When Do Babies Start Crawling? A Complete Guide to Baby Mobility Milestones

As a parent, you’re probably eagerly watching your baby grow and develop, waiting for those exciting moments when they hit key milestones. One of the most anticipated moments is when your baby begins to crawl. When do babies start crawling? It’s a common question parents ask, and the answer is often different for each child.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about crawling, from the typical age babies start, to how you can help your little one along the way.

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When Do Babies Start Crawling?

On average, babies begin crawling between 6 and 10 months, but every baby is different. While some babies may start crawling as early as 4 or 5 months, others may take until 11 or 12 months. The key is to remember that crawling isn’t a race—every baby follows their own developmental path.

So, when do babies start crawling? Most begin crawling around 7 months, but it’s not unusual for babies to skip crawling altogether and move straight to walking. Early crawlers (like a baby crawling at 4 months) may seem more eager to explore, while late crawlers could simply be focusing on other skills like sitting up or babbling.

What are the Types of Crawling?

Not all babies crawl the same way, and that’s perfectly normal. Here are some types of crawling you might notice:

  1. Classic Crawl: The typical hands-and-knees crawl where the baby moves one arm and the opposite knee forward in unison.
  2. Army Crawl: Also called commando crawling, where the baby drags their belly along the floor while using their arms to pull forward.
  3. Bear Crawl: Babies crawl with straight legs, resembling a bear walking on all fours.
  4. Scooting: Some babies skip the traditional crawl and move by scooting on their bottoms, using their arms and legs to propel forward.
  5. Crab Crawl: In this type, babies move sideways, often pushing off with their hands and feet in a crab-like manner.

These types of crawling are all normal, and your baby may try more than one as they develop their motor skills.

What are the Stages of Crawling?

Before babies start crawling, they go through several stages to strengthen their muscles and coordination. These stages of crawling include:

  1. Tummy Time: Babies develop the muscles in their neck, arms, and core through tummy time, which is essential for crawling.
  2. Rolling Over: Babies usually begin rolling over from their back to their tummy around 4 to 5 months, helping them prepare for crawling.
  3. Pushing Up: Around 5-6 months, babies push up onto their arms while on their bellies, building upper body strength.
  4. Rocking Back and Forth: When babies are on their hands and knees, they often rock back and forth, building momentum to start crawling.
  5. Crawling Forward: Once they have the strength and coordination, babies begin to crawl forward, using different crawling techniques.

These stages of crawling help babies develop the muscles and motor skills needed for future mobility milestones like walking.

Signs Your Baby Is Getting Ready to Crawl

Wondering if your baby is almost ready to start crawling? Here are some common signs your baby is getting ready to crawl:

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  1. Pushing Up During Tummy Time: If your baby can lift their chest off the floor and push up on their arms, they’re building the upper body strength needed for crawling.
  2. Scooting Backward: Some babies start by moving backward before they figure out how to crawl forward.
  3. Rocking on Hands and Knees: This is a strong sign your baby is gearing up to crawl.
  4. Increased Curiosity: If your baby is reaching for toys or objects just out of their grasp, they may be motivated to start crawling.

If your baby shows these signs, crawling is likely just around the corner!

How to Help Encourage Your Baby to Crawl

If you’re wondering how to help encourage your baby to crawl, here are some effective strategies:

  1. Tummy Time: Make sure your baby has plenty of tummy time each day to strengthen their core and arm muscles.
  2. Use Toys for Motivation: Place toys just out of reach to encourage your baby to move toward them.
  3. Create a Safe, Open Space: Give your baby a large, open, and safe area to practice crawling.
  4. Limit Time in Walkers: Too much time in walkers can reduce your baby’s motivation to crawl. Instead, give them opportunities to explore on the floor.
  5. Get on the Floor with Them: Show your baby how to crawl by demonstrating it yourself. Babies love mimicking their parents!

By following these steps, you can help your baby build the strength and coordination needed for crawling.

How to Keep Your Baby Safe When Crawling

Once your baby starts crawling, their curiosity will take them to new places. Here’s how to keep them safe:

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By S_Kawee | Envato
  1. Baby-Proof Your Home: Cover sharp corners, block stairways, and secure heavy furniture to prevent accidents.
  2. Watch Out for Small Objects: Babies love to put things in their mouths, so ensure there are no small objects on the floor that could be choking hazards.
  3. Install Safety Gates: Place gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent falls.
  4. Keep Cords and Wires Out of Reach: Electrical cords and wires can be dangerous, so keep them tucked away.

As your baby explores, keeping a close eye on them is essential for their safety.

What If Your Baby Doesn’t Crawl as Expected?

It’s natural to feel concerned if your baby isn’t crawling when you expect them to. However, it’s important to remember that some babies may skip crawling altogether and move straight to walking. If your baby isn’t crawling by 12 months but is meeting other developmental milestones, like sitting up and rolling over, they’re likely just fine.

If your baby shows no interest in crawling, or you notice a lack of coordination in their movements, consider talking to your pediatrician. They can assess your baby’s motor development and provide reassurance or recommendations if necessary.

What to Do If Your Baby Is Not Crawling

If your baby isn’t crawling by 12 months, here’s what you can do:

  1. Consult Your Pediatrician: If you’re concerned about a delay in crawling, check with your pediatrician to rule out any developmental issues.
  2. Encourage More Tummy Time: Increase tummy time to help your baby strengthen their muscles and improve coordination.
  3. Don’t Panic: Remember, some babies skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking. Focus on other milestones like sitting and standing.
  4. Consider Physical Therapy: If your doctor suggests it, physical therapy can help your baby develop the muscles needed for crawling.

It’s important to stay calm and patient. Every baby develops at their own pace, and while when do babies start crawling can vary, what matters most is that your baby is healthy and happy.

When Do Babies Start Crawling and Sitting Up?

Usually, babies learn to sit up unsupported before they crawl. Sitting up typically happens around 6 months and is an important precursor to crawling because it helps develop their core strength and balance.

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By Monkeybusiness | Envato

As babies build their sitting skills, they also improve their muscle coordination, which is key for crawling. Once your baby can sit confidently, crawling is likely just around the corner. 

So, if your baby is already sitting, you might be wondering, when do babies start crawling next? The answer is soon!

When Do Babies Start Crawling and Walking?

Crawling is an essential stepping stone toward walking. But when do babies start crawling and walking? 

Most babies begin pulling themselves up to stand and cruise along furniture around 9-12 months. While every baby is different, crawling typically happens first, followed by cruising, and then walking.

It’s not uncommon for babies to crawl for a few months before they start taking those first steps. Crawling helps develop coordination between the arms and legs, which is crucial for walking.

So, if you’re watching your baby zoom across the floor, it’s likely you’ll soon be asking, “when do babies start crawling and then walking?” Walking is usually just a few months away.

When Do Babies Start Crawling Up Stairs?

Many parents are surprised to learn that babies often start climbing before they walk. But when do babies start crawling stairs? Most babies will attempt to crawl up stairs around 9-12 months, once they’ve mastered crawling on flat surfaces.

If you have stairs at home, it’s important to watch closely as your little one gets curious. Babies can start practicing stair climbing soon after they’ve gained confidence in crawling. Supervision is key here to ensure they stay safe, especially during the early stages of climbing.

When to Be Concerned

It’s natural to worry about your baby’s development, but try not to stress too much if your child isn’t crawling on schedule. However, if your baby hasn’t shown any interest in moving or crawling by 12 months, it might be time to check in with your pediatrician. Some babies skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking, which is also perfectly normal.

If you’re concerned about delays, talking to a pediatrician can help ease your mind and provide you with guidance. Always trust your instincts as a parent, and remember that when do babies start crawling is different for everyone.

Conclusion

So, when do babies start crawling? Every baby takes this big step in their own time, and watching them discover how to move is nothing short of magical. As they begin to explore the world in their own unique way—whether it’s scooting, army crawling, or the classic hands-and-knees crawl—you’re witnessing the start of their journey toward independence.

Now is the perfect time to create a safe, fun space for them to practice and grow. Celebrate each small victory, and know that you’re helping them build the foundation for future milestones. If crawling takes a little longer than expected, remember, your baby’s development is uniquely their own, and they will get there.

Cherish these moments—they pass by quicker than we expect! And don’t forget to share those precious crawling memories with friends and family, because this is just the beginning of many wonderful adventures ahead.

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Key Takeaways

  • Most babies start crawling between 6 to 10 months, though some may begin earlier or later—both are perfectly normal.
  • Early signs that your baby is ready to crawl include pushing up during tummy time, rocking on hands and knees, and reaching for toys.
  • Babies don’t all crawl the same way. Expect variations like the classic hands-and-knees crawl, army crawl, scooting, bear crawl, or even crab crawl.
  • To encourage crawling, focus on tummy time, create a safe and open space, limit time in walkers, and place toys just out of reach for motivation.
  • Baby-proofing is essential once your little one starts crawling. Install gates, remove choking hazards, and secure furniture to ensure safety.
  • Don’t worry if your baby skips crawling or starts later than others. Some babies go straight to walking, and developmental timelines vary widely.
  • If your baby isn’t crawling by 12 months but is hitting other milestones, it’s usually not a concern. However, a check-in with a pediatrician can offer reassurance.

FAQs

1. When do babies start crawling?

Most babies start crawling between 6 and 10 months, but some may begin as early as 5 months or as late as 12 months. Each baby develops at their own pace.

2. What are the signs my baby is ready to crawl?

Signs include pushing up during tummy time, rocking on hands and knees, scooting backward, and showing curiosity by reaching for objects just out of reach.

3. What are the different types of crawling?

There are various types of crawling, including the classic hands-and-knees crawl, army crawl, bear crawl, crab crawl, and bottom scooting. All are normal.

4. What if my baby skips crawling?

Some babies skip crawling and go straight to walking. As long as your baby is meeting other milestones, like sitting and pulling up, skipping crawling is fine.

5. Is it normal for babies to crawl backward first?

Yes, some babies crawl backward initially because pushing backward is easier than moving forward. They usually figure out forward movement after some practice.

6. Can babies crawl at 4 months?

It’s rare but possible. Some babies begin showing signs of early crawling at 4 months, although most start closer to 6 months or later.

7. How long do babies crawl before walking?

On average, babies crawl for 2 to 3 months before they start pulling up and taking their first steps. Some babies, however, walk sooner after crawling.

8. What are the stages of crawling?

Crawling stages include tummy time, rolling over, pushing up on hands, rocking on hands and knees, and finally moving forward using hands and legs.

9. How can I encourage my baby to crawl?

Give your baby plenty of tummy time, use toys to motivate them, create a safe open space, and demonstrate crawling yourself to show them how it’s done.

10. What if my baby isn’t crawling at 10 months?

If your baby isn’t crawling by 10 months but is reaching other milestones like sitting up and rolling over, it’s usually fine. Consult your pediatrician for reassurance.

11. Do babies need to crawl before they walk?

Not necessarily. Some babies may skip crawling and move straight to walking. Crawling is just one of many motor skills babies develop on their path to walking.

12. Why does my baby scoot instead of crawl?

Some babies prefer scooting on their bottoms as it gives them more control and balance. As long as your baby is moving and exploring, scooting is normal.

13. What is army crawling?

Army crawling involves dragging the belly along the floor while pulling forward with the arms. It’s a common early crawling style and helps build strength.

14. How can I baby-proof my home for crawling?

Install baby gates, cover sharp edges, secure heavy furniture, and remove small objects or choking hazards from the floor. Ensure your home is safe for exploration.

15. Can walkers delay crawling?

Too much time in walkers can reduce the motivation to crawl since they offer support. Encourage floor play instead to help babies develop natural crawling skills.

16. When should I worry if my baby isn’t crawling?

If your baby isn’t crawling or showing interest in movement by 12 months, talk to your pediatrician. They may recommend a developmental assessment or physical therapy.

17. How does tummy time help with crawling?

Tummy time strengthens your baby’s neck, arms, and core muscles, which are essential for crawling. Regular tummy time encourages babies to push up and explore.

18. What if my baby only crawls with one leg?

Some babies crawl using one leg or favoring one side. This can be normal, but if you notice asymmetry or delayed milestones, consult your pediatrician for advice.

19. Can early crawling lead to early walking?

Not always. While early crawlers might walk sooner, the timing of walking varies widely. Crawling strengthens muscles and coordination but doesn’t guarantee early walking.

20. How do I keep my baby safe on stairs when crawling?

Install safety gates at both the top and bottom of stairs. Supervise your baby closely around stairs to prevent accidents as they explore more areas.

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