Crawling is such an exciting milestone for you and your baby! Crawling is also incredibly important and beneficial for physical movement, coordination, sensory processing, spatial awareness, and brain development. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about crawling: the benefits, readiness signs, ways to encourage it, and when to seek professional support.
Benefits of Crawling
Crawling is much more than a cute phase—it’s crucial for buildings the foundation for future milestones!
Key Benefits of Crawling:
Builds Strength: Strengthens core muscles, shoulders, arms, and hips, preparing your baby for standing and walking and later in fine motor skills!
Enhances Coordination: Supports bilateral coordination (using both sides of the body), which is important for fine motor tasks like writing or buttoning.
Boosts Sensory Processing: Helps babies process touch, balance, and body awareness through different textures and surfaces.
Improves Spatial Awareness: Develops visual-spatial skills needed for reading and following directions.
Strengthens Brain Connections: Encourages cross-body movements that improve communication between the brain’s left and right hemispheres.
Is Your Little One Ready to Crawl?
Before babies start crawling, they need to build strength and coordination through various developmental stages.
Prerequisites for Crawling:
Head control: Your baby should be able to lift and turn their head with ease.
Tummy time: Helps build core and shoulder strength for supporting their body weight.
Rolling: Develops the ability to shift their weight and coordinate their movements.
Reaching and pivoting: Prepares your baby for balancing and shifting their body.
Sitting with minimal support: Strengthens trunk muscles, giving your baby the stability they need.
Typical Crawling Age:
Most babies start crawling between 6-10 months, but some may start earlier or skip crawling altogether. If they try to skip crawling, always try to encourage it to promote development of future skills.
5 Ways to Encourage Crawling:
Tummy Time Every Day: Helps strengthen your baby’s core, arms, and legs—crucial for crawling.
Use a Favorite Toy: Place their favorite toy just out of reach to motivate forward movement.
Rocking on All Fours: With your child on hands and hold there hips and help them rock back and forth singing a song like row, row, row your boat!
Floor Time Over Gear: Minimize the use of baby walkers and jumpers—let your baby move freely on the floor.
Be Their Cheerleader: Get on the floor with them, crawl alongside them, and cheer them on to encourage progress!
Tip: Keep the environment safe by baby-proofing areas where they play and explore.
What If My Baby Crawls Differently?
Not all babies crawl the same way, and that’s okay! Here are some common crawling styles:
Common Crawling Styles:
Classic Crawl: Opposite hand and knee move together—this is the “standard” crawl.
Army Crawl: Your baby pulls forward with their arms while their belly stays low to the floor.
Bear Crawl: Hands and feet are on the floor, with their hips up in the air—like a little bear cub!
Scooting: Instead of crawling, your baby may scoot forward on their bottom using their legs and arms.
When to Seek Professional Help:
If your baby only uses one side of their body while crawling.
If they show no interest in crawling by 10-12 months.
If their movements appear awkward, uncoordinated, or they’re not making progress.
Early support can make a significant difference! If you have concerns, reaching out to a pediatric occupational therapist can provide valuable guidance.
Crawling is an exciting journey that builds a foundation for future skills and independence. Whether your baby army crawls, bear crawls, or scoots, celebrating their progress and providing a supportive environment will help them thrive!
Questions or concerns? Comment below or reach out—we’re here to support you and your little one every step of the way!
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