When Do Babies Start Crawling? Milestones, Signs, and What to Expect
Introduction
Watching your baby reach developmental milestones is one of the most exciting parts of parenthood. Among those major achievements is crawling, a sign that your baby is developing strength, coordination, and independence.
So, when do babies start crawling? Most babies begin to crawl between 6 to 10 months, but every child is unique. Some may start earlier, some later, and a few may skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking.
In this article, MyCyberClinic will explore the typical timeline, signs your baby is ready, types of crawling styles, and how to support your little one’s journey safely and confidently.
When Do Babies Start Crawling?
Every day you watch your baby grow, learn, and become more independent. So it’s natural to wonder when your little one will start to crawl. Observing and helping your baby master this new skill is one of the joys of parenting you’ll experience in this first year, and the moment your little one “gets it” is one you’ll remember for a long time.
Most babies start crawling at around 7 to 9 months old, although some may begin as early as 6 months or as late as 11 months.
General Timeline:
- 0–3 months: Lifting head and tummy time
- 4–6 months: Rolling over, pushing up on arms
- 6–9 months: Rocking back and forth on hands and knees
- 7–10 months: Actual crawling begins
Some babies may skip crawling altogether and move straight to standing or walking. This is normal as long as other developmental milestones are being met.
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A baby’s readiness to crawl is indicated by several physical and developmental milestones. These include strengthening head and neck control, pushing up onto hands and knees, rocking back and forth on all fours, and showing an interest in moving around.
Some babies may also begin to scoot, commando crawl, or even crawl backward before mastering the traditional hands-and-knees crawl.
Before your baby can begin crawling, they’ll need to develop a complex set of skills, all of which will help strengthen your baby’s muscles in preparation for crawling.
These are some of the things you might notice your baby doing as they get ready to start crawling:
- Constantly moving while lying down
- Arching their neck to look around when they’re on their stomach (while you give them supervised tummy time)
- Grabbing their feet while they’re lying on their back
- Turning or rolling over when they’re lying on their back
- Rocking on their hands and knees when they’re on all fours
- Pushing themselves backward instead of forward when they’re on all fours
- Digging in with their knees and launching forward when they’re on all fours.
At this point in your baby’s development, crawling might not be too far off, so make sure you keep a watchful eye on them. Don’t leave them unattended unless they’re in a safe place like their crib.
If you haven’t done so already, this is also a great time to babyproof your home. As part of this process, make sure that dangerous items are locked away and that furniture that can tip over is secure, so that your little one can’t get in harm’s way once they can move independently.
At What Age Do Babies Crawl?
Many babies learn to crawl sometime between 7 months and 10 months. But as every baby is unique, your little one might be on the move earlier or later than others. Some babies skip the crawling stage altogether.
So, if you’re wondering when “should” babies crawl or what’s a normal crawling age for babies, keep in mind that all babies grow and develop at their own pace. Try not to compare your little one to other babies. If you’re wondering whether your baby is on track, consult your healthcare provider.
Here are some signs that your baby may be gearing up to crawl:
- Pushing up on hands and knees
- Rocking back and forth
- Scooting backward before forward
- Trying to reach for toys while on tummy
- Rolling in both directions
- Strong head and neck control
These signs often appear weeks before actual crawling, so pay attention to your baby’s movements during tummy time and play.
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Types of Crawling Styles
Crawling is defined as any form of “prone progression,” which is movement in which the tummy is toward the floor.1 This prone progression can happen in a lot of different ways!
In fact, in one of her many studies on crawling babies, Karen Adolph, PhD, associate professor of psychology at New York University, observed 25 unique combinations of body parts babies use to propel themselves forward. That means that no matter how your baby figures out crawling, it will be exactly the right way for them.
The two main categories of crawling are belly crawling and criss-cross crawling, which is when the hands and knees of opposite limbs work together to move forward. Scientists have found that this type of crawling is beneficial for brain development and may even help the two brain hemispheres communicate. Here’s a look at six of the most common styles of crawling that most babies will use.
- The Belly Crawl
The belly crawl is also known as the combat or commando crawl since it looks a bit like crawling with only the upper body. About half of babies begin crawling by keeping their tummy against the floor as they move.
Belly creepers usually begin crawling earlier than four-on-the-floor crawlers because they don’t have to get up on their hands and knees, which requires greater strength and balance.
Some babies use belly crawling as their only method of crawling until they learn to walk, while other babies switch from commando to the classic crawl before they start walking.
- The Classic Crawl
With the “classic crawl,” the baby is on all fours (hands and knees) with their tummy off the floor. They’ll alternate arms and legs, getting the arm on one side to hit the floor at the same time as the leg on the opposite side.
This movement is what most parents tend to think of when they talk about babies crawling, but not every baby will use this style.
- The Bear Crawl
Just like the classic crawl, the bear crawl uses all four limbs to get around. The difference is that a bear crawl uses the hands and feet on the floor rather than hands and knees, which keeps the arms and legs unbent, making your baby look like they could be doing push-ups.
- The Crab Crawl
With the crab crawl, the baby pushes with their arms instead of pulls, which has the unintended, and often frustrating, consequence of sending them backward or sideways just like a little crab.
- The Leapfrog Crawl
With the leapfrog crawl, the baby makes a bridge with their arms and legs and then thrusts forward. It may look like play, but your baby is hard at work learning to move like a pro.
- The Roll
Some babies get so good at rolling that it becomes their primary way to get around. For little expert rollers, it is wise to make sure that spaces such as beds, changing tables, and other furniture are baby-proofed so your mobile baby doesn’t roll off and get hurt.
How to Encourage Crawling
If your baby is showing interest but hasn’t quite started crawling yet, there are gentle ways to support and encourage the process:
1. Tummy Time
Regular tummy time strengthens neck, shoulder, and arm muscles. Aim for 20–30 minutes total per day (broken into shorter sessions).
2. Use Toys for Motivation
Place favorite toys just out of reach to encourage movement and reaching.
3. Get Down and Play
Interact with your baby on the floor to make crawling more fun.
4. Use a Mirror
Babies love their reflection! A baby-safe mirror can encourage exploration and movement.
5. Limit Time in Swings, Jumpers, and Bouncers
Too much time in these can delay gross motor development.
When Do Babies Stop Crawling?
Most babies transition from crawling to standing and walking around 12 to 15 months.
However, the transition from crawling to walking varies greatly, with some babies walking as early as 9 months and others taking their first steps closer to 18 months.
Conclusion
Crawling is a major milestone that usually happens between 6 to 10 months of age. Every baby is different, and some may take longer or skip crawling altogether. What’s most important is that your baby is making progress in gross motor skills and overall development.
By giving your baby plenty of tummy time, a safe space to move, and lots of encouragement, you’ll support them through this exciting stage, on the way to their first steps.
FAQ:
Q1: Is it normal for my baby to crawl late?
A: Yes. Many healthy babies start crawling as late as 10 or 11 months. Some skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking.
Q2: Can I help my baby crawl sooner?
A: You can encourage crawling with tummy time, floor play, and by motivating your baby with toys — but each baby moves at their own pace.
Q3: What if my baby only scoots or bottom-shuffles?
A: That’s still considered a form of crawling. As long as your baby is mobile and hitting other milestones, it’s not usually a concern.
Q4: Does crawling affect brain development?
A: Yes. Crawling supports coordination, spatial awareness, and other skills linked to brain development.
Q5: Is it bad if my baby skips crawling?
A: Not necessarily. Some babies go straight to walking. If you’re concerned, speak to your pediatrician to rule out motor delays.
