splay out to the side. Owen on the other hand, pushes up well on his forearms but doesn't do the bumbo quite as well.

Does Ben just have different muscles strengths? Or is the forearm thing significant enough to ask our pedi?

 

Lots of babies don't use their forearms until they even learn how to crawl. At 4 months, I would not be too worried about that yet, but if he has considerable trouble with tummy time past one, I would ask my pedi. If you still are uncomfortable with his 4 month development though, you should talk to your pedi anyway! That's what they are there for and I don't think they mind.

 

quote:
He lifts up kind of like he's flying, using his neck and back muscles, but when I put him on his forearms they just splay out to the side

That is normal, it is called swimming, I believe. It's all part of developing the strength in their necks and backs. He will figure out soon, that using his arms to push himself up is easier!

 

my boys dont extend their forarms either. I think they should be doing it by now but I am not too worried. I am glad jdmummy says it often happens when they begin to crawl.

 

Lila did that for the longest time, too. Looked kind of like a rocking horse, arms out, head up, legs up, would rock back & forth on her tummy. Now she pushes herself up really well, it will probably come with time. Love the name Owen, by the way, I have one too.

 

While I agree with everything everyone said, here is something to perhaps think about. A PT checked out my twins last week (it was free). They are 6 months old, and doing very well with tummy time. But she said we had to work on the forearm thing for both of them. She said to put them over a pillow or somewhat flat boppy to help them splay their hands and keep their entire arms straight. I think this may help with crawling. We see her again tomorrow. PM me if you're interested in more.
thanks

 

I think at the age your boys are you have nothing to worry about.....it all will come with time.....my kids did and still do develop and hit milestones at really different times. I think you have nothing to worry about