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 to 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:
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Common signs that your baby is getting ready to crawl
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The 7 stages most babies go through before crawling
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Simple tips to encourage crawling at home
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 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.
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 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.
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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.
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.
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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
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Muscle weakness
If your baby seems excessively floppy or stiff, it could indicate muscle tone issues that need professional evaluation
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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.
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 About 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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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.
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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 up themselves to stand.
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Do all babies crawl before walking?
Not always. Some babies may skip crawling and go directly to pulling up, cruising or even walking.
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
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With Love, from Cocoon Care
Dear Parent,
No matter where you are, your baby deserves gentle beginnings and comforting care. At Cocooncare, we pour love into every stitch. From soft muslin swaddles to cozy sleep pods and thoughtfully made newborn clothing, our essentials hold your baby with the same tenderness as you do. You can find baby essentials on our website and also on Amazon, Firstcry, Myntra, Nykaafashion and DuckDuck baby.
Because every baby deserves to be cocooned in care.
About the Author: The Cocoon Care Editorial Team works with pediatric consultants and experienced parents to bring you baby care tips you can trust.
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