With each passing day, you will watch your child grow, learn and become more independent. So it’s only natural to wonder when your baby will start crawl. It turns out that there is no set age for your baby to start crawling or at least attempt this movement. But it’s helpful to know ways to encourage your little one’s progress and teach him how to crawl.
Watching your baby and helping him master this new skill is one of the joys of parenting in his first year, and the moment your little one steps for the first time will be an unforgettable memory.
Read on to learn how to spot the signs that your baby is getting ready to crawl, what age babies usually start to crawl, what different crawl patterns are, and what you can do if your baby doesn’t crawl as expected.
At what age do babies crawl?
Many babies learn to crawl sometime between 7 months and 10 months. But because every baby is unique, your baby may or may not be crawling ahead of other babies. Also, some babies skip crawling altogether.
Keep in mind that all children grow and develop at their own pace. Try not to compare your little one to other children. If you are wondering if your child is on the right track, see a doctor.
Signs that your baby is getting ready to crawl
Before your baby can begin to crawl, he will need to develop a complex set of skills, which will help him strengthen his muscles in preparation for crawling.
These are some of the things that indicate that your baby is preparing for a new stage, to start crawling:
• Move around while lying down
• Arches his neck to look around when he’s on her tummy (while giving him supervised time to lie on his tummy – Newborns
• Grasp his feet when lying on his back
• Rolling over when lying on one’s back
• Pushing himself back instead of forward when lying on all fours
• Digging with his knees and sprinting forward when lying on all fours.
At this stage of baby’s development, he may be crawling very close, so be sure to keep a close eye on him. Do not leave him unattended unless he is in a safe place such as his bed.
If you haven’t already, this is also a great time to make sure your child is safe. As part of this process, make sure that all dangerous tools are out of your child’s reach and that furniture that can tip over is stable and secure, so that your child is not in harm’s way once they are able to move independently.
What are the different types of crawling?
You might be surprised to learn that there isn’t just one way to crawl – but there are many! Here are some of the more common crawling techniques you may see when your baby starts to crawl:
• Classic crawling: Your baby crawls on his hands and knees, moving his arm and opposite knee forward at the same time.
• Bear crawling: Your baby walks on hands and feet, keeping elbows and knees straight.
• Tummy crawl: Your baby slides on his tummy while moving forward.
• COMMANDO CRAWLING: Your baby moves forward using his arms while sprinting on his bottom.
• Crab crawling: Your baby moves either backwards or laterally with the help of his hands.
• Rolling: Your baby moves by rolling from one place to another.
Your baby may use any of these techniques or even come up with his own, so don’t worry if his crawling looks nothing like any of the above.
How can you teach your baby to crawl?
Children are eager to move and explore, and mainly teach themselves to get where they want to go. To encourage your baby to start crawling, try these ideas:
• Place one of your child’s favorite objects or toys out of their reach but in front of them when they are on the floor, to inspire them to start crawling towards it.
• Create an obstacle course for him using pillows, boxes, and other safe items to help him train and develop his abilities.
• Encourage your child to crawl toward a favorite object by showing that you hid it behind a pillow a short distance from the floor.
The goal of these exercises is to get your baby excited about learning to crawl and taking on a new adventure. If you feel like he’s losing interest or getting frustrated, it’s time to stop and do something else.
Always watch your baby when he is playing on the floor and when he is on his tummy.
What if your baby doesn’t crawl as expected?
Just like any other baby, your little one grows at his own pace and on his own schedule. Try not to think “My baby should have started crawling by now.” Remember, too, that your baby may not crawl exactly the way you expect. Alternatively, he may use another method of rolling around, such as crawling on his stomach. Or it may skip crawling altogether.
Usually, you don’t have to worry as long as your baby learns how to coordinate his arms and legs. His ultimate goal is to learn how to walk, so try not to focus on crawling in the meantime.
Of course, if you feel that your baby is not moving properly, is unable to coordinate every aspect of his body, or is not using every arm and leg equally, talk to and reach out to your GP anytime you have questions or concerns about your child’s development In general.