Crawling marks a significant step in a baby’s journey. Crawling, a stage second only to learning to walk, mirrors the milestone achieved in the biological development of young humans. New parents often wonder: When do babies start crawling? Although this varies from baby to baby, they typically start exploring and crawling between 7 and 12 months.
Recognizing the signs that your baby is ready to start crawling is a crucial step in understanding and supporting this vital stage of your baby’s development. Additionally, it’s important to stay involved in your baby’s development to know when to baby-proof your home. Aspired Mother offers a holistic approach to childbirth, nurturing the body, mind, and spirit of the mother throughout her journey. We value education and preparation. Today, we will closely examine the signs that indicate your baby is about to take their first crawl. Let’s get started!
Signs that your baby will start crawling
The first crawl of a baby is a momentous occasion, a milestone that brings immense joy to the baby and the parents. It’s a tangible sign that all the care and nurturing have led to this hearty moment, a moment that you’ll cherish forever.
More Tummy time
Between 6 and 9 months, babies’ bodies start to prepare for crawling. Tummy time, where babies are placed on their stomachs during playtime, has a significant impact on building the strength and coordination needed for crawling. If you notice your baby spending more time on their belly, it’s a clear sign that they’re getting ready to explore their world.
They Can Sit Up On Their Own
Sitting up, with or without support, is a skill babies get familiar with before they start crawling. It builds their core muscles, improves coordination by helping them maintain balance, and allows them to adjust their bodies while shifting weight in different positions. When your baby shows stability in sitting, you will know that a natural next step will be to start moving towards desired objects.
Frequent Roll Overs
Rolling over is another strong indicator that your baby is making an effort to crawl. At this stage, you no longer need to place them in tummy time—they enjoy it so much that their body naturally works to transition from lying on their back to their belly.
Moody When Stationary
Does your baby get cranky in their highchair, constantly trying to get down? This could be a sign that they’re ready for more movement! As your baby grows, their curiosity and desire to explore new corners of the house increase. They no longer want to sit still—they’re eager to take charge of their tiny independence. This might be the perfect time for them to start crawling!
How can you help your baby crawl?
When your baby reaches the six-to-nine-month stage, always have a recording device ready to capture the precious moment. If you want to witness your little one beginning to crawl through the house quickly, give them a gentle boost by incorporating some of the recommendations mentioned. Let’s explore them in detail.
- Give Them Space: – Ensure your home is clutter-free, mainly if there’s a limited carpeted area. Creating an open, safe space with rugs or carpets allows your baby to explore freely while minimizing the risk of injury.
- Avoid Baby Walkers: – It’s time for your little one to build strength on their own! Gradually reduce the use of baby walkers, as they don’t significantly help with muscle strengthening. The more time your baby spends on the floor, the sooner they’ll figure out how to move independently from one room to another.
- Encourage Movement with Their Favorite Toy: – Set their favorite toy at a distance, out of their reach and watch as they quickly come up with a plan to get to it. This simple trick motivates them to start crawling naturally.
- Increase Tummy Time: – Tummy time is a key driver in helping babies develop the strength and coordination needed for crawling. The more time they spend on their tummy, the stronger they’ll become!
Holistic Doula Services for Your Childbirth Journey
If your baby hasn’t started showing these signs yet, there are many ways to encourage them on this exciting journey. Remember, every baby progresses at their own speed, and it’s perfectly normal if it takes a little longer to start crawling. Patience and support are key in this process.
Aspired Mother provides concierge doula services, tailored to the unique needs of every baby and family. We understand that the journey doesn’t end when your baby is born—it’s just beginning. Our personalized guidance and emotional support will help you connect with your baby on a deeper level, making you feel confident in your parenting journey. With us, you’ll feel supported, respected, and empowered every step of the way. Contact us today!
