Crawling is one of the most exciting milestones in a baby’s first year. It marks the beginning of greater independence, coordination, and curiosity. While some babies start crawling as early as 6 months, others take a little longer — and that’s perfectly normal. The important thing is creating an environment that encourages your baby to move, explore, and build the muscles and skills needed to get going.
In this guide, you’ll learn when to expect crawling, how to encourage it naturally and safely, and what signs to look for as your baby progresses.
When Do Babies Start Crawling?
Babies typically begin crawling between 6 and 10 months of age, although there’s a wide range of normal. Some may scoot, roll, or belly-crawl for weeks before mastering the classic hands-and-knees movement.
Early signs your baby is getting ready to crawl:
- Pushing up on hands during tummy time
- Rocking back and forth on hands and knees
- Scooting backward or pivoting in circles
- Lunging forward or attempting to reach toys
It’s important to remember: not all babies crawl in the same way — and some may skip crawling altogether and go straight to standing or walking.
Why Crawling Is Important for Development
Crawling is more than just mobility. It plays a big role in both physical and cognitive development.
Benefits of crawling include:
- Strengthening the arms, legs, and core
- Building coordination between arms and legs
- Supporting brain development through cross-body movement
- Improving visual tracking skills and spatial awareness
- Encouraging independence and exploration
Even if your baby eventually walks without crawling much, encouraging crawling helps set a strong foundation for motor and neurological development.
How to Encourage Your Baby to Crawl
Creating the right environment and offering positive support can make a big difference in how quickly and confidently your baby learns to crawl.
1. Prioritize Tummy Time
Tummy time is essential from the early months. It strengthens the neck, back, shoulders, and arms — all necessary muscles for crawling.
Tips for tummy time:
- Start with short sessions (2–3 minutes) multiple times a day, gradually increasing duration
- Place a rolled towel under your baby’s chest for support
- Get down on the floor and make eye contact to keep your baby engaged
- Use mirrors or colorful toys for motivation
The more comfortable your baby is on their tummy, the more likely they’ll be to explore movement from that position.
2. Use Toys to Motivate Movement
Placing toys slightly out of reach encourages your baby to reach, scoot, and eventually crawl toward them.
Choose toys that:
- Make noise or light up
- Are safe and soft
- Encourage interaction (e.g., soft blocks, textured balls)
- Can roll or move slowly to invite chasing
Rotate toys often to maintain interest and encourage repeated movement.
3. Create a Safe and Open Play Space
Your baby needs room to move freely without obstacles. Set up a soft play mat or carpeted area where they can explore safely.
Safety checklist:
- Remove sharp corners and heavy furniture nearby
- Cover electrical outlets
- Keep cords and small objects out of reach
- Use baby gates if needed to limit access
Letting your baby explore different textures and surfaces (carpet, floor, mat) helps them adapt their movement and balance.
4. Encourage Movement Without Equipment
Baby walkers and jumpers may seem like they help mobility, but they can actually delay crawling by limiting natural movement and posture development.
Instead, try:
- Letting your baby move freely on the floor
- Using a small tunnel for crawling through
- Helping them get into a crawling position (hands and knees) and gently rocking them
Floor-based exploration promotes stronger muscles and better coordination.
5. Model the Movement
Babies learn by watching. Get down on all fours and crawl around — yes, really! Your baby might imitate you, and it becomes a fun bonding activity too.
You can also clap, cheer, or smile when your baby tries to move forward. Encouragement builds confidence.
Variations in Crawling Styles
Not all babies crawl the same way, and that’s okay. Some may start with a belly crawl (army crawl), others might scoot on their bottom or use one leg more than the other.
Common crawling styles:
- Classic crawl: Hands and knees, moving opposite limbs
- Army crawl: Belly dragging along the floor
- Bear crawl: Hands and feet, with legs straight
- Crab crawl: Moving sideways or backward
- Scooting: Using one leg to push while sitting upright
As long as your baby is progressing and showing interest in movement, these variations are not a cause for concern.
Signs Your Baby Is Ready to Crawl
You may notice several physical and behavioral cues that indicate crawling is around the corner.
Watch for:
- Rolling over easily
- Sitting without support
- Reaching for toys while sitting
- Rocking back and forth on hands and knees
- Lunging or moving forward from a sitting position
- Trying to push off with the legs
These milestones often come just before crawling begins.
When to Worry (and When Not To)
Every baby develops at their own pace. Some start crawling earlier, while others take their time. However, there are a few situations that warrant a conversation with your pediatrician.
Talk to your doctor if:
- Your baby shows no interest in movement by 10 months
- They seem stiff or floppy when placed on the floor
- They favor one side of the body consistently
- They can’t bear weight on arms or legs when placed on the floor
- They don’t attempt to reach or explore their environment
Most of the time, a delay in crawling is not a sign of a serious issue — but early evaluation can rule out problems and give you peace of mind.
Encouraging Crawling Through Routine
You don’t need fancy toys or elaborate routines to help your baby crawl. Everyday activities provide plenty of opportunities.
Try this daily rhythm:
- Morning: Tummy time after diaper change
- Afternoon: Free floor play with a variety of toys
- Evening: Gentle stretching or massage to relax tight muscles
- Throughout the day: Talk, sing, and encourage movement during playtime
Consistency helps build strength and motivation over time.
Final Thoughts
Helping your baby learn to crawl is one of the most rewarding parts of early parenthood. It’s not about rushing a milestone, but about providing opportunities for growth, curiosity, and movement. Whether your baby army-crawls, scoots, or skips straight to walking, your encouragement and support play a key role in their journey.
Celebrate the small wins — a push up, a shuffle forward, a determined reach for a toy — they all add up. Soon enough, you’ll have a crawler on the move, ready to explore the world on their own terms.
And when that day comes, you’ll know you helped them get there — one tummy time session at a time.
