From the Guidelines
If your 9-month-old is showing gross motor delay, consult your pediatrician promptly for evaluation, as early intervention is crucial for optimal development. At this age, most babies should be sitting without support, crawling or moving around in some way, and possibly pulling to stand, as noted in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement 1. Delays might include not sitting independently, lack of crawling attempts, or inability to bear weight on legs.
Potential Causes of Gross Motor Delay
Some potential causes of gross motor delay in a 9-month-old infant include:
- Muscle tone issues, such as hypotonia, which can affect gross motor skills development 1
- Neurological factors, such as cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome, which can cause delays in gross motor skills, including walking and language development 1
- Individual developmental timing, as some children may develop at a slower pace than others
- Other medical conditions, such as progressive neuromuscular disorders, which can manifest as a loss of previously attained gross or fine motor skills 1 Your doctor will assess your child's overall development and may refer you to a pediatric physical therapist for specialized evaluation and intervention.
Recommendations for Parents
To encourage movement and development, provide plenty of:
- Tummy time and floor play opportunities
- Create an environment that motivates your baby to reach for toys and practice new skills. Many children with early delays catch up completely with appropriate support, which is why early identification and intervention are so important for optimal development, as emphasized by the AAP 1.
From the Research
Potential Causes of Gross Motor Delay
The potential causes of gross motor delay in a 9-month-old infant can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Hypotonia, which is a condition characterized by low muscle tone, as seen in the case of type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) 2
- Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) or Cerebral Palsy (CP) 3
- Infantile idiopathic scoliosis, which can cause motor delay due to the abnormal curvature of the spine 4
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which can be predicted by early motor delays during the first year of life 5
Risk Factors and Assessment
Family physicians can evaluate for risk factors that may adversely affect motor development, including review of the medical and social history of the child and the parents or caregivers 6. After a gross motor delay is identified, the physician should determine the likely cause of the delay, identify any anatomic etiology, and assess for features that may require further evaluation, such as laboratory tests, imaging, or referral to a subspecialist 6.
Importance of Early Identification and Intervention
Early identification of gross motor delay and underlying causes can facilitate referral for early intervention services, which can enhance parent-child interaction, adaptive behavior, communication, and socialization 5. Accurate and timely referral to appropriate specialists may assist families in obtaining a diagnosis for their child and guide necessary interventions 2.