You’ve marveled at your baby’s first smile, giggled at their coos, and navigated countless diaper changes. Now, prepare for another thrilling milestone: crawling! The moment your baby starts to crawl marks a significant leap into independent exploration, bringing with it a world of new discoveries and, of course, some essential babyproofing considerations.
Crawling Milestones: What Age to Expect?
Typically, babies begin to crawl between 7 and 10 months old []. However, it’s crucial to remember that every baby develops at their own pace. Some might start crawling as early as 6 months, while others may take a bit longer, or even skip crawling altogether. For babies born prematurely, it’s important to consider their adjusted age when tracking developmental milestones.
Interestingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their milestones in 2022 and removed crawling as a specific milestone []. This change reflects the understanding that the age at which 75% of babies crawl isn’t consistently defined enough to be a rigid milestone. Therefore, understanding the progression of crawling and knowing when to seek professional guidance is more important than ever for parents.
Crawling and Baby Sleep Patterns
Just as your baby is mastering crawling, you might notice some shifts in their sleep patterns. The newfound ability to move can be so exciting that your little one might prefer practicing their crawling skills in their crib rather than settling down for sleep. This enthusiasm for movement can sometimes contribute to sleep disruptions, potentially playing a role in the 8 or 9-month sleep regression. If you’re experiencing sleep challenges during this period, exploring resources on sleep regressions might offer helpful strategies.
Decoding the Stages of Crawling
While some sources may outline specific stages of crawling, baby development isn’t always linear. Babies don’t always follow a set sequence; some may skip stages, others might rearrange them, and many work on multiple stages simultaneously. This variability is perfectly normal! Here are some common movements you might observe as your baby prepares to crawl:
1. Tummy Time: Building the Foundation
Tummy time is more than just preventing flat heads; it’s the foundational exercise for crawling. From the moment you bring your baby home, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends incorporating 30 minutes of tummy time daily, spread throughout the day with other playful activities []. Initially, your infant may only tolerate short bursts of 3 to 5 minutes on their tummy.
As your baby strengthens their muscles for crawling, you’ll notice improved head and neck control during tummy time. They’ll also start pushing up onto their arms, building upper body strength.
2. Pivoting: Gaining Mobility
With stronger head and neck muscles, your baby might start pivoting in circles while on their belly. This circular motion is often a baby’s first taste of independent movement and exploration.
3. Planking: Preparing to Push Up
Some babies will transition from lying on their belly to a plank position, supported by their hands and toes. Others might move directly into a hands-and-knees position, showcasing their growing strength and coordination.
4. Belly Scooting: Moving Forward (or Backward!)
Before traditional crawling, many babies experiment with belly scooting or even a sort of “jumping” motion to move forward while on their stomachs. Some might even manage a few tentative steps in a hands-and-knees position, testing their balance and coordination.
5. Rocking on Hands and Knees: Finding Balance
Once your baby can get into and maintain a hands-and-knees position, you might see them rocking back and forth. This rocking motion is crucial for developing balance and coordination, and it’s a clear sign that crawling is on the horizon.
6. Transitioning to Sitting: Another Milestone
While not directly related to crawling movement itself, some babies learn to move from a tummy-down position to sitting up independently before they crawl. This transition demonstrates increasing core strength and body control.
7. Pushing Backward: Experimenting with Movement
Interestingly, some babies initially push backward with their arms, moving in reverse before they figure out how to go forward. This is all part of the learning process as they explore different ways to move their bodies.
6 Engaging Tips to Encourage Crawling
Tummy time is essential, but there are other fun and interactive ways to encourage your baby’s crawling development. Remember to always supervise your baby closely during these activities to ensure their safety.
1. Toy Temptation: Reach for the Prize
Place a favorite toy slightly out of reach on a low, stable surface like a cushion or couch (always within your sight and reach). This encourages your baby to lift their head, push up onto their hands and knees, and reach for the enticing toy.
2. Supportive Assistance: Lending a Hand (or Leg)
During tummy time, offer gentle support under your baby’s chest. You can use your hand or position them with their tummy resting on your outstretched leg while you sit on the floor. This support can make it easier for them to lift their upper body and practice crawling movements.
3. Push-Up Playtime: Monkey See, Monkey Do
Get down on the floor facing your baby and, with an enthusiastic smile, do some push-ups (modified on your knees if needed). Your baby might be intrigued by your movements and eventually try to mimic you, strengthening their arms and shoulders.
4. Musical Rocking: Crawling Rhythms
Get on your hands and knees alongside your baby, put on some music, and show them how to rock forward and backward. The rhythm and your example might motivate them to join in and practice the rocking motion essential for crawling.
5. Crawling Demonstrations: Follow the Leader
Place a favorite toy a short distance away and demonstrate crawling towards it on your hands and knees. Your baby might be inspired to imitate you and try crawling to reach the toy themselves!
6. Dress for Success: Traction Matters
When your baby is first learning to crawl, especially on smooth surfaces, dress them in clothing that provides good traction. Avoid slippery fabrics like pants, leggings, tights, and socks. Bare knees and toes will help them grip the surface and prevent frustrating slips.
Exploring Different Crawling Styles
Babies are wonderfully unique, and so are their crawling styles! As they discover their mobility, they might experiment with different techniques.
Classic Crawl: The Traditional Style
This is the image that likely comes to mind when you think of “crawling.” The classic crawl involves moving opposite hands and knees in a coordinated, forward motion.
Alt text: Baby in diaper crawling in classic crawl style on floor while mother watches.
Belly Crawl: Commando Style
Also known as army or commando crawling, belly crawling might precede or occur instead of the classic hands-and-knees crawl. Babies belly crawl by pulling themselves forward on their stomachs, often using a reciprocal arm and leg pattern.
Some babies also use an inchworm-style belly crawl, pulling themselves forward with both arms and then flopping their belly down. While the army crawl is more common, your baby might try either or both variations.
Alt text: Baby boy wearing blue clothes belly crawling on floor.
Bear Crawl: Up on Hands and Feet
As the name suggests, in a bear crawl, babies move forward on outstretched hands and feet, resembling a bear. This style might appear earlier or later in the crawling journey and can sometimes be a precursor to standing.
Alt text: Baby in diaper and white shirt doing a bear crawl on wooden floor.
Rolling Crawl: Getting There, Round and Round
Some babies use rolling as their primary mode of transportation. While it might look dizzying to us, rolling effectively gets them from one place to another, allowing them to explore their environment.
Alt text: Baby wearing a white onesie rolling across a white blanket to crawl.
Bottom Scoot Crawl: Seated Mobility
In a bottom scoot crawl, babies sit upright and use their arms to scoot their bottoms forward across the floor. They might also use a leg for extra propulsion and can move in various directions with this style.
Alt text: Baby wearing yellow shirt and diaper bottom scooting across floor.
Crab Crawl: Sideways Movement
Less common, the crab crawl involves babies propelling themselves forward using one knee and one foot, along with both arms, often resulting in a sideways or diagonal movement.
Alt text: Baby wearing a patterned onesie doing a crab crawl on carpet.
Babyproofing for Your New Crawler
With a mobile baby on your hands (and knees!), safety becomes paramount. If you haven’t already, now is the time to thoroughly babyproof your home. A helpful tip is to get down on all fours yourself and crawl around your house to see potential hazards from your baby’s perspective. Numerous resources provide detailed guidance on babyproofing your home for mobile babies.
Always keep a close watch on your baby now that they can move independently. Elevated surfaces like beds or couches are no longer safe places to leave them unattended, even for a moment. The floor becomes the safest space for your exploring baby. If you’re concerned about hard floors, consider using a crawling mat to cushion their knees and head.
When to Seek Professional Advice About Crawling
Babies explore movement in diverse ways before crawling, and there are many variations of crawling itself. While crawling is important for developing muscles and balance needed for standing and walking, it’s not a mandatory milestone for all babies. Interestingly, in some cultures where babies are frequently carried, crawling is less common, without any apparent negative developmental consequences.
Research suggests that skipping crawling doesn’t lead to developmental problems []. As long as your baby is showing interest in exploring their surroundings and demonstrating movement in some way, they are likely developing typically.
However, if you notice your baby isn’t attempting to move at all or isn’t using both sides of their body equally, it’s wise to consult your pediatrician or a healthcare provider. You can also reach out to your local early intervention services for a free evaluation. Early intervention programs are readily available and can provide support and guidance if needed.
Key Takeaways on Baby Crawling
- Baby development is diverse and varies widely.
- Crawling on hands and knees typically occurs between 7 and 10 months, but variations are normal.
- Babies may go through different stages and utilize various crawling styles.
- You can encourage crawling through playful activities and a supportive environment.
- Skipping crawling is not linked to developmental issues as long as other forms of movement and exploration are present.
As you celebrate this milestone, you might be curious about what comes next! Exploring resources on subsequent developmental stages can help you anticipate and support your baby’s continued growth.
Crawling FAQs
Q: Is delayed crawling in babies a cause for concern?
A: Baby development follows a wide spectrum, and delayed crawling is common. Some babies may not crawl before they start walking. If you have any concerns about your baby’s development or how they interact with their environment, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider.
Q: At what age do babies typically start crawling?
A: Many babies begin crawling between 7 and 10 months of age. It’s important to remember that “crawling” encompasses various styles, not just the classic hands-and-knees crawl. Some babies belly crawl, bear crawl, bottom scoot, or even skip crawling altogether.
Q: What is the typical age range for crawling?
A: Most babies crawl within the 7 to 10-month age range, but some start earlier, and others later. Some babies may never crawl, and that can be perfectly normal.
Q: Why hasn’t my baby started crawling yet?
A: Some babies skip the traditional hands-and-knees crawling style entirely. The key is to ensure your baby is exploring their environment through movement and using both sides of their body. If they aren’t showing interest in movement or if you have any concerns, reach out to your healthcare provider or consider a free early intervention evaluation.
Q: Is it normal for babies to skip crawling?
A: Yes, it is normal for some babies to skip crawling. Babies who skip crawling still achieve later milestones. However, if you have any concerns about your baby’s movement patterns, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider.
Q: What are the early signs that a baby might start crawling soon?
A: Before babies crawl, you might notice them pushing up onto their hands and knees, hands and toes, or even sitting up independently. Some babies pivot in circles on their bellies, while others might initially push backward. These are all positive signs that crawling might be just around the corner!
