Tiny moves, big milestone: the journey of crawling
Most babies start crawling between 6 to 8 months of age as every baby is unique some may start a little earlier or others late and some might skip crawling altogether and go straight to pulling up or walking! Yes, it is common for babies to skip the traditional hands and knee crawling stage. Around 10% of babies omit the stage of crawling and learn to walk directly. For these babies, apart from not crawling the other motor developmental aspects are all fine such as sitting firmly at around 9 months old.
Crawling is not considered a “milestone”‘ anymore
In this blog we will explore when babies typically start crawling? what are the signs and ways to support your baby
Crawling usually comes after your baby learns to
- Roll over – Babies start rolling in 4-6 months. Rolling helps babies to learn how to shift their body weight .
- Sit up independently – Babies start sitting up in 5-7 months with support first, once babies sit without support, they start building core muscles necessary for getting into crawling position.
- Push up on their hands and knees – In 6-9 months baby start rocking on their hands and knees this rocking motion is a clear sign that crawling is near your baby is learning how to balance and move weight between hands and knees.
How parents can support crawling
Parents can’t force baby to crawl but they can encourage and support their natural developmet Before a baby begin crawling there are several other small steppingstones that pave the way for crawling.
1. Daily Tummy Time – Every minute a baby spent on their tummy helps baby to build the strength, coordination and confidence to move on their own which lay foundation for crawling. Babies often push up on their arms and rock during tummy time which closely resemble to crawling.
2.Give them space to move – When babies have open safe floor space they can easily stretch, roll and push up their arms baby may not get enough muscle practice if they remain in a crib, car seat or swing a wide-open area motivates baby to reach towards people, light or toys.
3.Use Toys for motivation – Toys are one of the best ways to inspire babies to get baby moving, the right toy can turn effort into play, usually toys are bright, colorful and interactive baby gets attracted to them easily. If you place a toy just out of reach of baby than baby tries to move forward to grab it.
4. Crawl with them – It looks Funny but when you crawl with your baby, your baby starts imitating you as babies are natural imitators your presence on the floor besides them makes crawling feel safe, a familiar face besides them boast courage and reduces fear. when you crawl your baby watches how you use your arms, knees and hips.
5. Avoid Overuse of Baby Gear – Modern baby gear like swings, walkers, bouncers and jumpers restrict baby movement which can actually delay your baby crawling because crawling requires floor, free movement and muscle development as babies learn to crawl by using their own muscles too much time in gear means less time for building muscles.
Why is crawling important
1. Builds strength – Crawling helps baby to develop strength in arms, shoulder and legs these all sets the foundation for sitting, standing and walking. Crawling also strengthen the abdominal and lower back muscles also known as core. A strong core helps with balance posture and stability.
2.Improve coordination – Crawling improves bilateral coordination (right hand with left knee and vice versa) of baby which is essential for later skills like writing and catching a ball. Crawling supports the corpus callosum part of the brain that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain which is vital for learning, movement and emotional regulation
3.Enhances brain development – Crawling is a cross-body movement that stimulates brain development especially the areas involved in vision, balance, and spatial awareness. Crawling involves multiple sense working at once
- Touch – Feeling the ground while crawling.
- Sight – looking ahead or at the hands while crawling.
- Balance – inner ear and body position
- Body movement – Limbs in motion while crawling.
4.Promotes Independence – Crawling boost confidence and curiosity in baby, crawling gives your baby the freedom to explore the environment. Crawling gives babies the ability to move when and where they want without relying on being carried.
What if Your baby does not crawl ?
Every baby develops at their own pace so don’t get panic. Take a deep breath you are not alone, and, in most cases, there is no reason to worry. Most babies begin crawling between 6 to 10 months this is a general range not a deadline and it is normal if baby skip crawling altogether and walk first but still there can be some possible reason that baby does not crawl-
- Limited floor time
- lack of tummy time
- Skipped step
- Mild muscle delay or low tone
- Personality and temperament
When should be the sign of concern?
- If a baby is not showing any interest in movement by 10 – 12 months.
- If they have low muscle tone or seem stiff or floppy
- If the baby is not trying to roll or reaching for the things
- If the baby is not bearing weight on arms during tummy time.
Doctor may check the motor skills, reflexes and muscle tone to make sure that everything is on track. In many cases if your baby is otherwise healthy and active, and not crawling is not a cause of concern but if there are other delays or physical signs, than ensures that your baby gets the best support.
Conclusion – if your baby is not crawling yet that is okay focus on giving them opportunities to move, play, and grow at their pace remember many healthy, active kids never crawled at all. Many babies catch up beautifully with just a little support therefore the key is to observe and ask for help if something does not feel good.