6 Easy Ways to help Baby Crawl
As a parent of the newborn, you are always looking at your baby eagerly anticipating major milestones like walking and talking. Another such major milestone is Crawling.
Crawling is the first stage of learning to walk. But, many new 11 Common Baby Boomer Parenting Mistakes you should Avoid” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>parents miss important signs the baby is ready to crawl. These signs are very subtle. They are early indicators of when the baby is ready to crawl.
Fortunately, crawling is a natural developmental milestone that happens when the baby is ready. While it isn’t something you have to teach your little one, there are some Ways to help Baby Crawl. It helps in encouraging them to crawl and eventually teach them to walk.
Crawling typically occurs later, between 7 and 10 months of age, although some babies may start as early as 6 months or as late as 12 months. It’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace and some may start crawling later or earlier than others.
If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician.
One way to understand crawling is by learning the different types of crawls. In this article, I have mentioned the six different types of crawls along with 8 Signs that your baby is ready to crawl. Later on in the article, I have revealed 6 Easy Ways to help Baby Crawl.
6 Types of Baby Crawling Styles
The Commando Crawl
The commando crawl is also known as belly crawl as it looks like crawling with the upper body or belly. Most babies begin crawling by pressing their tummy against the floor while moving.
They lay flat on their tummy and use their arms to move forward. Some babies crawl in the commando style before starting to walk. However, some babies switch up from the commando crawl to the classic one.
The Classic Crawl
As the name suggests, this type of crawling is the classic way of crawling. In this, the baby is on his hands and knees with their tummy towards the floor. They move one arm and the opposite leg to move forward.
The Bear Crawl
The bear crawl for babies refers to an activity where a parent or caregiver helps a baby move forward on all fours, imitating the motion of a crawling bear.
This activity can help to develop a baby’s gross motor skills and coordination, as well as provide opportunities for interaction and bonding with the caregiver.
It is important to ensure the baby is supervised at all times and on a safe and soft surface.
Additionally, bear crawls should not be forced and the baby should only participate if they are comfortable and ready to do so.
The Crab Crawl
The crab crawl for babies is a similar activity to the bear crawl, but instead of crawling forward on all fours, the baby is crawling backwards, with their belly facing upwards.
This exercise can also help to develop a baby’s gross motor skills, coordination, and stability, as well as provide opportunities for interaction and bonding with the caregiver.
As with the bear crawl, it is important to ensure the baby is supervised at all times and on a safe and soft surface, and that they are only participating if they are comfortable and ready to do so.
The Leapfrog Crawl
The leapfrog crawl for babies is a fun and interactive activity where a parent or caregiver helps a baby move forward by crawling over and under their legs, like a game of leapfrog.
This activity can help to develop a baby’s gross motor skills, coordination, and stability, as well as provide opportunities for interaction and bonding with the caregiver.
As with other crawling exercises, it is important to ensure the baby is supervised at all times and on a safe and soft surface, and that they are only participating if they are comfortable and ready to do so.
The Roll
Some babies love to roll so much that it becomes their primary way to get around. Instead of using their hands and legs, they roll themselves from one place to another. Although, in this case parents need to be extremely careful and baby proof their entire home such as baby crib, changing table and other furniture that the baby frequently uses.
8 Signs Baby is Ready to Crawl
1. Starting Holding Onto Different Things
Mostly when babies are ready to crawl, they try to hold different objects around them trying to balance themselves and move around the house. This is a sign that indicates that the baby is ready to crawl.
Them holding onto different objects/things shows that the baby wants to move around and explore the surroundings. They no longer wish to take others’ help to hold them up.
2. Rocking Back And Forth
Babies sometimes rock themselves before starting to crawl. This is because they are trying to figure out a way to move from one place to another. When babies are ready, they might hold onto their knees while rocking back and forth.
Rocking back and forth causes babies to do belly crawl. Hence, tummy time is one of the ways to help Baby Crawl.
3. Pulling Themselves Up
Pulling up to a standing position is a separate milestone that typically occurs before crawling, although some babies may skip this step and go straight to crawling.
Pulling themselves up usually happens between 9 and 12 months of age, when a baby is able to use their arm strength and balance to stand up while holding onto a stable surface such as a furniture piece.
This is an important step in their development as it helps to build their leg and core muscles, which are important for crawling and other gross motor skills.
4. Move Around On Their Hands And Knees
Moving around on their hands and knees is a sign that a baby is starting to crawl. When a baby begins to move in this way, it typically indicates that they are developing the strength and coordination needed for crawling.
Crawling is an important milestone in a baby’s development, as it helps to build their gross motor skills, strengthen their muscles, and improve their coordination and balance. By crawling, a baby is able to explore their environment and engage with their surroundings in new and exciting ways.
5. Getting Into Crawling Positions
Getting into crawling positions is a significant milestone in a baby’s development as it signals that they are preparing to start crawling.
Before a baby can crawl, they need to be able to hold their head up and sit up without support. This helps them maintain balance while they move. Crawling requires a lot of core and limb strength, so if a baby has strong arm, leg, and core muscles, they are likely ready to start crawling
By providing a safe and supportive environment for a baby to explore and develop their crawling skills, you can help them build confidence and independence as they continue to grow and develop.
6. Trying A Cross-Legged Position
Trying a cross-legged position is one sign that a baby is getting ready to crawl. When a baby is in a cross-legged position, they are practicing their balance and building the muscles they need for crawling.
It’s important to provide a safe and supportive environment for a baby to explore and develop their crawling skills. Encourage them to move and explore, but always supervise them to ensure their safety.
7. Moving Their Feet Around
Moving their feet around is one sign that a baby is getting ready to crawl. When a baby starts moving their feet around, it’s a sign that they are developing the muscle control and coordination needed for crawling.
8. Try To Move Around In Different Positions
Trying to move around in different positions is a clear indication that a baby is getting ready to crawl. When a baby starts to experiment with different positions, they are developing the coordination, strength, and control they need to crawl effectively.
This is a crucial stage in a baby’s development as it helps them build their muscles and refine their movements. As they try to move around, they are also exploring their environment and developing their cognitive and physical skills.
These are some of the signs that your baby is starting to crawl. There are different signs of a baby crawling differing from baby to baby. So, keep an open mind and pay attention to your baby in their initial learning and developing phase of their life.
6 Easy Ways to help Baby Crawl
1. Give your baby adequate tummy time
Tummy time is one of the ways to help baby crawl. It is an important activity that can help a baby learn to crawl. When a baby is placed on their tummy, it helps to develop the strength and control in their neck, back, and arm muscles, which are important for crawling.
Additionally, being in this position can encourage the baby to move and explore their environment, which can lead to crawling movements.
It’s important to start with short periods of tummy time and gradually increase as the baby becomes more comfortable. Providing toys or other items for the baby to reach for can also encourage them to move and practice their crawling skills.
It’s also important to make sure the baby is supervised and on a safe and soft surface during tummy time.
2. Reduce the amount of time in walkers and bouncers
Reducing the amount of time a baby spends in walkers and bouncers is one of the ways to help baby crawl. This is because these devices can actually delay the development of crawling and other important gross motor skills.
Walkers and bouncers can provide support for the baby and allow them to move around easily without having to work to develop the necessary strength and control for crawling.
To promote crawling, it’s recommended to provide more opportunities for the baby to engage in activities that encourage movement and exploration, such as tummy time, supervised play on the floor, and crawling and other gross motor activities with a parent or caregiver.
This can help to build the strength and control needed for crawling, and also provides opportunities for bonding and interaction with the caregiver.
3. Give your baby a little extra motivation
Here are a few ways to give a baby a little extra motivation to learn to crawl:
- Place toys just out of reach: Place toys or other objects the baby wants just out of reach, so they are motivated to crawl to get them.
- Follow the Leader: Lead the baby by crawling away from them and encouraging them to follow.
- Play Games: Play games such as “Peek-a-Boo” or “This Little Piggy” that involve crawling or movement.
- Crawling Tunnel: Provide a crawling tunnel or other obstacle course for the baby to navigate, which can be both challenging and fun.
- Music: Play music that encourages movement, such as nursery rhymes, and encourage the baby to crawl along with the beat.
- Reading: Read books that feature crawling animals, such as “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” and motivate the baby to imitate the movements.
Remember, every baby develops at their own pace and some may not start crawling until later. Additionally, it’s important to be patient and supportive and not to force the baby to crawl before they are ready.
4. Let The Baby Play In Front Of A Mirror
Playing in front of a mirror can be a fun and motivating activity for a baby to help them learn to crawl. When a baby sees their reflection in the mirror, they may be motivated to reach for it, which can encourage crawling movements.
Additionally, watching themselves move in the mirror can also help a baby to develop their sense of body awareness and coordination, which are important for crawling and other gross motor skills.
It’s important to make sure the mirror is securely placed and within reach of the baby, and that they are supervised at all times. A soft, safe surface should also be provided for the baby to play on.
As with all activities, it’s important to respect the baby’s comfort level and not to force them to participate if they are not ready.
5. Get on the floor and crawl with your baby
Getting on the floor and crawling with your baby is a great ways to help baby crawl. By imitating the baby’s movements and playing with them, you can create a fun and supportive environment that helps to build their confidence and encourage their development.
When crawling with your baby, you can lead the way, follow them, or crawl alongside them. You can also provide encouragement and praise for their efforts, and offer toys or other objects for them to reach for and explore.
This type of play can also provide an opportunity for bonding and interaction between you and your baby, which can be beneficial for their overall development. It’s important to make sure that the crawling area is safe and free from any hazards, and that you supervise your baby at all times.
6. Provide Interesting Toys To Baby
Providing interesting and engaging toys can be a great way to encourage a baby to learn to crawl. When a baby is motivated to reach for and explore toys, they are naturally encouraged to move and develop their gross motor skills, including crawling.
Some good types of toys for this purpose include:
- Rattles and other toys that make noise, as babies are often attracted to sounds.
- Toys that light up or have bright colors, as babies are naturally drawn to visually stimulating items.
- Soft toys, such as stuffed animals, that can be easily grasped and manipulated by the baby.
- Toys that can be stacked or fit together, such as blocks or shape sorters, which can encourage the baby to crawl towards them.
- Toys with different textures, such as soft and bumpy or smooth and shiny, to encourage exploration and discovery.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to regularly rotate the toys to keep the baby interested and motivated, and to offer new and challenging toys as the baby develops their skills and abilities.
Takeaway:
In conclusion, teaching a baby to crawl is a gradual process that requires patience, encouragement, and a safe environment.
By providing tummy time, using toys as motivation, and supervising the baby, you can help your little one develop this important physical milestone
In this post, I have mentioned 6 Easy Ways to help Baby Crawl. But keep in mind that there are multiple other factors that you have to keep in your mind.
Just remember to be patient and let the baby progress at their own pace. Every baby is different, and every journey is unique, so enjoy the experience and celebrate every step along the way!