How to help your baby crawl

Around 9 or 10 months, most babies start to crawl. It’s one of the most important developmental milestones: not only is it a stepping stone to walking, it’s a full-body workout that strengthens muscles, coordination, and brain connections. Here’s why it’s important and how you can help.

Why is crawling important?

Moving around on all fours isn’t just for getting your baby across the room. Crawling promotes a normal spinal curve, strengthens shoulder and pelvic girdle muscles, builds balance, and encourages proper foot positioning. Simultaneously, it stimulates both halves of the brain, creating new neural connections.

Children who crawled often show better fine motor skills later — like drawing and writing — and are less prone to dyslexia or dysgraphia. That said, around 10% of babies skip crawling and go straight to walking without any problems. The brain develops in many different ways.

First attempts

The first attempts at all-fours movement are endearingly clumsy. Most babies push backward before they figure out how to move forward, and their backs form a U-shape until their core muscles get stronger. Legs tangle, arms wobble... but within a few weeks, most babies find their rhythm and move with surprising speed.

How to encourage crawling

You can’t force a baby to crawl, but you can make it irresistible:

• Prioritize floor time. Limit time in bouncers and playpens. A soft mat is ideal — slippery floors can discourage babies from trying.
• Tummy time motivation. Place toys just out of reach so they have a reason to move towards them — close enough to be enticing, but not so far as to be discouraging.
• A rolled-up diaper for support. Tucked under their armpits, it helps babies balance on their still-wobbly arms.
• Crawl together. Get on all fours yourself and arrange soft cushion obstacles to navigate — most babies find this great fun.
• Let them fall. Little tumbles in a safe space are part of learning. Don’t rush to pick them up every time — let them figure it out for themselves.

Child-proofing your home

A crawling baby can reach places you’d never expect. Before they start moving, make sure that:

• Windows, patio doors, and bathroom doors stay closed
• Cleaning products and chemicals are stored out of reach
• Stairs are secured with baby gates and drawers are locked
• Sharp furniture edges are cushioned and tablecloths are removed
• Small objects, poisonous plants, and choking hazards are completely out of reach

When to consult a doctor

If your baby doesn’t crawl but is otherwise healthy and developing well, there’s usually no cause for concern. However, consult your doctor if you notice your baby:

• Pushes harder with one leg than the other
• Drags their legs instead of actively using them
• Tilts their head when on all fours, or crawls on clenched fists

These signs might indicate differences in muscle tone that are worth investigating. Your doctor can assess the situation and recommend appropriate steps.