One day, your little one is happily lying on their tummy, and the next, they’re suddenly on the move, scooting and crawling toward their next big adventure! Crawling is an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of your baby’s exploration and independence.
If you’re wondering when this moment will happen and how to encourage it, you’re not alone. Every baby develops at their own pace, but there are some general patterns and signs to look out for as they gain the strength and coordination to crawl.
WHEN DO BABIES TYPICALLY START CRAWLING?
Most babies start crawling somewhere between six and ten months, but there’s a wide range of normal. Some may surprise you by crawling earlier, while others may take a little longer to figure it out. It all depends on factors like muscle strength, personality, and how much time they’ve spent practicing movement.
Before crawling, babies go through important stages of physical development. They start by strengthening their neck and back muscles, pushing up on their arms during tummy time, and rocking back and forth on their hands and knees. Some babies begin scooting on their bellies or rolling as a way to move before transitioning into a full crawl. Others might skip crawling entirely and go straight to pulling up and walking. Every baby finds their own way to get around, and no single method is better than another.
DIFFERENT CRAWLING STYLES
Not all babies crawl the same way, and that’s perfectly normal! Some babies use the classic hands-and-knees crawl, while others develop unique ways to get around. Some might prefer to scoot on their bellies, using their arms to pull forward in an "army crawl." Others shuffle around on their bottoms, pushing with their hands or legs. Some babies experiment with crawling on hands and feet, keeping their knees off the ground in what’s known as a "bear crawl." There are even babies who simply roll from place to place instead of crawling.
No matter how your baby chooses to move, the important thing is that they’re developing coordination and strength in preparation for bigger milestones ahead.
HOW TO ENCOURAGE CRAWLING
Even though crawling is a natural process, there are ways to support your baby as they work toward this exciting milestone.
TUMMY TIME IS KEY
Giving your baby plenty of opportunities to play on their tummy helps strengthen their neck, shoulders, and core, making it easier for them to push up and eventually move forward.
CREATE AN INVITING PLAY SPACE
Placing toys just out of reach can spark curiosity and motivate your baby to stretch, reach, and eventually crawl toward them.
GET ON THE FLOOR WITH THEM
Babies love to mimic! Crawling alongside them and making eye contact, talking, or playing peek-a-boo can make movement feel like a fun and interactive experience.
LIMIT TIME IN BABY GEAR
While swings, bouncers, and activity centers are great for entertainment, too much time in them can limit opportunities for practicing movement. Encouraging more floor time allows babies to explore their bodies and build the confidence needed to move independently.
WHAT IF MY BABY ISN’T CRAWLING YET?
It’s natural to wonder if everything is on track, but babies develop at different rates, and some take a little longer to become mobile. Some skip crawling altogether and go straight to pulling up, cruising along furniture, or taking their first steps. Others may be content to stay in one spot longer before deciding to move.
If your baby isn’t showing signs of movement by their first birthday—whether it’s scooting, rolling, or attempting to pull up—it’s always a good idea to check in with your pediatrician. Every baby develops in their own way, but having a conversation with a doctor can provide reassurance and guidance on ways to support their growth.
THE REAL ADVENTURE IS JUST BEGINNING!
Crawling is just the start of an exciting phase of discovery. Once your baby figures out how to move, they’ll be eager to explore every corner of their world. Before you know it, they’ll be pulling up, cruising along furniture, and taking those first unforgettable steps.
No matter when or how your baby starts moving, they are on their own perfect timeline. Each milestone is a celebration of growth, learning, and curiosity. As a parent, your love, encouragement, and support make all the difference.
Enjoy these precious moments—because once they start moving, there’s no slowing them down!