Some children develop speed early on; others take their time. Has your baby started crawling? Babies differ greatly in terms of the age when they first start crawling, and impatient parents might find the wait a bit long before the little darling moseys along on all fours.
Here is some additional information as to the time when babies start crawling, and as to some exercises you can do to motivate baby to get crawling.
WHEN DO BABIES START CRAWLING?
When do babies start crawling? There are many answers here in that it may be difficult to decide when babies are typically able to crawl. Of course, each baby is unique.
Most children start moving across the floor on all fours at about 8 months; others may be just 6 months old. There are no guidelines as to when a baby ”should” be crawling, and it’s perfectly normal for some children to wait until they are 10 months old.
GET OFF TO A GOOD START
Has your little guy started acting like a crab? It looks cute when the little one attempts to get ahead using arms and legs. Crawling involves a ”crab” technique to push baby back and forth or a ”sit and push forward” technique. Do you have other children? You may have noticed that each of your children crawled in a personal way. Crawling techniques are unique to each child.
TEACH BABY HOW TO CRAWL
Want to teach baby how to crawl? It’s possible to motivate your baby early on by playing. The most important thing is to create a safe space where baby can move around and gradually get up the courage to set off on all fours.
Why not play with the child on the floor very early on? Every day, put the child on the floor, tummy down, and play in that position for a few minutes. Spread out the toys a bit to encourage baby to crawl toward them.
NON-SLIP FLOORS AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING
Provide a secure surface for teaching baby to crawl. Hardwood floors may be slippery, and babies of any age find them difficult to stand on. Helping your baby learn A non-slip rug or mat are helpful for the child as a crawling surface.
Once you are sure baby can move along on the floor, make sure the clothes are appropriate. Loose clothing for movement helps baby learn to crawl. Bare feet are ideal because the big toe provides forward movement and balance control.
BABY EXERCISES FOR CRAWLING
Would you like to use some exercises to help baby crawl? It won’t take much effort to teach baby to crawl. This is not ”training” in the strict sense, but use the exercises as a natural part of the daily routine to stimulate your precious one into taking the initiative to crawl.
Habituate baby to being on the tummy as soon as he or she is able – for a few minutes several times a day. Does your baby not want to lie on his or her stomach? Use an exercise ball to teach baby to lie on the stomach.
Or you could put baby up on all fours and then sit behind so that the little one’s feet touch your knees. Then you may gently rock baby back and forth.
MY BABY ISN’T CRAWLING – WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Once a baby is crawling, things start to go fast as his or her learning ability is getting stimulated along with the motor skills. Is your baby still not crawling? You may be frustrated to see how a baby of 10 months is not crawling, but it’s perfectly normal.
Some babies take longer to learn how to crawl but may start babbling earlier than the baby who is crawling at 6 months. If your baby is not crawling at age 10 months, do not worry. Some children simply skip the crawling stage without any problems.
