New Mom 101: Signs Your Baby Is Ready To Crawl

Congratulations, new mom! Parenthood is an exciting journey filled with countless magical moments and adorable milestones. From their very first smile to the day they take their first steps, every achievement is a cause for celebration. And now, as your little one grows and begins to explore the world around them, it’s time to keep up with their ever-increasing curiosity. One milestone that often catches parents off guard is when their bundle of joy is ready to start crawling. Trust me, it’s like their own tiny expedition, and you need to be prepared. So, let’s learn a little bit more about this developmental milestone and dive into the signs that your baby is ready to crawl.

Why is Crawling Important?

Crawling plays a crucial role in an infant’s physical and cognitive development. It helps strengthen their muscles, develop coordination, improve spatial awareness, and enhance their cognitive skills. Most babies start crawling between 6 to 10 months of age, although this timeline can vary. Some babies may begin crawling earlier, around 4 to 6 months, while others may take longer.

Physical Readiness for Crawling

While crawling is a very important physical milestone, it’s definitely not the first one you’ll experience as a new parent. The following physical developments will need to occur before your baby will start crawling, so keep an eye out for these:

• Core strength: Before crawling, babies need to develop sufficient core strength and muscle tone in their neck, shoulders, arms, and abdomen. This is achieved through tummy time, where babies spend time on their stomachs.
• Head and neck control: Babies need to have good head and neck control before they can crawl. This ensures they can hold their head up while moving and maintain stability.
• Mastering sitting independently: Sitting independently is an important milestone that precedes crawling. Babies should be able to sit upright without support before they can crawl.
• Fine motor skills: Crawling requires the coordination of movements between the arms, hands, and eyes. Babies should demonstrate good hand-eye coordination and have developed some fine motor skills to support crawling.

Cognitive Readiness for Crawling

In addition to physical developments, there are a number of cognitive developments that normally happen before babies start crawling.

• Curiosity and exploration: Babies who are ready to crawl often exhibit a sense of curiosity and a desire to explore their environment. They may show interest in objects that are just out of reach and try to move towards them. They also may show an increased interest in reaching and grabbing objects, often attempting to extend their arm or lean forward while on their hands and knees.
• Spatial awareness and depth perception: Crawling requires babies to develop an understanding of spatial awareness and depth perception. They should be able to judge distances between objects and adjust their movements accordingly.
• Desire for independence: Babies who are ready to crawl often exhibit increased mobility and a desire for independence. They may show frustration when they are unable to reach desired objects or places.

5 Signs Your Baby is Ready to Crawl

1. They spend more and more time on their tummies and start to dislike laying on their backs.
2. They can hold themselves up on their hands and knees.
3. They start rocking back and forth or side to side while on hands and knees. This rocking motion helps them build momentum and develop coordination.
4. They attempt to move forward on their bellies — often called the commando crawl.
5. They show a clear interest in exploring their surroundings and may actively try to move towards objects, people, or sounds.

Supporting Your Baby’s Crawling Journey

As a parent, it’s your job to support your child as they learn and grow. One of the most important ways you can do this is by creating a safe environment for exploration that’s free from potential hazards. Remove any sharp objects, secure furniture, and create a space that encourages exploration. Consider investing in a specially-designed baby gate for stairs to protect your child from dangerous falls.

Once you have baby-proofed your home and ensured its safety, focus on keeping your child engaged and entertained to promote their physical and cognitive development. Encourage regular tummy time sessions to help build core strength and muscle development. Supervised playtime will allow your baby to practice their crawling movements in a secure environment. Introduce age-appropriate toys and props that will motivate your baby to crawl. Colorful toys with textured surfaces and interactive objects work especially well to capture their interest and encourage movement.

In Conclusion: Be Patient and Supportive

The journey of parenthood is a beautiful and awe-inspiring experience. Watching your little one grow and achieve new milestones is a testament to their growth and development. The moment your baby is ready to start crawling is a pivotal point in their journey, as it marks their newfound mobility and curiosity for the world around them. By understanding the signs and indicators that your baby is ready to crawl, you can better support and encourage their progress. From building core strength and muscle development to demonstrating cognitive and sensory readiness, there are various factors to consider when determining if your baby is ready to embark on their crawling adventures.

Remember, each baby develops at their own pace, and it’s important not to compare your child’s progress to others. Babyproofing your home, creating a safe and stimulating environment, and offering gentle guidance and encouragement are essential steps in supporting your baby’s crawling journey. If you have any concerns or notice potential developmental delays, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Pediatricians and specialists are there to provide guidance, address concerns and offer early intervention services if necessary.