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Babies Crawling Development

Crawling is a baby's first method for moving about capably on his own. For the traditional crawl, he'll start by learning how to balance on both hands and knees, then he'll figure out how to move forward and backward.

  1. Time Frame

    • According to the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board, babies learn to crawl around the ages of 6 to 10 months. Some babies might skip crawling and begin pulling up, standing and walking.

    Facts

    • The BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board states that since the 1994 "Back to Sleep" campaign, which encourages parents to put babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS, the crawling development of many babies is different. Many crawl later or skip the stage.

    Considerations

    • The BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board suggests encouraging your baby to crawl by placing toys and desirable objects (including yourself) just past her reach. Crawling is an important milestone because it strengthens muscles that enable babies to walk.

    Expert Insight

    • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using sofa cushions, boxes and pillows to create crawling obstacle courses that can improve your baby's speed, agility and confidence. Never leave your baby alone with obstacle course objects.

    Warning

    • Babies develop skills at varying rates. If your baby hasn't shown an interest in becoming mobile by crawling, scooting, rolling or other means, or hasn't learned to move his arms and legs in coordinated motion by his first birthday, discuss it with your pediatrician.

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