When Do Babies Start Crawling? What to Expect and How to Help
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One Big Step (or Crawl!) Toward Independence
Your baby’s first crawl is more than just adorable — it’s a major developmental milestone. Crawling helps your little one explore their environment, strengthen their muscles, and prepare for walking. But like many milestones, crawling doesn’t happen at the same time for every baby.
So, when do babies start crawling? What signs should you look for? And how can you gently support this exciting stage of growth? Let’s dig in. 🐣
🗓️ When Do Most Babies Start Crawling?
Most babies begin crawling between 6 to 10 months of age. However, some may start earlier or later — and that’s totally normal.
💡 Important note: Some babies skip crawling altogether and go straight to standing or walking. What matters more is that your baby is developing muscle strength and coordination in their own unique way.
👶 Common Crawling Styles
Not all babies crawl the same way! Here are a few normal crawling styles:
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Classic crawl (cross-crawl): One hand and the opposite knee move together
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Commando crawl: Dragging the body forward on the tummy using arms
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Bear crawl: Hands and feet on the floor with hips raised
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Bum scoot: Scooting on their bottom using hands for balance
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Rolling crawl: Moving around by rolling rather than crawling
👉 As long as your baby is moving independently and exploring safely, their crawl style is okay!
🧠 Why Crawling Is Important
Crawling supports several key areas of baby development:
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Muscle strength: Builds core, arms, shoulders, and legs
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Coordination: Enhances hand-eye and left-right brain coordination
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Spatial awareness: Helps baby understand where they are in space
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Cognitive growth: Encourages exploration, curiosity, and learning
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Prepares for walking: Strengthens muscles used in standing and walking
📋 Signs Your Baby Is Getting Ready to Crawl
Watch for these early signs around 5 to 7 months:
✔️ Baby is doing tummy time confidently
✔️ Starts to rock back and forth on hands and knees
✔️ Reaches for toys while on tummy
✔️ Begins pushing up on hands or getting into crawling position
✔️ Can roll over both ways
✔️ Shows increased interest in moving toward objects
💡 How to Help Your Baby Learn to Crawl
You can gently encourage crawling with safe, baby-led play:
1. Tummy Time, Tummy Time, Tummy Time!
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Aim for several short sessions daily, starting from birth
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Helps baby build strength in neck, shoulders, and arms
2. Use Toys for Motivation
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Place a favorite toy just out of reach to inspire movement
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Try a mirror or soft musical toy to grab their attention
3. Create a Safe Play Space
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Use a clean, open floor area with a soft mat or carpet
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Let baby explore freely and safely
4. Get Down on the Floor
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Crawl alongside your baby so they can mimic you
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Cheer them on — your encouragement matters!
5. Limit Time in Containers
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Avoid too much time in bouncers, swings, or walkers
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These restrict movement and may delay motor milestones
🛍️ Support Crawling with These Tools from Omomly
🧠 High-Contrast Visual Cards – Great for tummy time motivation
🩺 When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
If your baby hasn’t shown signs of crawling or other movement (like rolling or scooting) by 10–12 months, talk to your pediatrician. Every baby develops at their own pace, but a professional can help assess if extra support is needed.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate the Crawl 🐾
Whether your baby starts crawling at 6 months, 9 months, or never crawls at all, this stage is all about growing independence, curiosity, and confidence. Stay patient, offer encouragement, and enjoy watching your little one explore the world one wiggle at a time.
Because every crawl — no matter how small — is a giant leap in your baby’s journey. 💛
Explore more parenting tips and baby milestones on the Omomly Blog.
