When Do Babies Start Crawling? Stages and Signs Every Parent Should Know

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By Neha AgarwalFeb 14, 20250 comments

You might be wondering when do babies start crawling, and there’s no single answer. Every baby gets there in their own time.
You’ll notice your little one moving through the 7 stages of crawling, and each stage is just them slowly building confidence.
Most babies reach the usual crawling baby age around 6 to 10 months, but it’s completely fine if they start earlier or later.
Lots of parents ask at what age do infants crawl, and the truth is: it varies so much.
Before they actually crawl, you’ll start seeing those early signs baby is ready to start crawling.
Knowing the baby's crawling stages and development milestones simply helps you understand what’s going on behind the scenes.
A simple, safe floor setup for crawling babies gives them space to practise without bumps or worries.
Daily tummy time and crawling development work beautifully hand in hand.
A little crawling delay in babies is far more common than parents think.

Key Takeaways
In This Article
Introduction
Why Crawling Is Important And How It Supports Brain Development
When Do Babies Start Crawling?
Signs That A Baby Is Ready to Crawl
7 Stages Of Baby Crawling
Typical Baby Crawling Ages By Milestones
Tips To Encourage Baby Crawling
Should You Worry About Baby Not Crawling?
Crawling Safety Tips for Parents
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Crawling

Introduction

Worried that your 8-month-old baby has not started crawling yet? You are not alone, and most of the time, there is nothing to worry about. While most babies start crawling at the age between 6 and 10 months [1], some skip this step completely and go straight to standing or walking. Every baby moves at their own pace.

So, how do you know if your baby is on track? When do infants crawl? What can you do to help them get there?

At Cocoon Care, we are here to support you through every milestone of your little one with the right knowledge and newborn essentials. In this guide, you will learn:

Common signs that your baby is getting ready to crawl
The 7 stages most babies go through before crawling
Simple tips to encourage crawling at home

Why Crawling Is Important And How It Supports Brain Development

Crawling is one of those milestones parents quietly obsess about. When your baby starts lifting themselves a little higher during tummy time or when they rock back and forth on their hands and knees, you can almost feel that excitement building.

And here’s the lovely thing. When your baby begins baby crawling, they’re not just moving. They’re working their brain, their muscles, their balance, everything at once. Crawling teaches them coordination, strengthens their core, and gives them the confidence to explore their world.

Here are more reasons why crawling is important

Crawling builds connections between the right and left sides of the brain.
It strengthens the pathways needed for focus and problem-solving.
The cross-body movement improves coordination between eyes, hands and legs.
It supports early skills for reading and writing.
It helps the brain learn how to process balance, touch and movement signals.
It boosts spatial awareness and body control.
Repeated crawling builds memory pathways through rhythmic movement.

And if you’re still sitting there thinking, “ but when will your baby start crawling?”. Well, don’t stress. Some babies do it early, some take their time, and some even skip crawling entirely and go straight to standing or cruising. It’s all normal.

What really matters is the little attempts you see along the way. That rocking, that reaching, that pulling themselves up. Those tiny hints are the best signs your baby is ready to start crawling.

And if they’re not quite there yet? A little more tummy time and crawling development helps build the strength they need, day by day.

When Do Babies Start Crawling?

Crawling is a key developmental milestone. As per the parenting and child developmental guide by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, most babies start crawling at 6 months to 10 months. Depending on their physical development, a baby's crawling age can vary. They can begin earlier or later. Every baby is different. Some babies may not crawl at all and move directly to standing or walking.

Signs That A Baby Is Ready to Crawl

Before crawling, babies show signs of increased mobility. The following signs will help you know when a baby will start crawling.

1. Tummy Time

Tummy time builds the core strength babies need for crawling. They develop stronger neck and arm muscles. You may see them trying to do push-ups during tummy time. This is a sign that your baby is ready to crawl [3].

2. Rocking

You may see your little one rocking on their hands and knees. They are practising balance with this movement and will soon start baby crawling.

3. Pushing

While on tummy time, you may also find them pushing backwards on their belly or pulling themselves forward like an army crawl. They are building upper body strength and are in their baby crawling age.

4. Play

Increased leg play and kicking are other indicators that they are ready for baby crawling. Strong leg muscles are helpful in crawling movements.

5. Pivoting

You may see your baby turning around in circles. Clockwise or counterclockwise. As they pivot and turn their bodies, they are working on coordination and will soon do the infant crawl.

7 Stages Of Baby Crawling

Baby crawling is not something that happens overnight. There are 7 stages that babies go through before attempting to crawl. Here are the baby crawling stages.

1. Rolling Over

Rolling over is a key developmental milestone. This happens around 3 to 5 months of age. Babies roll from their backs to their stomachs. This movement strengthens their core muscles much before they reach baby crawling age.

2. Pushing On Hands

As babies gain strength, they start pushing their bodies up on their hands. This mostly happens in 4 to 6 months. This stage of crawling prepares them for movement.

3. Army Crawling

Around 6 to 7 months, babies try to drag themselves forward using their arms. This is called army crawl, commando crawl, belly crawl or creeping. The 6-month-old baby crawling stage is an indicator that very soon your baby will crawl on hands and knees.

4. Crab Crawling

Though not very common, some 6 month old babies move sideways or backwards first. This is called crab crawling. After this baby crawling stage, they will soon master how to move forward.

5. Bottom Scoot

Just like crab crawling, this is also not very common. Some 6-month-old babies prefer to move in a sitting position. They use their arms to drag their lower body across the floor. You will not have to wait much after this to see when your baby will crawl.

6. Crawling On Hands And Knees

Between 7 to 10 months is the baby crawling age, when your little one will start crawling on hands and knees. Your 7-month-old baby will use opposite hands and legs to move forward and backwards, much like how we walk.

7. Cruising And Transitioning

At this 7-month-old baby crawling age, your little one would have mastered the art of crawling and now can move much faster forward, backwards or even sideways. They will start advancing to sitting and pulling up, preparing for the next milestone of walking. This happens at around 9 to 12 months of age. Dressing in soft, stretchable toddler clothes ensures that they can move freely.

Typical Baby Crawling Ages By Milestones

Here is a baby crawling chart by age and milestone to help you understand when do infants crawl, or precisely in which month a baby starts crawling.

Milestone	Typical Age Range	Description
Rolling Over	3 to 5 months	Baby starts rolling from back to stomach and strengthens core muscles
Pushing on hands	4 to 6 months	Baby begins pushing their upper body on hands and prepares for movement
Army Crawling/Baby Milestone	6 to 7 months	Baby drags themselves forward using arms, an indicator of upcoming crawling
Crab Crawling	6 to 8 months	Baby moves sideways or backwards first. Strengthens coordination
Bottom scooting	7 to 9 months	Some babies move while sitting, dragging their lower body using their arms
Crawling on hands and knees	7 to 10 months	Baby starts using their opposite hands and knees to move forward and backwards
Cruising and Transitioning	9 to12 months	Baby starts moving faster, pulls up to stand and prepares to walk

Tips To Encourage Baby Crawling

Encouraging your baby to crawl helps them achieve this milestone easily. It also helps in physical development. Here are easy ways to help a baby crawl.

More Tummy Time

This is the best way to prepare babies for crawling. Once they outgrow the baby swaddle stage, give them plenty of tummy time. When babies lie on their stomachs, it strengthens their neck, arm and shoulder muscles. Placing a soft washcloth under their chest will make the tummy time more comfortable. You can do this even though your baby has not reached crawling age.

Use Toys

Use toys to motivate your baby to move. Place toys just out of their reach and let them try crawling towards them. You can even show them how to crawl and get it. Baby will try to imitate you. It is a lovely method on how to help babies crawl.

Give Them Space

Provide your little one with enough open area for crawling. Baby-proof your home before they reach crawling age and make sure that there are no small items in their reach. Keep the floor clean and sanitised. Dressing your baby in a comfortable baby t-shirt will allow free movement, making it easier to crawl.

Support With Hands

Assist your baby in crawling. Gently lift them from the middle to get them in a crawling position. Give a little support so that they feel safe while the baby is crawling.

Let Them Barefoot

Socks can be slippery. Paediatricians recommend letting babies crawl barefoot. This will improve their grip on the floor, and little ones will feel more confident doing baby crawling on the floor.

Should You Worry About Baby Not Crawling?

You may feel concerned if your baby has not started crawling by the typical age range of 6-10 months. In most cases, there is no need to worry. Babies develop at their own pace, and some may take longer to reach certain milestones, including crawling. Skipping baby creeping or crawling altogether is also not unusual.[4]

Why Is Crawling Delayed?

There are several reasons why a baby may not start crawling. Every baby’s development is influenced by factors like genetics, physical development, muscle strength and even personality. Baby crawling month would depend on these factors also. Some babies may prefer to scoot or roll rather than crawl. Some may progress directly to standing or walking.

Check out our nutrition tips and healthy recipes blog to improve your child’s physical development

When To Be Concerned?

Here are a few signs to watch if you are very concerned.

Lack of movement

If your baby shows no interest in moving around or cannot roll over or push up on their arms, discuss it with your pediatrician

Muscle weakness

If your baby seems excessively floppy or stiff, it could indicate muscle tone issues that need professional evaluation

Delayed milestones

If baby crawling is delayed along with other milestones like sitting up or standing, it might be a sign of developmental delays and will need further medical attention.

Crawling Safety Tips for Parents

The moment your baby even thinks about crawling, you’ll suddenly start noticing things around the house you never paid attention to before. A stray bead on the floor. A low shelf. A sharp corner. Whether you’ve already seen your baby practising or you’re still wondering which month baby starts crawling, it helps to get ahead of things.

Here’s what makes the biggest difference:

1. Clear floors of small objects and clutter

Once babies start exploring, everything becomes interesting. A clear floor gives them freedom to move.

2. Cover sharp edges and corners

Babies get faster than you expect, and padded corners make early bumps so much gentler.

3. Install baby gates near stairs

It only takes one day of proper crawling for babies to discover the staircase.

4. Use soft mats for safe crawling

Soft mats give them a comfy space to practise without too many thuds and falls.

5. Dress baby in comfy, non-slip clothes

Stretchy, easy-to-move-in clothes help them crawl with confidence.

6. Keep floors clean and dry

A clean, dry floor helps them move without slipping.

7. Hide cords and cover sockets

Babies love grabbing and pulling, cords and sockets are always irresistible.

8. Move breakables out of reach

Anything glass, heavy, or delicate is better off higher for now.

9. Always supervise crawling time

Even in a safe space, being close by gives them comfort and gives you peace of mind.

And if your little one seems to be taking a bit longer, please breathe. A crawling delay in babies isn’t unusual at all. Most babies get there with time, space, and a little encouragement.

Conclusion

Baby crawling is an important milestone for your baby. Every baby develops at their own pace, and it is normal if your little one takes longer or does not even crawl. All you have to do is celebrate the journey of parenthood and provide them with safety, comfort and lots of love. Dressing them in soft, breathable baby jhablas during the baby crawling age will keep them comfortable while allowing free movement. Cocoon Care supports this journey of yours with high-quality newborn baby products made with love and care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Crawling

1. Does the baby sit or crawl first?

Most babies sit before they crawl. Sitting helps them have core strength and makes crawling easier. Some babies even crawl in a sitting position, known as bottom scooting

2. At what age does the baby start crawling?

Most babies start crawling between 6 to 10 months of age. Baby crawling age depends on the baby’s physical development. It can happen earlier or later than the age mentioned.

3. How to teach a baby to crawl?

To help a baby to crawl, give more tummy time to help develop muscle strength. Encourage them by placing toys just out of reach. Support their movements with gentle guidance.

4. What are the early signs that a baby is ready to crawl?

The early signs of baby crawling include increased tummy time, rocking on hands and knees, baby creeping, pivoting in circles and reaching or pushing during play.

5. Is it normal if my 8-month-old baby has not started crawling yet?

Yes, it is normal. Babies develop at different paces. Some may crawl later, skip crawling or prefer scooting or pulling themselves up to stand.

6. Do all babies crawl before walking?

Not always. Some babies may skip crawling and go directly to pulling up, cruising or even walking.

7. Can a lack of tummy time delay crawling?

It can. Tummy time strengthens exactly the muscles your baby needs for crawling, their arms, shoulders, back, and core.

8. What helps a baby crawl faster?

Nothing fancy. Just floor play, toys they can reach for, soft mats, space to move, and your gentle encouragement. When you notice a new sign your baby is ready to crawl, you’ll know they’re getting close.

References:

1] https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Movement-8-to-12-Months.aspx

[2] https://iapindia.org/pdf/upgraded-parenting-and-child-development-guide.pdf

[3] https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Back-to-Sleep-Tummy-to-Play.aspx

[4] https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/if-a-baby-skips-crawling-trouble-reading.aspx

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