Watching a baby achieve each milestone is a proud moment for parents. And when there is a delay, it starts to worry them. Do you have to worry if your little one is around 8 months old and has not started baby crawling yet? When do infants crawl? At Cocoon Care, we understand that it is important to support your little one’s growth with the right knowledge and newborn essentials. This guide will walk you through different stages of crawling, signs that your baby is ready to crawl and simple ways to help them hit this milestone.
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
Babies who spend time on their tummy tend to 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.
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 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 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. This 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 babies move sideways or backwards first. This is called crab crawling. After this baby crawling stage, soon they will master how to move forward.
5. Bottom Scoot
Just like crab crawling, this is also not very common. Some 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. They will use opposite hands and legs to move forward and backwards much like how we walk.
7. Cruising And Transitioning
At this 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.
How To Help Baby Crawl & Make Baby Crawl
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.
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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 would not have reached crawling age.
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Use toys
Use toys to motivate your baby to move. Place toys just out of their reach and let them try crawling towards it. You can even show them how to crawl and get it. Baby will try imitating you. It is a lovely method on how to help babies crawl.
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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.
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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 baby crawling.
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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.
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 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 Around Baby Crawling
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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.
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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.
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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.
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