Crawling is one of the most exciting milestones in a baby’s development. It’s the first step toward mobility, independence, and exploring the world around them. But as with all developmental stages, parents often wonder: When will my baby start crawling?
Most babies begin crawling between 6 to 10 months, but every little one follows their own timeline. Some may start earlier, while others may take their time—or even skip crawling altogether and move straight to standing or walking. No matter when it happens, crawling is an important phase that helps babies develop muscle strength, balance, and coordination.
In this blog, we’ll explore when babies typically start crawling, the signs that your little one is getting ready to move, and how you can encourage their progress in a safe and supportive way.
What prompts crawling in babies?
Crawling is driven by brain development, muscle growth, and sensory experiences. Several key developments prepare babies for this milestone:
- Neural connections for movement – A study published in Developmental Psychobiology discovered that increased motor activity in infancy strengthens neural pathways, enhancing coordination and movement.
- Depth perception and motivation – A study published in Journal of Experimental Child Psychology found that infants develop depth perception between 6 to 14 months, which helps them judge distances and encourages crawling.
- Muscle strength and balance – A study published in Pediatrics found that tummy time significantly improves muscle strength in the neck, arms, and core, making crawling easier.
- Curiosity and sensory feedback – A study published in Infant Behavior and Development discovered that sensory experiences, such as feeling different textures, help babies refine motor skills and motivate movement.
- Environmental stimulation – A study published in Child Development found that babies in stimulating environments with engaged caregivers tend to reach movement milestones, including crawling, earlier.
When do babies start crawling?
Most babies begin crawling between 6 to 10 months, but the timeline varies. Some may start as early as 5 months, while others take their time or even skip crawling altogether and move straight to standing or walking.
What influences when a baby starts crawling?
Several factors determine when a baby is ready to crawl:
- Muscle strength – A study published in Pediatrics discovered that tummy time plays a crucial role in strengthening a baby’s arms, core, and neck muscles—key for crawling.
- Tummy time exposure – Babies who get frequent tummy time develop the necessary muscle control earlier.
- Personality and curiosity – Some babies are naturally eager to explore, while others prefer sitting and observing before moving.
- Environment and encouragement – A study published in Child Development found that a stimulating, baby-safe environment and caregiver engagement encourage earlier movement.
- Individual differences – Some babies prefer alternative methods of mobility, like scooting or rolling, before transitioning to crawling.
While most babies crawl within this timeframe, some may take a different path. The key is to ensure they’re developing strength and coordination through movement and play.
Types of crawling styles in babies
Not all babies crawl the same way! Some start with a traditional hands-and-knees crawl, while others find unique methods to get around. Here are the most common crawling styles:
- Classic hands-and-knees crawl – The typical crawl, where babies move forward on their hands and knees, alternating sides.
- Army crawl – Babies drag themselves forward using their arms while their tummy stays on the floor.
- Bear crawl – Similar to classic crawling, but with straight legs, resembling a bear walk.
- Bottom scoot – Instead of crawling, babies sit and use their hands and legs to scoot around.
- Crab crawl – Babies push themselves sideways or backward, like a crab.
- Rolling crawl – Some babies roll over repeatedly to get where they want to go instead of crawling.
A study published in Infant Behavior and Development discovered that babies adopt different crawling styles based on their muscle strength, coordination, and the surfaces they practice on. No single style is “better”—what matters is that babies are exploring movement and developing motor skills.
Signs your baby is ready to crawl
Before babies start crawling, they go through a series of pre-crawling movements that indicate they’re building strength and coordination. Watch for these signs that your little one is getting ready to move:
- Pushing up on arms – During tummy time, your baby starts lifting their chest and supporting themselves on their arms.
- Rocking back and forth – Babies often get onto all fours and start shifting their weight forward and backward as they practice balance.
- Reaching and lunging forward – When a baby starts reaching for objects just out of reach, they are strengthening their coordination and motivation to move.
- Stronger arm and leg movements – You may notice your baby kicking more, pushing up, or trying to move their arms in a coordinated way.
- Pivoting in circles – Babies often practice turning in different directions while on their belly before figuring out forward movement.
A study published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology discovered that early weight-bearing activities, such as pushing up and shifting weight, are key predictors of crawling readiness.
If your baby is showing these signs, crawling could be just around the corner!
How to encourage crawling
While babies develop at their own pace, there are ways to gently encourage crawling by strengthening their muscles and motivating movement.
- Increase tummy time – A study published in Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics discovered that frequent tummy time helps build core and arm strength, which are essential for crawling.
- Create a safe and open space – Clear an area where your baby can explore freely, reducing obstacles that might discourage movement.
- Use toys as motivation – Placing a favorite toy slightly out of reach can encourage your baby to stretch, reach, and eventually crawl toward it.
- Help with positioning – Gently guide your baby onto all fours and support their balance by placing your hands under their tummy.
- Limit time in baby gear – A study published in Pediatrics found that excessive time in swings, bouncers, and walkers may delay motor milestones by reducing opportunities for active movement.
- Demonstrate crawling – Babies learn by watching, so getting down on the floor and showing them how to crawl can encourage them to mimic the movement.
With encouragement and a stimulating environment, your baby will build the confidence and strength needed to start crawling when they’re ready!
When to be concerned about delayed crawling
Every baby develops at their own pace, and some may take longer to start crawling than others. However, in some cases, a delay in crawling could signal an underlying issue. You may want to consult your pediatrician if:
- Your baby isn’t showing pre-crawling movements (like pushing up on arms or rocking back and forth) by 9 to 10 months.
- They seem to have weak muscle tone and struggle to support their weight on their arms and legs.
- They use only one side of their body to move (such as dragging one leg or arm consistently).
- They are not interested in movement at all and prefer to stay in one place.
- They have missed multiple motor milestones, such as rolling over or sitting up independently.
If you have concerns, a pediatrician or pediatric physical therapist can assess your baby’s motor development and provide guidance on how to support their progress.
Conclusion
Crawling is an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of your baby’s journey toward independence. While most babies start crawling between 6 to 10 months, every child develops at their own pace—some may crawl early, some may take their time, and others may skip crawling altogether.
By recognizing the signs of readiness, understanding what prompts crawling, and encouraging movement through tummy time, play, and a stimulating environment, you can support your baby as they build the strength and coordination needed to get moving.
If your baby is taking longer to crawl or showing signs of motor delays, don’t hesitate to check in with your pediatrician. Otherwise, enjoy this phase—it won’t be long before your little one is on the move, exploring everything in sight!
