Like any child’s development, the age at which a baby will start to crawl depends entirely on their personal growth. Typically, babies will start crawling between 7 and 10 months old, with an average age of just over eight months based on estimates from the World Health Organization.
If your child isn’t crawling by 10 months old, there’s no need to worry. My son didn’t start crawling until 11 months old, but he constantly made attempts and was off to the races the moment he learned to crawl.
You may also notice that your child doesn’t jump right into a standard hands-and-knee crawl, and that’s fine, too; there are various other forms of crawling, and all of those different crawling styles are normal and help babies build strength and coordination.
Keep reading to understand developmental milestones, a typical timeline for crawling, recommendations on how you can help your baby learn to crawl, and advice from doctors and healthcare providers that can help you prepare your baby for various mobility milestones.
The Role of Tummy Time For Babies Learning To Crawl
Tummy time is crucial for building the muscles for crawling and other motor skills. While it may seem like a simple act, what your baby is doing is strengthening neck, shoulder, and arm muscles while developing core strength.
Starting tummy time doesn’t require a lot of work or any preparation. You can start small with just 3-5 minute sessions a few times per day. As your baby shows strength improvements, you can increase the number of times and the duration of tummy time.
Not only does tummy time help with strength, but it also prevents flat spots on the head and promotes proper physical development. It also encourages babies to lift their heads, push up on their arms, and eventually start reaching for objects.
As you notice your baby lifting themselves more, they are likely preparing for their next stage of development.
Understanding The Role Of Rolling For Babies
Babies progress through key physical milestones as they grow, and each stage builds upon the other, with each new skill preparing infants for more complex movements. Rolling takes a lot of work for babies, and it means they are one step closer to crawling.
From Rolling to Sitting
Rolling is often the first step towards independent movement. Most babies start rolling between 3-7 months old. But, again, don’t worry if your baby is slightly behind the curvy.
Key rolling milestones by average time include:
- Rolling from back to side (3-4 months)
- Rolling from tummy to back (4-5 months)
- Rolling from back to tummy (5-6 months)
After mastering rolling, babies typically learn to sit unassisted around 6-8 months. This skill requires strong back and neck muscles developed through previous milestones. Again, this is just an average; my youngest was ready to walk by this age, while several of my children needed their Bumbo baby floor seat for a bit longer.
The Average Age Range Babies Learn To Crawl
Crawling typically emerges between 6-10 months. However, some babies may skip crawling entirely and move straight to walking.
Common crawling styles include:
- Army crawl (dragging body with arms)
- Classic hands-and-knees crawl
- Bear crawl (on hands and feet)
- Bottom scoot (I immediately think of the Bluey Baby Race episode)
And it’s not just about the crawling your child masters; it’s about the stages they go through. They may even use a variation of the crawls above or develop something they are more comfortable with as they learn to become fully mobile.
The Stages of Crawling
Babies progress through various crawling styles as they develop strength and coordination. These stages typically occur between 6 and 10 months of age, though the timing can vary for each child.
Early Crawling Styles
Learning to crawl often begins with simple movements. The commando crawl, also known as the army crawl, is an early style where babies pull forward using their arms while keeping their bellies on the floor. This technique helps build upper body strength.
Another early style is the crab crawl. Babies move sideways or backward, using their arms to propel themselves. This method can be frustrating for babies but helps develop coordination.
The bear crawl involves moving on hands and feet with the bottom raised. This style strengthens leg muscles and improves balance.
Classic Hands-and-Knees Crawling
The traditional hands-and-knees crawling is the most efficient and common style. Babies support their weight on hands and knees, moving one arm and the opposite leg forward simultaneously. This reciprocal motion requires coordination between both sides of the body and brain hemispheres.
Hands-and-knees crawling helps develop:
- Core strength
- Balance
- Spatial awareness
- Hand-eye coordination
This stage typically lasts several months as babies perfect their technique and build endurance.
Variations in Crawling
Some babies develop unique crawling styles. The tripod crawl involves using two hands and one knee, with the other leg extended for balance. This method can be faster than traditional crawling for some infants.
The leapfrog crawl resembles a frog’s movement. Babies push off with their legs, landing on their hands before pulling their legs forward again. This style is less common but equally effective for getting around.
Some babies prefer scooting on their bottom, using their arms to move forward. While not technically crawling, it’s a valid form of locomotion that achieves the same goal of independent movement.
So When Do Babies Crawl? Average Time And Developmental Delays
Babies typically reach the crawling milestone between 6 and 10 months of age. The exact timing can vary widely between infants, some starting earlier and others later. Recognizing the signs of readiness and potential delays is essential for parents and caregivers.
Average Age to Start Crawling
Most babies begin crawling around 7 to 10 months old. The World Health Organization reports that 50% of infants crawl by 8.3 months. This developmental milestone marks an exciting phase of increased mobility and exploration for babies.
Signs of Developmental Delays
While variations in crawling timelines are common, there are certain signs that may indicate potential developmental delays. Parents should consult a pediatrician if their baby:
- Shows no interest in moving or reaching for objects by 6 months
- Cannot support their own weight when standing with assistance by 12 months
- Doesn’t crawl, bottom-scoot, or show any form of mobility by 12 months
Regular pediatric check-ups are essential for monitoring crawling milestones and overall development. Early intervention can be beneficial if delays are identified.
How To Help Your Baby Start Crawling
I know I already mentioned the importance of Tummy time, but it’s worth noting again in this section because it’s the best way to help your baby prepare for crawling. You can help your baby by placing toys just out of reach during tummy time. This prompts babies to stretch and reach, further developing their muscles.
Lower body strength is equally essential for crawling. Babies develop leg muscles through kicking and pushing against surfaces. Leg exercises like bicycle movements and gentle stretches can help improve lower body strength. Parents can assist by moving the baby’s legs in these motions during diaper changes.
Babies may start to push off surfaces with their feet as leg strength increases. This action helps them learn to propel themselves forward when crawling.
Bouncing while supported in a standing position also contributes to leg muscle development. This activity prepares babies for future milestones like standing and walking. My wife and I invested in a doorway jumper, and our first two children loved it, while the next two wanted absolutely nothing to do with assisted bouncing, so your mileage may vary.
Guidance From Health Professionals And When To Seek Help
Health professionals can help guide parents through their baby’s crawling journey. They offer expert advice on developmental milestones and provide reassurance when needed.
When to Seek Help If Your Baby Doesn’t Start Crawling
While variation in crawling onset is normal, there are instances when parents should consult a healthcare professional. Signs that may warrant attention include:
- No attempts to move or crawl by 12 months
- Favoring one side of the body when moving
- Inability to support weight on legs by 12 months
Healthcare providers may recommend a developmental assessment if concerns arise. Early intervention can address any potential issues and support optimal development.
It’s important to note that premature babies may reach milestones later than full-term infants. In such cases, healthcare professionals typically use corrected age for developmental assessments.
Enhancing Your Baby’s Crawling Experience
As your baby begins to explore their newfound mobility, creating an optimal environment and providing appropriate support can significantly enhance their crawling journey. Focusing on safety, encouragement, and recognizing different crawling styles will help your little one thrive during this exciting developmental stage.
Creating a Safe Environment for Crawling
Babyproofing is crucial for ensuring a safe crawling space. Start by getting down to your baby’s level to identify potential hazards. Secure loose cords, cover electrical outlets, and remove small objects that could pose choking risks.
Install safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases. Pad sharp corners on furniture and secure bookcases or heavy items to the wall to prevent tipping.
Ensure floor surfaces are clean and free from small objects. Use playmats or rugs to provide a comfortable crawling surface, especially on hard floors.
Regularly inspect the crawling area for new hazards as your baby becomes more mobile and adventurous.
Encouraging Movement Through Play
Playtime is an excellent opportunity to motivate your baby’s crawling efforts. Place favorite toys just out of reach to encourage forward movement.
Create obstacle courses using pillows, cushions, or tunnels for your baby to navigate. This helps develop problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.
Incorporate tummy time into daily routines. This strengthens core muscles essential for crawling. Use toys or mirrors to make tummy time engaging.
Offer incentives like colorful objects or musical toys to spark curiosity and encourage exploration.
Allow your baby to practice on different types of surfaces such as carpet, hardwood, or grass to build strength and adaptability.
Next Steps After Crawling
As babies master crawling, they quickly progress to more advanced mobility milestones. These next steps build strength and coordination, preparing infants for independent walking.
Pulling Up and Standing
Babies typically start pulling themselves up to stand between 8 and 10 months old. This action strengthens leg muscles and improves balance. Parents should ensure furniture is stable and secure to support their child’s efforts.
Encourage pulling up by placing favorite toys on low surfaces. Provide support as needed, but allow babies to practice independently. Falling is normal and helps develop spatial awareness.
Cross-crawling often emerges during this stage. This diagonal arm and leg movement refines coordination and prepares for walking.
Cruising and Walking
Cruising begins when babies can move sideways while holding onto furniture. This usually occurs around 9-12 months. It builds confidence and strength for independent steps.
Create safe pathways with stable furniture for practice. Remove potential hazards and pad sharp corners.
The first steps typically happen between 9-15 months. Every child develops at their own pace. Praise efforts and provide gentle support without rushing the process.
As walking skills develop, proper footwear becomes important. Choose flexible, lightweight shoes with non-slip soles for safety and comfort.