When Do Babies Start Crawling?
As you watch your little one grow and explore each day, you may wonder when they’ll start crawling. That first crawl is an exciting milestone, and helping your little one reach it can be a joyful experience.
In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like ‘When do babies start crawling?’ along with tips on encouraging them, spotting signs they’re nearly ready, exploring different types of crawling, and what to consider if they’re not crawling as expected.
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At What Age Do Babies Crawl?
Most babies start crawling between 7 and 10 months of age, but every baby is unique, and some may begin slightly earlier or later than this. If you’re wondering how old babies are when they crawl, remember that not all babies follow the classic hands-and-knees style – some might shuffle on their bottom or find other ways to get around.
Each child develops at their own pace, so your little one will start to crawl when they’re ready. Try not to compare their progress to other babies, as every journey is different. If you’re concerned about when your baby will start crawling or if you have any other questions, it’s always best to consult your GP.
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Signs Your Baby Is Getting Ready to Crawl
Before crawling begins, your little one will go through several developmental steps that help build the strength and coordination they’ll need. Here are some signs your baby is ready to crawl:
Constantly moving arms and legs while lying down
Lifting their head and looking around during tummy time
Grabbing their feet when lying on their back
Rolling over from back to front and front to back.
These signs show that crawling could be just around the corner. Keep a close eye on your little one during this phase and make sure they’re in a safe, supervised area as they practice these new movements.
How to Help Encourage Your Baby to Crawl
Babies are naturally eager to move, explore and eventually crawl. While they learn much of this on their own, you can encourage the process with simple activities to develop some motor skills and strengthen those muscles that are needed for crawling.
Here are some tips on how to help your baby crawl:
Play on the floor together. Spend time on the floor with your baby, playing with toys or reading books to motivate movement.
Blow bubbles. While your baby is on their tummy, blow bubbles for them to reach, helping them practice shifting weight – a key skill for crawling.
Supportive positioning. Position your little one on their tummy over your leg, with hands on the floor, and gently rock them. This helps them experience weight transfer onto their hands.
Toys just out of reach. Place a favourite toy slightly out of reach to encourage them to stretch and move forward.
Mini obstacle courses. Set up soft obstacles like pillows or tunnels to help them practice moving around and exploring.
These activities can make crawling an exciting challenge for your little one, so keep it fun and stop if they become tired or frustrated. Always supervise your baby during floor play to keep them safe.
Toys to Help Your Baby Crawl
You don’t need any special toys to encourage crawling. Often, your baby’s favourite toy placed just out of reach may be enough to get them moving forward. Toys that make sounds, like rattles or musical toys, may also grab their attention and motivate them to move toward the noise. Rolling balls, push-along toys or soft, colourful objects work well to encourage exploration.
The aim is to make it fun and engaging, letting your baby reach and explore at their own pace while you supervise.
What Are the Different Crawling Types?
There isn’t just one way to crawl; babies often explore several different styles as they start moving.
Here are some common types of baby crawling your little one might try:
Classic crawl. The hands-and-knees crawl, where your baby moves one arm and the opposite knee forward together, is often what parents picture when they think of crawling.
Bear crawl. In this style, your baby keeps their legs straight and moves on hands and feet, resembling a ‘bear’ cub position.
Crab crawl. This is also known as backwards crawling. Your little one might crawl sideways or at an angle, often using one side more than the other.
Bottom shuffling. Also known as ’bum shuffling’, your little one scoots forward on their bottom, sometimes using an arm or hand for support. This form of crawling is often seen on smooth surfaces.
Belly crawling. Also known as ’commando’ or ’army crawl’, this style involves your baby moving forward on their tummy, using their elbows to pull themselves along while keeping their belly and legs on the floor.
Rolling. Here, your baby may roll to move around as they might find it easier than crawling.
Remember, it’s normal for babies to mix and match these styles or create their own unique approach. They may also find it easier to crawl on a carpet or rug, while a smooth floor could encourage shuffling or sliding movements.
What If Your Baby Doesn’t Crawl as Expected?
Every baby develops uniquely, so it’s natural if your little one adopts their own way of moving. Some may bottom shuffle, use a commando crawl, or skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking.
While the classic hands-and-knees crawl is common, there’s no need to worry if your baby finds their own style. The main goal is developing coordination between arms and legs, which helps prepare for walking.
If you notice an imbalance, like favouring one side, consult your little one’s health visitor or GP for guidance.
What If Your Baby Is Crawling Backwards?
If your little one starts crawling backwards, sometimes called crab crawling, it simply means this style feels more natural to them. Backwards crawling is a common phase for many babies, allowing them to explore and strengthen muscles as they grow. As they develop, they’ll likely shift toward forward crawling or find their own preferred way to move. Always speak to your baby’s GP if you notice anything you feel might be unusual.
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Stages of Crawling
Every baby learns to move in their own way, and some may even skip crawling entirely, moving straight to ’cruising’ or walking. While there’s no strict timeline, here are some common stages that may lead to crawling and beyond:
Rolling over. By around 6 months of age, many babies begin rolling over from front to back and back to front. This is often one of the first steps in building strength and coordination for later movement.
Pushing up. Before crawling on hands and knees, some babies start by pushing themselves along on their bellies. This is an early form of crawling and helps them practice moving forward.
Crawling. Between 7 and 10 months old, babies might begin crawling on their hands and knees, experimenting with various styles to explore their environment.
Cruising. As babies gain strength in their arms and legs, they may pull themselves up to a standing position and start ‘cruising’ along furniture. This stage helps build balance and coordination in preparation for those first independent steps.
Remember, each baby reaches these milestones at their own pace, and these stages are just a guide. Patience and gentle encouragement are key as they learn and explore. If you’re concerned about your little one’s development, don’t hesitate to speak with your GP or health visitor.
How to Keep Your Baby Safe When Crawling
Crawling opens up a whole new world for your baby! But that means it’s time to babyproof your home and keep an extra close eye on your little one. To keep your baby safe when they start crawling, take these precautions to prevent injuries and ensure their environment is safe:
Give your baby plenty of time to move freely, but make sure the area is safe, with dangerous items out of reach.
Avoid using baby walkers - physiotherapists advise against them, as walkers may lead to accidents like falls and may even delay standing and walking development.
Creating a safe, open space supports your baby’s natural movement and exploration while keeping them from harm.
What to Do If Your Baby Is Not Crawling
Babies develop at their own pace, and while many begin crawling around the 7 to 10 month-mark as mentioned, it’s completely normal if your baby takes a little longer or even moves straight to standing and walking without crawling first.
If you have concerns about your child’s movement or development, consult your little one’s GP or health visitor and ensure your baby attends regular checkups for guidance on reaching developmental milestones.
FAQS AT A GLANCE
Usually at around 9 months of age, many babies may sit up without support. However, all babies are different, so your little one might sit up unaided a little earlier or later than this.
The Bottom Line
Crawling allows your baby to experience and explore their surroundings in exciting new ways. In time, they’ll be ready for more and want to join in with everyone else who is walking. Enjoy this special time – your baby’s journey toward independence is a unique adventure for both of you!
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How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the National Health Service (NHS). You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.
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