Crawling is an important developmental milestone for babies. On average, most babies start crawling between 6 and 10 months old. However, every baby is different and there is a wide range of ages when babies may start crawling. Some babies may start as early as 5 months, while others don’t crawl until 12 months or later. There are a few factors that influence when babies begin to crawl such as physical development, muscle tone, and personality.
What is crawling?
Crawling is when a baby moves around by dragging themselves along on their belly using their arms and legs. It is one of the earliest ways babies become mobile and start exploring independently. Crawling helps strengthen muscles in the arms, legs, back, and neck. It also helps develop coordination and balance. Once babies start crawling, they begin interacting more with their environment and building cognitive skills.
Signs your baby is ready to crawl
There are some signs that indicate your baby is building up the strength and coordination to start crawling soon:
- Can hold their head up steadily
- Pushes up on arms when on tummy
- Rocks or sways on hands and knees
- Gets up on hands and knees and rocks
- Moves by scooting backwards or rolling
- Starts cruising – pulling up to stand while holding onto furniture
Physical skills needed for crawling
Crawling requires the coordination of multiple physical skills. Babies need to develop strength in their arms, legs, back, and neck over months before attempting independent crawling. Here are some of the key physical abilities babies need before crawling:
- Head and neck control – Babies need strong neck muscles to lift and balance their head without it lagging or swaying as they crawl. They build this through tummy time.
- Core strength – The abdominal muscles support the back and spine, helping babies maintain a crawling position. Tummy time helps strengthen the core.
- Arm and leg muscles – Babies use their arms to pull themselves forward and their legs to push along the floor when crawling. The muscles get stronger through play and movement.
- Hand-eye coordination – Babies must be able to see where they want to go and coordinate their arms and legs to move in that direction.
Average age babies start crawling
The average age range when most babies begin crawling is between 6 and 10 months. However, some babies may start crawling a bit earlier or later. Here’s an overview of when most babies hit this milestone:
- 5 months – Early crawlers. Only about 5% of babies crawl this early.
- 6-8 months – Average. Most babies (65%) are crawling by 8 months.
- 9-10 months – Late crawlers. About 90% of babies crawl by 10 months.
- After 10 months – Very late crawlers. Only 10% of babies aren’t crawling by 10 months.
Keep in mind that these are general ranges. Do not become concerned if your baby starts crawling a bit later than these timelines. Every baby develops on their own schedule.
Factors that influence when babies crawl
While the average age range gives a general timeline, there are a few key factors that impact when an individual baby will begin crawling:
Muscle tone
Babies who have low muscle tone or hypotonia tend to start crawling later. Their muscles fatigue more quickly and have to work harder to achieve strength for crawling. Premature babies are also more likely to have low muscle tone and crawl later.
Physical size
Larger or chubbier babies with more body weight may start crawling later since it takes more strength to move their body. Smaller babies have an easier time getting mobile earlier.
Personality
A baby’s temperament and personality can also influence when they crawl. More cautious babies may wait longer to gain confidence. Independent, curious babies tend to crawl earlier to explore their surroundings.
Gender
Girls tend to develop physical abilities a little earlier than boys in general. Studies show that girls are more likely to crawl 1-2 months earlier than boys.
Sleeping position
Babies who sleep only on their backs get less tummy time. This can slightly delay crawling since they have fewer opportunities to build up neck, arm, and core strength.
Siblings
Having an older sibling to observe and interact with may motivate some babies to start crawling a little earlier as they imitate their brother or sister.
Developmental delays
Babies with developmental delays, genetic disorders, or other health conditions may start crawling significantly later than average or skip crawling altogether. Always discuss any concerns with your pediatrician.
Ways to encourage your baby to crawl
While each baby will crawl in their own time, there are some things parents can do to help promote physical skills and encourage crawling:
- Provide plenty of supervised tummy time to build arm, neck, and core strength.
- Limit time in walkers, bouncers, swings and other restrictive devices so babies can move freely.
- Motivate your baby with toys just out of reach during tummy time.
- Create an open, safe play area with room to move around.
- Place toys or yourself around the room so your baby has to turn and crawl to interact.
- Hold toys to encourage pulling up to knees and hands.
Types of crawling styles
Once babies start getting mobile, they may crawl in a few different ways. The type of crawling often depends on their physical development and strength:
- Army crawl – Babies lie on their belly and drag themselves along with their arms. Their legs remain straight and still.
- Traditional hands-and-knees crawl – The most common crawl position with hands and knees both on the floor.
- Asymmetrical crawl – Babies move opposite arm and leg pairs. Right arm and left leg move forward together.
- Bear crawl – Babies crawl only on hands and feet with knees off the floor in a kneeling position.
Most babies go through a progression of crawling styles as their strength improves. They may start with an army crawl, move to a traditional crawl, and finally get up on their knees to bear crawl right before walking.
Activities to encourage crawling skills
You can promote crawling readiness with a variety of interactive floor activities. Here are some fun ways to strengthen muscles and teach crawling motions:
- Crawling tunnels or tents – Encourage crawling through a short tunnel or tent.
- Ball rolling – Roll a ball back and forth to get your baby reaching and moving toward the ball.
- Bubble chasing – Blow bubbles and have your baby crawl after them before they pop.
- Mirror play – Let your baby look at self in a mirror while on tummy to build neck strength.
- Crawling races – Crawl a short distance and cheer your baby on as they try to follow you.
Safety tips once your baby starts crawling
When your baby transitions from sitting to moving, it presents new safety challenges. Follow these tips to keep your crawler safe:
- Childproof your home by covering outlets, securing cords, installing safety gates, latching cabinets, etc.
- Keep small objects picked up and out of reach.
- Place fragile items up high or out of reach.
- Install window guards and door knob covers.
- Never leave baby unattended on a changing table, bed, sofa, or other raised surface.
- Place crib mattress in lowest position once pulling up.
- Keep floors clean and clutter-free.
Benefits of crawling for babies
Crawling is more than just a means of getting from point A to point B. The act of crawling provides many developmental benefits for babies such as:
- Building strength in arms, legs, back, and neck
- Developing coordination and balance
- Crossing midline by reaching across body
- Improving hand-eye coordination
- Exploring their surroundings independently
- Learning cause and effect (crawling leads to getting objects)
- Building confidence and problem solving skills
When to be concerned about late crawling
While crawling ranges vary widely, talk to your doctor if your baby shows no signs of crawling by 12 months. Other developmental delays alongside late crawling may indicate an underlying issue requiring intervention. Seek an evaluation for physical therapy or early intervention services.
Babies who bottom scoot instead of crawling by 10-12 months should also be evaluated. Scooting indicates there may be low muscle tone or core weakness delaying true crawling. Proactive physical therapy can help in these cases.
What comes after crawling?
Crawling is often a short stage between sitting independently and walking. Many babies crawl for only 2-4 months before pulling up and cruising along furniture. Here is a general timeline of what comes next after crawling:
- 8-10 months – Pulling up to stand while holding onto something for support
- 9-12 months – Cruising steps sideways while holding furniture
- 10-14 months – First independent steps
- 12-18 months – Walking independently well
Keep in mind every baby has their own developmental timeline. Premature babies in particular often hit physical milestones like walking a bit later. If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, talk to their pediatrician.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my baby army crawl instead of regular crawling?
Army crawling with the legs straight behind is often a precursor to a traditional crawl. Babies army crawl when they don’t yet have the core and leg strength to get up on their knees. With time and practice, they build muscle and transition to a hands and knees crawl.
Should I encourage baby to skip crawling and walk?
No, crawling is an important milestone with many developmental benefits. While some babies walk early without crawling first, most babies benefit from the coordination, muscle strength, and confidence gained by mastering crawling first.
Can crawling too early be a problem?
Early crawling around 5 months is not typically a concern if the baby has good head/neck control. Early crawlers may initially seem clumsy but improve with practice. Skip baby walkers and other restrictive devices so they can continue strengthening muscles by crawling.
What if my baby never crawls and goes straight to walking?
It’s possible but less common for babies to go directly from sitting to walking without a crawling stage, especially if cruising and pulling up on furniture for a few weeks first. As long as your baby reaches walking by 18 months, there is likely no need for concern.
How long after crawling did your baby walk?
Most babies take their first independent steps around 2-6 months after starting to crawl. But there is a wide range of normal. Premature babies may take longer. Talk to your doctor if no walking by 18 months.
Conclusion
Crawling is a major developmental milestone that builds strength, coordination, and confidence. While the average age range is 6-10 months, healthy babies may start crawling anytime between 5 and 12 months. Every baby has their own schedule for reaching physical milestones. With time and opportunity to move freely and practice on their tummy, most babies will successfully transition from sitting to crawling to walking.