What you should know about your baby's crawl

There’s nothing quite like that moment you see your little one take off in all their clumsy cuteness. Crawling is one of the first signs of independence our babies show; the first real taste of the world around them.

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It’s a major step in their development, between when they learn to sit up and the big day they get up on their chunky little legs.

There are so many different ways your baby will learn to crawl, and most will have their own unique style of doing it. Whether it’s a belly crawl, commando crawl, or a rolling crawl or even something more akin to a bear crawl.

When it comes to milestones, parents need to understand what’s normal, what’s not, and when to worry. But every little one is different and will get there in their own time. Don’t worry about your baby’s journey lining up with most babies.

If you’re knee-deep in a Google scroll for “when do babies crawl” – welcome to your ultimate guide.

The basics of baby crawling

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Crawling is more than just a cute moment captured on camera; it’s a significant developmental milestone that marks your baby’s transition into a whole new world of exploration and adventure.

Defined as the act of moving on hands and knees, crawling plays a crucial role in baby development in strengthening muscles, improving coordination, and fostering spatial awareness.

For your little one, crawling opens up a world of possibilities, allowing them to venture further and discover new wonders around every corner. From reaching for toys to chasing after pets, crawling gives them their first taste of independence and autonomy.

While most babies typically begin showing interest in crawling between six and ten months of age, it’s essential to remember that every baby is unique.

So, when do babies get ready to crawl around? Some may start crawling earlier, while others may take longer to get the hang of it. And let’s not forget about the various crawling styles! From the classic belly crawl to the determined bear crawl, each baby has their own unique way of getting around.

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While it’s natural to be excited and curious about when this milestone will occur, it’s essential to remember that every move baby learns is on their unique timeline. Typically, babies begin to show interest in crawling between the ages of six and ten months, but variations are entirely normal.

Some babies start crawling early, mastering the art of crawling before their peers, while others may take a more leisurely approach, preferring to explore their surroundings from a seated position for a little while longer. And let’s not forget about the outliers who surprise us all by skipping crawling altogether and diving straight into walking!

Crawling isn’t just about physical readiness; it’s also about your baby’s confidence and curiosity. Providing plenty of opportunities for exploration, such as tummy time and interactive play, can help nurture their motor skills and encourage them to take those first adventurous crawls.

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The developmental benefits of crawling

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We know that our kids are sponges that soak up development with every little movement and milestone. Crawling isn’t an exception – it builds important foundations that feed into long-term motor skills. Some of the new advancements your little one unlocks with crawling include:

• Improved spatial awareness: The lack of object permanence in babies makes for a lot of fun at playtime (peek-a-boo brings a new level of childish joy), but will be short-lived as they piece together the world around them. Research has found a link between a baby’s object processing and their motor skills, as they discover different dimensions, rotations, and perspectives. For instance, one study found that 8.5-month-old babies with more crawling experience were able to find hidden objects quicker than babies not yet able to crawl.
• Risk perception: Life is all about perspective – which is the connection between when babies start crawling and their risk perception. When crawling, your baby is seeing the world up-close. Surfaces, objects, obstacles, the whole thing. That way of seeing the world has been found to help them identify unsafe surfaces.
• More flexible memory skills: It’s been documented that when babies crawl, they develop stronger memory retention skills. The more they’re able to wriggle into new spaces, the harder their brain has to work to remember certain things. Crawling stretches their memory muscle.
• Brain function: Crawling is the first time that a baby coordinates two sides of their body to move in different ways. This engages both hemispheres of their brain, supporting broader cognitive function.

In saying all this, some research findings also suggest that these development points accompany many improvements in movement – not exclusively crawling.

That’s why crawling isn’t actually identified as an essential developmental milestone by many medical practitioners and organisations, including the Australian Government health guidelines.

Exploring different crawling styles

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When it comes to crawling, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Like little snowflakes, each baby has a unique style of getting around. From the classic crawl to the adorable bear crawl, let’s take a closer look at some of the different crawling styles your little one might adopt.

Classic crawl
This is when babies crawl all fours, with their tummy off the ground and their hands and knees doing the work. This classic crawling style is a time-honoured favourite, allowing babies to move with ease and precision as they explore their surroundings.

Belly crawl
Some babies crawl and prefer to take a more relaxed approach, opting for the belly crawl. In this style, your little one will lie on their tummy and use their arms to pull themselves along, dragging their lower body behind them. It may look a bit unconventional, but it gets the job done!

Commando crawl
Ever seen a baby army-crawling their way across the room, no hands and knees in sight? That’s the commando army crawl in action! In this style, babies use their arms to pull themselves forward while keeping their legs straight and their tummies close to the ground. It’s a fast and efficient way to cover ground, perfect for babies on a mission!

Bear crawl
Get ready for some serious cuteness overload when your baby starts crawling around with the bear crawl! In this style, babies keep their hands and feet on the ground, with their bottoms up in the air. It may look more like a playful romp than a traditional crawl, but it gets the job done in the most adorable way possible.

Crab crawl
Last but not least, we have the crab crawl, where babies move sideways instead of forwards. Picture your little one shuffling along with one hand and one foot on each side, like a miniature crab scuttling along the shore. It’s a fun and quirky style that adds a touch of whimsy to your baby’s crawling adventures.

How to support your crawling baby

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As your little one embarks on their crawling journey, there are plenty of ways you can support and encourage their newfound mobility. Here are some tips to help your baby navigate their way through this exciting stage of development:

• Tummy time: Regular tummy time is essential for building the strength and coordination needed for crawling. Encourage your baby to spend time on their tummy each day, gradually increasing the duration as they grow more comfortable.
• Create a safe environment: Set up a safe and spacious area where your baby can crawl and explore freely. Remove any potential hazards or obstacles that could pose a danger to your little explorer.
• Use toys and props: Provide plenty of toys and props to encourage your baby to crawl. Place toys just out of reach to motivate them to move and explore their surroundings.
• Get down on their level: Get down on the floor with your baby to support and cheer them on as they crawl. Your presence and encouragement can boost their confidence and motivation to keep moving.
• Avoid excessive use of baby walkers: While baby walkers may seem like a fun way to help your baby explore, they can actually hinder their development by delaying the natural progression of crawling. Opt for more open-ended toys and activities that encourage active exploration and movement.

Celebrate milestones: Celebrate each milestone along the way, no matter how small. Whether it’s the first inchworm crawl or a full-fledged crawl across the room, shower your baby with praise and encouragement for their efforts.

Addressing crawling concerns

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As parents, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about your baby’s development, especially when it comes to milestones like crawling. Here are some common concerns parents may have and how to address them.

Late crawling
If your baby hasn’t started crawling by the age of ten months, you may start to wonder if something is wrong. However, when do babies crawl and, it’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace. Some babies may take longer to master crawling, while others may skip it altogether and move straight to walking. Keep an eye on your baby’s overall development and consult with your paediatrician if you have any concerns.

Skipping crawling
As we’ve mentioned, some babies skip the crawling stage altogether and move straight to walking, which isn’t uncommon. While crawling is an important developmental milestone, it’s not necessarily a prerequisite for walking. Some babies may prefer to scoot, shuffle, or cruise along furniture instead of crawling on all fours. As long as your crawling baby is reaching other milestones and showing signs of mobility, there’s usually no cause for concern.

Asymmetrical crawling
You may notice that your baby has a preferred side when they begin crawling first, leading to asymmetrical movements. This is entirely normal and usually resolves on its own as your baby gains strength and coordination. Encourage your baby to crawl in different directions and provide opportunities for balanced movement to support their development.

Concerns about crawling style
Your baby’s crawling style may look different from what you expected, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. Often, babies crawl in the most efficient way based on their individual strengths and preferences. Embrace your baby’s unique crawling style and celebrate their ingenuity and creativity!

Concerns about overall development
If you have concerns about your baby’s overall development, including delays in other areas such as speech, social interaction, or fine motor skills, it’s essential to discuss them with your paediatrician. Comprehensive evaluation and early intervention can make a notable difference in supporting your baby’s development and addressing any underlying issues.

Every baby is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to development. Trust your instincts as a parent, stay informed about developmental milestones, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance if you have any concerns about your baby’s crawling or overall development.

The road from crawling to walking

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After mastering the art of crawling, your little one is on the fast track to even more exciting milestones on their journey of growth and development. While crawling opens up a whole new world of exploration and independence for your baby, it’s just the beginning of their adventures in mobility.

The next stop on the developmental roadmap? Standing and walking! As your baby gains confidence and strength from their crawling experiences, they’ll soon be pulling themselves up to stand, using furniture and other objects for support.

From there, it’s only a matter of time before those wobbly first steps turn into confident strides back and forth.

Walking represents a significant leap forward in your baby’s physical and cognitive development, allowing them to explore their environment in new and exciting ways. From chasing after siblings to strolling through the park, walking opens up a world of possibilities for your little adventurer.

Wrapping it up

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As your little one continues to explore the world around them, from when they start crawling to standing to walking, cherish each moment and marvel at their incredible resilience and determination. Your love and support are the greatest gifts you can give as your baby embarks on this incredible journey of discovery.

That “when do babies crawl” question isn’t one answered in a single question, because there’s no single right answer. Just tune into your baby’s journey, and dig into their adventure.

Sources

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Herbert, J., Gross, J. and Hayne, H. (2007) ‘Crawling is associated with more flexible memory retrieval by 9‐month‐old infants’, Developmental Science, 10(2), pp. 183–189. doi:10.1111/j.1467-7687.2007.00548.x. 

Kubicek, C., Jovanovic, B. and Schwarzer, G. (2017) ‘The relation between crawling and 9-month-old infants’ visual prediction abilities in spatial object processing’, Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 158, pp. 64–76. doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2016.12.009.

Learning to crawl, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. Available at: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/learning-to-crawl