Crawling is your baby’s first mode of locomotion, allowing them to move around on their own. When a baby starts moving on the floor on their stomach, back or forth; pushing their hands and knees, they have embarked on their first step towards independence. Did you know that there are different types of baby crawling?
Crawling in babies develops the baby’s thinking skills, and strengthens the muscles which will help them stand and walk later. Indeed, it is beautiful to see your baby crawl, but crawling also calls for some safety measures on your part.
In This Article
- Types Of Crawling In Babies
- Benefits of Crawling For Babies
- Safe Crawling
- What If My Baby Does Not Crawl At All?
- When To Call The Doctor?
- FAQ’s
Types Of Crawling In Babies
Crawling on hands and knees is a typical crawling pattern adopted by most babies. The other crawling styles include cross crawling, commando or belly crawling, bear crawling, crab crawling, rolling crawling, and bottom scooting.
Let us discuss each style:
1. Cross Crawling
When cross-crawling the baby’s weight remains on their hands and knees, and they use one arm and the opposite knee at the same time to move forward. Most of the babies cross-crawl. It’s really a joyful moment to watch your little one trying to struggle to move forwards and backward to reach you.
2. Bear Crawling
Your baby will crawl like a bear walking on their hands and feet, keeping their elbows and knees straight.
3. Crab Crawling
In this type of crawl, babies push themselves backward or sideways through their hands like a crab. Many babies practice it.
4. Commando Crawling
Also called belly crawling, babies drag their belly or stomach against the floor to move forward, in this style. If your baby’s belly crawls you must make sure to clean the floor for anything which might hurt them.
It is a good choice to prefer thick fabric clothes when your baby starts crawling to prevent their skin from getting hurt. A carpet on the floor is a good idea but babies should also play on the floor without any carpet and all, for at least some time every day.
5. Rolling Crawling
Some babies learn to roll on so well that they prefer reaching their destination by rolling down. Encourage them, and clap for them, once they do any such physical activity.
6. Bottom Scoot
Babies scoot around on their bum cheek, known as bottom scoot. They use their arms to move forwards while bottom scoot.
Any baby may use various crawling styles or may stick to any one style in which he/she is comfortable.
Benefits of Crawling For Babies
Most babies start to crawl between the ages of 6 and 10 months. Crawling is good for babies in many ways. It helps to develop their gross motor skills by strengthening their arms and leg muscles. It is a wonderful physical exercise for them.
Fine motor skills also improve as while crawling babies try to grab things/toys which strengthens their hands and fingers muscles. As they look around, their brain directs their hand to pick or grab stuff, and their hand-eye coordination increases. Right and left brain coordination increases as it receives many signals at the same time like sight, sound, movement, etc.
Babies also learn to take decisions while crawling. They decide on their next move and this builds confidence in them. Parents should encourage crawling by placing attractive toys and objects at some distance from the baby. Try placing pillows and cushions in the path to create obstruction. Babies will thus learn to negotiate and improve their agility and speed. Also, give your baby plenty of tummy time as well.
Safe Crawling
To encourage safe crawling, check your home for childproofing. Babies are inquisitive and curious in nature, and crawling just makes them even more curious. They end up maneuvering small spaces which could be dangerous for them. Effective childproofing is a must, at least for the coming few years.
To ensure your baby’s safety, look around and secure anything that might pose some danger to your little one. The place where the baby crawls should be free from unnecessary stuff. Keep your baby away from the stairs, as stairways will attract them. Parental supervision is a must once the baby starts becoming mobile.
What If My Baby Does Not Crawl At All?
Some babies skip crawling and directly jump to walking or standing by holding furniture or something else. Infants will pull up anything and everything they can and try to balance their legs. There is nothing to get worried about, they are growing just as well and will gain physical strength by walking or standing again and again.
When To Call The Doctor?
If your baby does not show any interest in getting mobile, reaching out to things, and has not been able to figure out moving their legs or arms in a coordinated manner by one year of age, it is recommended that you consult a pediatrician.
FAQ’s
1. Do Autistic Babies Crawl Differently?
Simply having an asymmetrical crawl pattern is not a sign of autism. However, autistic infants may sometimes crawl on one side owing to a lack of symmetrical arm support. Some autistic toddlers never master the art of crawling and instead go straight to walking.
2. Can Babies Crawl Without Rolling?
Yes, babies may bypass rolling and go directly to sitting, crawling, or bum-shuffling. Your baby is making wonderful development as long as they continue to learn new skills and show an interest in moving about and exploring.
3. What Happens If Babies Skip Crawling?
The weight-bearing experience of crawling helps form arches and stretch out ligaments in the wrist and hand, which are essential for fine motor abilities. Missing this milestone may impact a child’s ability to grip (like a pencil ) later in life.
4. Does Crawling Affect Brain Development?
According to research, crawling has several advantages, including optimum brain development and the construction of spinal structures.
