When Do Babies Start Crawling?

Crawling is one of the most exciting milestones in your baby’s development. It’s a sign that your baby is becoming more independent and curious about the world around them. But when do babies start crawling, and how can you help them learn this new skill? Here’s everything you need to know about crawling, from the average age and different styles to the signs of readiness and tips for encouragement.

What Age Do Babies Start to Crawl?
Most babies start to crawl between 7 months and 10 months old after they’ve learnt to sit up. Whilst the 9-month-old mark is the average age for little ones to crawl, it might take some babies longer to learn to crawl or they might skip the phase entirely and start pulling themselves up to learn how to walkhttps://www.motherandbaby.com/baby/development/when-do-babies-start-crawling/.

Some babies may start as early as 6 or 7 months, while others may take their sweet time putting four on the floorhttps://www.healthline.com/health/baby/when-do-babies-crawl. Some babies may even bypass crawling altogether and go straight from sitting up to standing and walkinghttps://www.healthline.com/health/baby/when-do-babies-crawl. This is nothing to worry about, as every baby is unique and develops at their own pace.

What Are the Different Types of Crawling Styles?
There are almost as many different ways for a baby to learn to crawl as there are babies. Your little one may start with one style and then progress to another, or stick with a favorite until they give up crawling for good. It’s all normal, and pretty adorable too! Here are some of the most common styles, according to the American Academy of Pediatricshttps://www.healthline.com/health/baby/when-do-babies-crawl:

• Classic crawl. This is what everyone thinks about when they hear the word “crawl”. Your baby creeps across the floor on hands and knees, alternating hands with opposite knees, with their tummies off the floor.
• Bottom scoot. This is just like it sounds. Babies sit on their bottoms and push themselves along with their hands.
• Rolling. Why crawl when you can roll? You still get to where you’re going, right?
• Combat crawl. You might also hear this mode of transportation called the “commando crawl”. Babies lie on their bellies, with their legs out behind them, and pull or push themselves forward with their arms. No camouflage required.
• Crab crawl. In this variation, babies propel themselves forward with their hands while keeping their knees bent, like a little round crab scuttling across the sand.
• Bear crawl. Remember the classic crawl? This is a variation on that style, except babies keep their legs straight, rather than bent.
• Tripod crawl. Baby moves with two hands and one knee doing the work while the second leg takes it easy.
• Leapfrog. Speaking of yoga moves, with this crawl, baby gets into a hands-and-knees bridge pose and moves by thrusting herself forward.

Crawling speeds tend to vary too. Some babies are very fast crawlers, while some use crawling just to go a few incheshttps://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/crawling/.

What Are the Signs That Your Baby Will Crawl Soon?
When your baby’s playing on the floor, you’re probably already keeping a close eye on the situation. Start watching for the most common signs that your baby’s getting ready to crawlhttps://www.healthline.com/health/baby/when-do-babies-crawl. One sign is when babies are able to roll from their stomachs to their backs and vice versa. Another sign of readiness is when your baby manages to get herself from her stomach up into a seated position by herself.

Some babies will get up on their hands and knees and rock back and forth, while you hold your breath and wait to see if they start moving forward. Others will scoot around on their bellies or backs before they figure out how to use their limbs more effectively.

How Can You Help Your Baby Learn to Crawl?
You can’t teach your baby how to crawl, but you can encourage them and make it easier for them to practice this new skill. Here are some tips for helping your baby learn to crawlhttps://www.healthline.com/health/baby/when-do-babies-crawlhttps://www.babycentre.co.uk/a6501/developmental-milestones-crawling:

• Give your baby plenty of tummy time. Tummy time helps your baby strengthen their neck, back, arms, and legs muscles that are essential for crawling. Start with a few minutes a day when your baby is awake and alert, and gradually increase the duration as your baby grows.
• Provide a safe and stimulating environment. Make sure your baby has enough space and freedom to move around on the floor without any hazards or obstacles. You can also place some toys or objects just out of reach to motivate your baby to move towards them.
• Offer support and praise. You can gently support your baby’s hips or legs to help them balance on their hands and knees, or place a pillow under their chest to lift them up. You can also cheer them on and praise their efforts, even if they don’t move very far.
• Don’t rush or pressure your baby. Remember that every baby is different and will crawl at their own pace. Don’t compare your baby to others or force them to do something they’re not ready for. Let your baby enjoy the process and have fun.

Is Crawling a Developmental Milestone?
Crawling is not an official developmental milestone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means that it’s not a skill that all babies must achieve by a certain age or in a certain way. Crawling is more of an intermediate step between sitting and walking, and it can vary widely among babies.

However, crawling is still an important skill that helps your baby develop their motor, cognitive, and social skills. Crawling allows your baby to explore their surroundings, learn about cause and effect, and interact with people and objects. Crawling also prepares your baby for the next stage of development: walking.

What If Your Baby Isn’t Crawling Yet?
If your baby isn’t crawling yet, don’t panic. As long as your baby is showing other signs of progress and meeting other milestones, such as sitting, rolling, reaching, grabbing, babbling, etc., there’s no need to worry. Some babies may take longer than others to crawl, or they may skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking.

However, if you notice any of the following red flags, you may want to talk to your pediatrician:

• Your baby can’t hold their head up by 3 months
• Your baby can’t sit with support by 6 months
• Your baby can’t sit without support by 9 months
• Your baby can’t bear weight on their legs by 12 months
• Your baby drags one side of their body while crawling
• Your baby shows no interest in moving or exploring

Your pediatrician can assess your baby’s development and check for any possible issues or delays. They may also refer you to a specialist or a therapist if needed.

How to Keep Your Crawling Baby Safe
Once your baby starts crawling, they will be able to reach places and things that were previously out of bounds. This means that you need to make sure that your home is safe and secure for your curious crawler. Here are some tips for keeping your crawling baby safehttps://www.healthline.com/health/baby/when-do-babies-crawlhttps://www.babycentre.co.uk/a6501/developmental-milestones-crawling:

• Babyproof your home. Cover electrical outlets, secure cords and wires, lock cabinets and drawers, install safety gates and guards, remove sharp or breakable objects, etc.
• Supervise your baby at all times. Don’t leave your baby alone or unattended on the floor or in another room. Keep an eye on them and stay within arm’s reach.
• Check the floor regularly. Make sure the floor is clean and free of any small or dangerous items that your baby could choke on or swallow, such as coins, buttons, batteries, etc.
• Limit the use of walkers or jumpers. These devices can limit your baby’s natural movement and exploration, as well as pose a risk of injury or falling.
• Choose a safe surface. Avoid letting your baby crawl on hard or slippery surfaces, such as tile or hardwood floors. Opt for soft or padded surfaces, such as carpet or mats.

Conclusion
Crawling is a wonderful milestone that marks a new stage in your baby’s development. It’s also a lot of fun for both you and your baby. By knowing when and how babies start crawling, what signs to look for, and how to help them along the way, you can make the most of this exciting time