How to Teach Your Baby to Crawl

Crawling is a major developmental milestone that helps babies strengthen their muscles, improve coordination, and prepare for walking. While some babies naturally take to crawling, others may need a little encouragement. Typically, babies start crawling between 6 and 10 months, but every child develops at their own pace.

If you’re wondering how to help your baby learn to crawl, the key is to create the right environment, encourage movement, and give them plenty of opportunities to practice. This guide will walk you through effective strategies to support your baby’s crawling journey.

Why Crawling Is Important for Babies

Crawling isn’t just about mobility—it plays a critical role in a baby’s overall development. Some benefits of crawling include:

• Muscle Development – Strengthens the arms, shoulders, legs, and core.
• Coordination and Balance – Teaches babies how to move different parts of their body in sync.
• Cognitive Development – Helps babies understand depth, space, and problem-solving.
• Prepares for Walking – Crawling is a stepping stone to standing and walking.

Encouraging your baby to crawl will not only help them move but also support their brain and motor skill development.

How to Help Your Baby Learn to Crawl

1. Start with Plenty of Tummy Time

Tummy time is the foundation for crawling. It helps babies build the neck, arm, and back strength needed to push themselves up and eventually move forward.

How to do it:

• Place your baby on their stomach for short periods, starting from birth.
• Engage with them by getting down to their level, making eye contact, or talking to them.
• Use a soft play mat or blanket to make it more comfortable.
• Increase tummy time gradually as they get stronger.

If your baby dislikes tummy time at first, try placing a mirror in front of them or using a small rolled towel under their chest for support.

2. Create a Safe and Stimulating Environment

Babies need room to explore before they start crawling. If they’re constantly confined to swings, bouncers, or playpens, they may not have enough opportunities to develop the necessary muscles for movement.

How to set up a crawling-friendly space:

• Clear an open area free of sharp objects and hazards.
• Use a soft play mat or carpet to provide cushioning.
• Place toys slightly out of reach to motivate movement.

Encouraging movement in a safe and engaging environment helps babies become more confident in their ability to explore.

3. Encourage Reaching and Pivoting

Before babies crawl, they often begin by pivoting and reaching for objects. This movement strengthens their core and helps them practice weight shifting.

How to encourage this:

• Place a favorite toy just out of reach while they are on their stomach.
• Allow them to try moving toward the toy instead of handing it to them immediately.
• Cheer them on to keep them motivated!

This simple exercise teaches babies how to move their hands and legs in coordination, which is essential for crawling.

4. Demonstrate Crawling Movements

Babies learn by observing, so showing them how to crawl can be very effective.

Try this:

• Get down on your hands and knees and crawl alongside your baby.
• Gently place their hands and knees in the crawling position and encourage rocking back and forth.
• Guide them forward by placing your hands behind their feet so they can push off.

Seeing you model the movement can spark curiosity and encourage them to try it themselves.

5. Reduce Time in Supportive Devices

Baby walkers, bouncers, and jumpers may seem helpful, but too much time in these devices can actually slow down crawling development. These devices support the baby’s weight artificially, preventing them from strengthening the muscles they need to move on their own.

Instead of using these devices for long periods, give your baby plenty of floor time to practice natural movement.

6. Use Mirrors and Interactive Play

Babies are naturally drawn to faces, including their own reflection. Using a baby-safe mirror can encourage them to lift their head, push up on their hands, and eventually start moving toward their reflection.

Other interactive crawling games include:

• Rolling a soft ball back and forth to encourage reaching and movement.
• Placing a tunnel or play tent to encourage crawling through spaces.
• Using a gentle obstacle course with pillows or cushions to make crawling fun.

The goal is to make crawling exciting and engaging so that babies are motivated to keep practicing.

7. Be Patient and Supportive

Every baby learns at their own pace. Some may skip crawling altogether and go straight to pulling up and walking. Others may develop unique crawling styles, such as:

• The Commando Crawl: Dragging themselves forward using their arms.
• The Crab Crawl: Moving sideways instead of forward.
• The Bear Crawl: Using hands and feet without touching their knees to the ground.

As long as your baby is developing strength and coordination, these variations are normal. The most important thing is to encourage movement without pressure.

When to Be Concerned About Delayed Crawling

While there is a wide range of normal for crawling, some signs may indicate the need for a pediatrician’s evaluation. Consider seeking advice if:

• Your baby isn’t showing any interest in movement by 12 months.
• They struggle to bear weight on their hands and knees.
• They have very stiff or very floppy muscle tone.
• They only use one side of their body to move (e.g., only reaching with one arm).

In most cases, delayed crawling is not a cause for concern—some babies move straight to standing and walking. However, early intervention can help if any motor skill delays are present.

Summing Up

Crawling is an exciting milestone that builds strength, coordination, and confidence in babies. By incorporating tummy time, interactive play, and safe exploration, you can help your baby develop the skills needed to crawl at their own pace.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way for a baby to learn to move. Whether they crawl traditionally, scoot, or skip it altogether, the most important thing is that they are developing in a way that’s natural for them. Keep the process fun, celebrate every little progress, and enjoy this special stage of your baby’s growth.