How to Encourage Crawling

How to Encourage Crawling - One Arm & Leg at a Time…

Crawling is a developmental milestone that not only allows babies to explore their surroundings but also strengthens their muscles and improves coordination. While some babies start crawling right on schedule, others might take their time or even skip crawling altogether. No matter where your baby is on this journey, you can actively support their development with a few strategies at home. In this post, we’ll explore when babies typically start crawling, how to encourage crawling, and what to do if your baby seems to be delayed.

When Do Babies Start Crawling?

Typically, babies start crawling between 6 to 10 months. But keep in mind, this is just a general guideline—some might take off a little earlier, while others might be a bit later (and some may not crawl at all). But before your little one reaches that point, there are several important gross motor milestones to look out for that pave the way:

1. Tummy Time: Laying your baby on their tummy helps strengthen their neck, shoulders, and core muscles. These are essential for being able to hold their head up and move their arms and legs during crawling.

2. Rolling Over: As your baby learns to roll, they’re experimenting with shifting their weight and using their muscles in new ways. This skill helps them learn to pivot and move their body around on the ground.

3. Sitting Up Independently: Once your baby can sit without support, they’ve developed a lot of core strength. From sitting, they can lean forward onto their hands and knees, setting the stage for crawling.

4. Rocking on Hands and Knees: Before crawling, many babies will rock back and forth on their hands and knees. This is them getting a feel for coordinating their arms and legs to move.

Crawling Styles: Precursors to Traditional Hands-and-Knees Crawling

Before babies develop traditional hands-and-knees crawling, they often experiment with different styles that build strength and coordination. Here are some common crawling styles and how they may serve as precursors:

1. Army Crawling (Belly Crawling): Babies pull themselves forward with their arms while keeping their tummy on the ground. This helps strengthen the arms and shoulders—key muscles needed for hands-and-knees crawling.

2. Commando Crawling: Similar to army crawling but more coordinated, commando crawling involves using one arm and the opposite leg. It introduces a reciprocal movement pattern that prepares babies for more complex crawling.

3. Scooting (Bottom Shuffling): Babies use their arms and legs to push themselves forward while sitting up. This is actually more common than you think!

4. Bear Crawling: Babies move on their hands and feet with knees off the ground. This style demands greater strength and balance, making it a good precursor to standing and walking.

5. Crab Crawling: Babies push themselves backward or sideways using their arms. While this movement isn’t typical for forward crawling, it helps strengthen the upper body and promotes better coordination.

Each of these crawling styles may be a potential stepping stone to hands-and-knees crawling. They teach babies how to coordinate movement between their arms and legs, shift their weight, and engage different muscle groups.

Ways to Encourage Crawling at Home

If you’re wondering how to encourage crawling, there are lots of easy, playful ways you can support your baby’s development right at home. Here are some tried-and-true methods:

1. Tummy Time!
Yes, I know I’ve already mentioned this one, but I can’t stress enough how important it is. Start with a few minutes a day and gradually build up the time as your baby gets stronger. Use toys, mirrors, or even get down on the floor face-to-face to make it fun!

2. Create a Crawl-Friendly Space
Make a safe area where your baby can freely explore. Place toys just out of reach to encourage them to move towards the object. A soft mat or carpet is ideal, as it provides a comfortable surface for your baby’s hands and knees.

3. Use a Towel Roll or Bolster Under the Chest
Place a small rolled-up towel or bolster under your baby’s chest while they’re on their tummy. This lifts them slightly (or feel free to do a slight lift) and gives them a new perspective, which might just inspire them to move those little legs and arms.

4. Encourage Play with Elevated Hands

Place your baby’s hands on a pillow or elevated toy during tummy time to help them build strength in their arms and shoulders. This position mimics the pushing motion needed for crawling. You can also encourage your baby to reach for toys placed slightly above their sitting position, which will activate their arm and back muscles

5. Get on the Floor Together
Babies love to mimic what they see! Get down on all fours and show them what crawling looks like. If they see you doing it, they might try to copy.

6. Encourage Weight Shifting
Gently help your baby rock back and forth on their hands and knees. This helps them understand the concept of shifting their weight, which is crucial for the hands-and-knees crawling position.

7. Use Toys to Motivate Movement
Place a favourite toy just out of your baby’s reach and encourage them to go for it. Make it a game by cheering them on as they inch closer.

7. Give Baby-Approved Props a Go
Things like baby tunnels or soft play cushions can make crawling more exciting. Babies love the challenge of crawling through or over obstacles!

By incorporating these tips, you’re not only helping your baby learn to crawl but also creating fun bonding experiences.

How Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Can Help

Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is an therapeutic approach that significantly supports children with motor development challenges, especially those who are delayed in milestones like crawling. DMI therapy is highly beneficial for infants and children with general developmental delays, neurological conditions, or physical impairments, making it an ideal option for parents seeking specialised interventions.

What is DMI?

DMI utilises specific exercises that focus on activating the nervous system to improve motor control. By repetitively practicing particular movements, this therapy promotes neuroplasticity, which allows the brain and body to form new connections essential for movement. This is especially crucial for infants struggling to achieve key motor milestones, like crawling.

How Does It Work?

A DMI therapist works with your child, guiding them through exercises that gradually become more challenging. These exercises help the brain and body learn to communicate better, which is important for movement and balance. Over time, this therapy helps children develop important movements like crawling by activating the muscles and patterns needed. The exercises are designed to build not only physical strength but also coordination, so your child can handle more complex movements as they grow.

If your child is experiencing delays in motor development, DMI could be an effective therapy to consider. Reach out to one of our qualified DMI therapists at Alignment Exercise Physiology or visit out Dynamic Movement Intervention webpage.

Delays with Crawling - When to Seek Help

It’s natural to worry if your baby isn’t crawling when other babies their age are. But remember, every child develops at their own pace. There are many reasons why a baby might not be crawling yet. It could be a simple case of them needing a bit more time or practice. However, sometimes delays in crawling and other gross motor milestones can indicate an underlying issue that needs professional attention.

Here are some signs that it might be time to seek help from a medical professional:

• Your baby isn’t bearing weight on their arms or legs during tummy time.

• They can’t get into a sitting position independently by around 10 months.

• Your baby has significant stiffness or floppiness in their arms, legs, or body.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth talking to your Paediatrician. They can assess your baby’s development and, if needed, create a plan to support their progress.

Conclusion

Encouraging your baby to crawl doesn’t have to be too complicated or stressful. With a little patience, a safe space to explore, and some engaging activities, you will be providing your baby with the best chance possible to encourage crawling.

Remember, every baby’s journey is unique. While some might be eager to get crawling right away, others take their time (and some may not crawl at all!). The most important thing is to provide a loving, supportive environment for your baby to grow and develop at their own pace.

Happy crawling!

By Scott Howard (Clinical Exercise Physiologist) │ 29/09/2024 │ Alignment Exercise Physiology