Bottom shuffling in young children
Bottom shuffling in young children
Overview
Children sometimes sit on their bottoms and move themselves around using their legs instead of crawling. This is known as bottom shuffling.
They may use different ways to do this. Some:
- lean to the side and use one arm and leg
- use both legs together
- bounce
Bottom-shuffling is often seen in children who have not spent time playing on their tummy.
Most children who bottom shuffle will start walking later (typically anything from 18 to 24 months). They will often lift their legs up when you attempt to support them in standing.
Is it normal for young children to bottom shuffle?
It’s normal for some children to bottom shuffle instead of crawl. All children develop differently. Most children will crawl.
The rate at which a child develops is affected by many factors including:
- temperament
- environment
- family history
- lack of movement opportunities (for example, if they have spent a long time in hospital)
Why do some young children bottom shuffle?
Children who bottom shuffle usually have not tolerated being placed on their tummy. As a result, they do not develop the strength in their arms, neck and back muscles. This means they struggle to push themselves up, move around on their tummy or crawl. They often prefer to lie on their back or to be supported in a sitting position.
Once children are able to sit independently, they are able to experience more of the world around them. Children who bottom shuffle can move very quickly and their hands are free to play with toys. This means they often have little motivation to pull up to stand on their feet or use their arms to crawl.
How can I help my child?
Encourage tummy time so they can learn how to take weight through their arms and shoulders. This will help develop strength and stability in their upper body.
If they do not tolerate lying flat on the floor, here are some activities you can try:
- give them some support under their chest using a rolled up towel or lie them across your legs
- sit on the sofa, lean back and lay your child on your chest (progress to lying on the floor with your child on your chest)
- encourage your child to shuffle over obstacles on the floor, (such as over your legs or cushions) so that they have to bring their weight forward onto their arms
Once children are better with taking weight through their upper body, there are activities that will help them improve strength and stability in their hips and legs:
- encourage your child to pull themselves up onto their knees, against you or a piece of furniture
- encourage your child to pull themselves up to stand, against you or a piece of furniture
Baby walkers or baby bouncers do not help children to develop their ability to stand or walk and have been the cause of many serious accidents.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
When should you talk to a doctor?
Talk to a doctor if you notice any of these in your child:
- Difficulty moving the arms or legs (for example, the limbs seem weak, floppy or stiff)
- Using one side of the body much more than the other
- Always falling to one side or backward when losing balance
- The two feet looking quite different from each other when standing
- Not being able to place the feet flat on the ground when standing
- A clear delay in other areas of development (such as play, language or fine motor skills)