Tips & Tricks (2022 Guide)

If you wonder when do babies typically start crawling, the answer might surprise you. Some babies start crawling as early as six months of age, and some make crawling movements once they reach one year.

There isn’t a textbook rule when your baby crawling stage should begin. For example, don’t worry about your 9 month old not crawling. Your baby might need more time. Also, some babies skip crawling altogether, and it is perfectly normal.

Babies hold onto things and grab objects around themselves as part of their environment exploration. Doing so helps them move safely.

Rocking back and forth requires special motor skills and whole body muscles. If the baby can do this, chances are, they are ready to crawl!

If you notice your baby pulling the upper body up from a sitting position and holding on to the coffee table or other objects, it means they are getting closer to the first steps or crawling.

When your kid starts lifting its body weight on hands and knees, it is a safe sign that your baby is ready for the crawling milestone.

Just standing on hands and knees require upper body strength, balance, and coordination, important skills for independent movements.

Before you start teaching baby to crawl, check how well they can move their feet and legs while holding toys or sitting. It increases their coordination skills and helps their legs become stronger.

There are several ways babies crawl, all perfectly normal.

Also, some babies may improve their skills, and master different crawling styles in a couple of days, while others need more time. Most babies crawl on their hands and knees, but it is only one of the many styles out there.

Let’s talk about additional ways babies can move from point A to point B.

Commando crawl is typically the first crawling-like movement your baby will make. When the baby is on its tummy, it will push its arms to move forward without lifting the legs. Most babies overgrow the command crawl style as they learn to use their legs and entire body equally.

Parents may notice their babies crawl backward if they feel their babies have stronger arms than legs.

In reality, many babies begin crawling phase by pushing their bodies backward. Some babies will move on to walking, and others will eventually start crawling forward as their legs get stronger.

Classic crawl is what you probably think of when someone mentions crawling. It is a position where the baby is on its hands and knees and moves forward by shifting weight from one arm to its opposite leg and repeating the movement as they move forward.

Classic crawling seems simple, but for babies, it includes a lot of skills and strength.

Crab crawling differs from classic crawling because a baby doesn’t keep its knees on the floor. Instead, the knees are above the ground, and a baby distributes all weight to its arms and feet.

Some kids never learn to move on their arms and knees. Instead, they only scoot around! Scooting happens from a sitting position.

It’s when they baby sits on the floor and moves around using only its legs and tushy! Some babies will lift their bodies upwards and learn to walk from this point, and others will lean forward and start crawling.

Are you wondering how to encourage crawling? Here are some specific tips to help your baby move!

Tummy time is important for your baby’s development and not only for crawling. It helps the baby to get stronger and makes the arm movements necessary for crawling.

When you put the baby on its tummy, you can place objects around it to help get its attention. So, using toys that encourage crawling will motivate the baby to move towards them and learn to crawl with the right movements.

When your baby is on the tummy, place your palms against the baby’s feet. It will help the baby push against your palms and move forward. The more the baby repeats this movement, the sooner they will get stronger and be ready for crawling.

Sometimes the baby needs you to lift it up on its knees to crawl. When the baby is on their tummy, help it stand on all four. Hold them until they are strong enough to stay like that and move forward.

Keeping the baby safe and comfortable during first crawling movements is essential for its progress. When the baby has positive associations with tummy time and belly crawl, they will be more likely to explore the environment and crawl!

Another great way how to help baby crawl is to use toys and visually appealing objects to motivate the infant to move towards them.

Lie next to your baby and lend a helping hand from the baby’s perspective. You can put your hands underneath the baby’s belly or support it in other ways by moving its legs and arm.

When you are down with the baby, it is easier to see when the baby needs help and what skills they need to develop.

If your baby crawls backward or sideways, you can guide it forward with your hands. Babies who master crawling in one way are strong enough to crawl forward, but they might need a little help.

The safety of your baby during crawling is a priority for all parents. You can do a few things to keep the baby safe when it starts to move independently.

• Move Furniture – A baby needs enough space to crawl, so keep furniture to a minimum. The coffee table is okay, as long as there aren’t sharp edges and the baby cannot tip it over!
• Eliminate Cleaning Detergents From The Floor – Keep the bathroom door closed and move everything from the floor, including cleaning products.
• Reduce Cables and Cords – If any cables and cords are lying on the floor, move them outside the baby’s reach.
• Cover Electrical Outlets – When childproofing your home, don’t forget electrical outlets!
• Secure The Stairs – Install a safety gate on the top and bottom of your stairs to prevent your crawling baby from falling on the stairs.
• Keep Plants Away – Some plants contain toxins, so keeping them away from your crawling baby will ensure both the baby and the plants remain safe!
• Keeping The Doors Closed – Install security knobs in the bathroom and kitchen to prevent your baby from going into rooms you haven’t childproofed!

Being there for your baby is a wonderful experience that requires your full attention, and perhaps assistance. The crawling milestone is a noteworthy and fun one, whether your baby learns to crawl in a standard or any alternative way!

I hope you find this guide useful! Don’t hesitate to ask questions, I will be happy to help! Also, if you have more tips, share them with us!

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