Watching your baby take their first steps—on all fours—is a magical moment for any parent. Typically, babies start crawling between seven and ten months, but every child is unique. Some adventurous little ones begin exploring as early as six months, while others may take their time and start crawling closer to their first birthday.

In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating journey your baby takes as they begin to crawl. We'll also explore various crawling styles and share tips on how to support and encourage your baby as they embark on this exciting milestone.

Ready to cheer on your little one? Let's dive straight in!

What Age Do Babies Start Crawling?

As mentioned in the introduction, most babies start crawling between seven and ten months. However, some might begin as early as six months or as late as 10 months or beyond. This wide range is perfectly normal and depends on various factors, including a baby’s physical development and personality.

It's important to note that some babies skip crawling altogether and move straight to walking, which is also a normal part of their development. So, if your little one seems more interested in standing and walking than crawling, there's no need to worry. They're just taking a different path to independence!

Stages of Learning to Crawl

Learning to crawl is a process involving several stages. Each step helps your baby develop the muscle strength and coordination needed for independent movement. These stages include tummy time, pivoting and planking, rocking on hands and knees and side leaning.

Let's explore each of these stages in turn:

Tummy Time

Tummy time enhances the baby's coordination and strength in the shoulders, arms, back, and torso, all of which are essential for crawling. Babies typically start lifting their heads and turning them from side to side during tummy time at around 1 to 2 months old. This early movement indicates they're preparing for more advanced motor skills.

Babies may perform a ‘swimming’ motion as they grow, moving their arms and legs while on their tummies, indicating they're getting ready to crawl.

Pivoting and Planking

As babies gain strength from tummy time, they begin to pivot in circles on their bellies, a clear sign they're developing the necessary skills for crawling.

This stage, known as pivoting, involves babies moving their arms and legs to turn their bodies around while lying on their tummies.

It’s an exciting moment because it shows they're learning to control their movements to explore their environment from different angles.

Next, babies progress to planking, where they attempt to hold their bodies up in a plank position, supporting their weight on their hands and feet. Alternatively, some babies might get into a hands-and-knee position during this stage.

Either way, this stage is key as it assists in developing your baby's core and upper body strength necessary for crawling.

Rocking on Hands and Knees

Before making their first moves forward, babies often rock back and forth on their hands and knees. This stage is pivotal in developing the coordination and balance required for crawling. By rocking back and forth, babies learn how to shift their weight and balance their bodies.

During this stage, babies may move backwards before they learn to crawl forward as they figure out the arm-leg-arm-leg crawling movement.

Side Leaning

The 'side lean' is a developmental movement that paves the way for infants to crawl. This phase, where babies shift their weight onto one side while on their hands and knees, is a key step in strengthening the arms, shoulders, and core. These are vital for crawling and also teach the baby how to balance and coordinate their limbs.

As your baby learns to roll from their back to their stomach and back again, they might pause in a side position to play. You can actively promote the side lean by strategically placing toys at a higher level. This will prompt them to push up on their elbow and put weight on their bottom, freeing their hand to reach for the toy.

With practice, your baby will gradually learn to reach higher and support themselves on their palm by straightening their elbow.

It's crucial for babies to practice leaning to both sides. This not only encourages the development of the side lean but also ensures balanced muscle development. This balance is essential for their overall physical growth and future activities.

Did you know there are various crawling styles? Each baby is unique, and their crawling style can vary based on their preferences and physical development.

Common crawling styles include:

• The classic crawl (the most beneficial for baby development)
• The belly crawl
• The bear crawl
• The bottom scoot
• The crab crawl

Let's take a look at each in more detail below:

Classic Crawl

Most people envision the classic crawl, also known as hands-and-knee crawling or cross-crawling, when they think of a crawling baby.

In this style, babies balance their weight on their hands and knees and alternate their arms and legs, moving the arm on one side with the leg on the opposite side.

This style keeps the baby’s abdomen lifted off the ground, helping to develop their core muscles and coordination.

The classic crawl is the most beneficial for baby development, while the other crawl types listed in this blog post are best described as “compensatory crawling.” That’s why Geckoeco’s crawling dungarees have an anti-slip print on the tummy, which makes commando crawling harder. It motivates babies to lift onto their fours and adopt the classic crawl method.

However, as mentioned, it’s important to remember that not all babies will use this crawling style. Some may prefer different ways to get around, and that’s perfectly okay. Each baby's unique crawling style is a part of their individuality and should be celebrated. So, with that said, let’s look at the other crawling styles:

Belly Crawl

The belly crawl, also known as the commando crawl or inchworm crawl, involves babies moving their bodies forward while dragging their bellies against the floor. In this style, babies use their arms to pull themselves forward while their legs drag behind.

This crawling style often resembles the movements of a soldier crawling under a barrier, hence the name commando crawl.

Babies who use the belly crawl may transition to the classic crawl as they gain more strength and coordination. However, some may continue to prefer this method of getting around - and that's perfectly fine.

Bear Crawl

In the bear crawl, babies crawl on their hands and feet, resembling the movement of a bear. This style is like the classic crawl but with a critical difference: the baby’s knees remain off the ground while they balance on their hands and feet.

Bear crawling is a unique and sometimes amusing sight, as it looks like the baby is trying to walk on its hands and feet.

This style can be beneficial for building additional strength in the arms and legs and improving overall coordination.

Bottom Scoot

Some babies prefer to get around by bottom scooting instead of crawling. In this style, babies sit upright and use their legs to scoot themselves across the floor. They may also use their arms to hoist themselves forward while dragging their bottom along the ground.

Bottom scooting can be effective for babies who are more comfortable in a sitting position and have strong arm and leg muscles.

While it may look different from traditional crawling, it’s still a valid way for babies to explore their environment and evolve their motor skills.

Babies can also use the crab crawl to move forward, propelling themselves using one knee, one foot, and both arms.

This style often involves the baby pushing with one straight leg and one bent leg, creating a sideways or backward motion.

Crab crawling can look a bit unusual, but it’s just another way for babies to move around and explore their surroundings. The important thing is that they're developing their coordination and using both sides of their body effectively, which is great for their physical development!

How to Help Your Baby Crawl

While you don’t need to formally teach your baby to crawl, many fun and beneficial ways exist to encourage them. Activities like using toys and objects, engaging in supportive playtime, and creating a safe space for exploration can all help your baby learn to crawl.

So below, we've listed some practical tips to help you assist your little one in reaching this exciting milestone:

Using Toys and Objects

Placing exciting toys within arm’s reach can motivate your baby to grab them, which works wonders for training their muscles and coordination, both of which are essential for crawling. 

However, don’t rush your baby to crawl, and when dangling toys in front of your baby, be cautious of them leaning back. If the baby is under pressure, it’s likelier to choose an easier crawl style like the commando crawl, which as mentioned above, isn’t ideal for development.  

Supportive Playtime

Supportive playtime activities can help build the strength and coordination your baby needs for crawling.

For example, activities like rocking on all fours to music are great for encouraging your baby to develop these skills.

Similarly, any activity that encourages your baby to play while lying on one side or adopting a crawling position can be beneficial. In the crawling position, your baby will be on all fours with their arms and knees on the floor, supporting their body with their hands and knees.

For instance, when they’re side leaning (as described above) try to encourage your baby to engage in activities like stacking and ruining towers, removing toys from a basket, and pulling tissues out of a box.

Plus, babies love spending time with their parents, and turning playtime into a learning experience can be both fun and beneficial.

Creating a Safe Space

It’s vital to create a safe space for your crawling baby. Babyproofing your home and ensuring your floor space is free from hazards like sharp and small objects can prevent accidents and allow your baby to explore with confidence.

For example, installing baby gates at stairways and securing dressers, bookshelves, and television stands to the wall with anti-tip brackets are essential steps to keep your baby safe.

Walk (or crawl) through your home to identify possible hazards, such as electrical sockets and cords at your baby's level.

Anti-Slip Baby Clothes

Anti-slip baby clothes can significantly enhance a crawling baby’s motor skills and balance. Specially designed non-slip print on the knees, feet, and toes improve traction on smooth floors, making it easier for babies to move confidently and safely. These clothes can prevent babies from sliding, helping them explore their environment more securely, encouraging them to adopt the classic crawl style.

For example, GeckoEco’s anti-slip baby clothes are:

• Made from durable materials that endure frequent crawling and rolling
• The soft stretch cotton design promotes good mobility
• Organic materials like cotton ensure comfort and safety for your baby to crawl
• Geckoeco also prides itself on sustainability – not only are its products made in Europe, but it also has a GOTS certificate.

When to Worry About Crawling Delays

It’s common for babies to experience crawling delays, so please don't be alarmed. However, there are certain signs to watch for that may indicate a need to consult a healthcare provider.

 

 

 

At the end of the day, you know your child best. So, whenever you feel concerned, go with your gut and seek professional help. The ‘wait and see’ approach, although common, isn’t always right. If there’s an issue, it won’t necessarily fix itself and could affect the quality of other developmental milestones – so if in doubt, seek professional care as early intervention is always best.

Transitioning from Crawling to Walking

After mastering crawling, babies transition to walking, which typically involves the following stages:

• Pulling up on furniture
• Cruising along while holding onto objects
• Standing
• Eventually walking

As your baby begins to show signs of readiness, such as pulling up to a standing position, crouching, and bouncing, they're preparing for their first steps.

 

 

 

 

Celebrate Your Baby's Crawling Journey with Confidence and Support

Crawling is an exciting milestone in your baby’s development, and understanding the typical age range at which babies start crawling and the different crawling stages and styles can help you support your little one on this journey.

Encouraging your baby through play, creating a safe environment, and harnessing the benefits of anti-slip baby clothes can all contribute to your little one's confidence and success in reaching the milestone.

Remember, every baby is unique, and it’s important to celebrate their individual progress.

Want to learn more about GeckoEco’s range of anti-slip baby clothes? Shop our products to give your baby the best start on their crawling adventure.