Is It Safe for My 5-Month-Old to Start Crawling Early?

Is it okay to climb too early?

1.
Hello, my daughter is currently five months old.
She has received three vaccinations during her second, third, and fourth months, but I cannot find the Chinese name for these vaccines.
Can you help me? The general name is Hexavalent (which includes Poliomyelitis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hib, and Hepatitis B).
2.
My daughter has a habit of rocking back and forth before falling asleep.
I suspect this might be due to her sometimes breastfeeding and co-sleeping with me, but I'm not sure if that's the reason.
What is your opinion, doctor?
3.
She started using her hands to support herself while crawling around five months old, and she is currently able to crawl quite steadily.
I'm wondering if crawling at such an early age could affect her skeletal development.
4.
She is still exclusively breastfed, but my milk supply is not what it used to be.
Each feeding session is relatively short, and she feeds about six times a day.
I currently give her fruit puree once a day, but I worry about her nutritional intake.
Last week, during her check-up, her weight was 6700 grams and her height was 64 cm.
Should I provide her with additional nutritional supplements?
5.
Two days ago, she fell off the bed, which is about 30 cm high.
She did not have any visible injuries, but I'm unsure if I should take her to see a doctor for an examination.
When I found her on the floor, she was already in a prone position.
What areas could potentially be injured? Thank you, doctor.

Yun, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/10/19

Dr. Lin Huizhen reply Pediatrics

Dear Ms.
Yu,
1.
Hexavalent vaccine.
2.
This should be a matter of personal preference.
3.
It will not affect them, as children's neurological development is sufficient, and they will naturally begin to crawl.
4.
Children can start training to eat complementary foods around 4-6 months of age.
The initial training primarily focuses on teaching them a different method of eating, training their ability to chew and swallow semi-solid and solid foods.
If a child has been practicing for a while and can eat with a spoon smoothly, various foods can be added to the complementary diet to enhance nutrition and caloric intake.
5.
Generally, if a child falls from a height, there is a concern for intracranial injury that could lead to bleeding.
However, if there is associated intracranial hemorrhage, most children will exhibit neurological symptoms such as lethargy, seizures, weakness in a limb, irritability, or vomiting.
If none of these symptoms are present, general observation is sufficient.
Wishing you good health and all the best from the Pediatric Department of Tainan Hospital!

Reply Date: 2005/10/19

More Info

When it comes to the development of infants, there are several key factors to consider regarding their growth, safety, and nutritional needs. Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Vaccination Information: The hexavalent vaccine you mentioned typically includes protection against six diseases: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Hepatitis B, and Poliomyelitis. This combination vaccine is designed to provide comprehensive immunity during the early months of life, which is crucial for preventing serious infections.

2. Rocking Behavior: It is common for infants to develop habits such as rocking back and forth, especially when they are falling asleep. This behavior can be soothing for them and may be a self-soothing mechanism. If your baby is breastfeeding and co-sleeping, she may associate these actions with comfort and security. As long as she is not distressed and is developing normally, this behavior is generally not a cause for concern.

3. Crawling Development: It is impressive that your daughter is able to support herself and crawl at such an early age. Crawling is a natural developmental milestone, and starting early is usually not harmful. In fact, crawling helps strengthen muscles and improve coordination. However, it's essential to ensure that she is crawling in a safe environment to prevent any injuries. As long as she is not showing signs of discomfort or pain, early crawling should not negatively impact her skeletal development.

4. Nutritional Needs: At five months, it is normal for infants to still rely primarily on breast milk for nutrition. If your milk supply is decreasing, you might consider introducing formula as a supplement to ensure she is getting enough nutrients. The introduction of solid foods, such as fruit purees, is also appropriate at this age, but breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition. Monitoring her growth through regular check-ups is essential, and your pediatrician can provide guidance on whether she needs additional nutritional support.

5. Fall from Bed: It is concerning when an infant falls, even from a low height. Since your daughter fell from about 30 cm and landed on her stomach without visible injuries, she may be fine, but it is always best to err on the side of caution. Signs to watch for include excessive crying, lethargy, vomiting, or any unusual behavior. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if you have any lingering concerns, it would be prudent to consult a pediatrician for an evaluation. They can assess for any potential injuries, such as head trauma, which may not be immediately apparent.

In summary, your daughter appears to be developing well, but it is essential to monitor her growth, behavior, and any incidents like falls closely. Regular check-ups with her pediatrician will help ensure she is on track with her developmental milestones and nutritional needs. If you have any concerns about her health or development, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

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