Babies typically start crawling by exploring different ways to move themselves forward, often beginning with methods like the belly crawl or bottom scoot before mastering traditional crawling.
Before achieving the classic hands-and-knees crawl, infants discover various techniques to gain mobility. This crucial developmental stage allows them to explore their environment independently and build strength and coordination.
Initial Methods of Getting Around
Babies don't all start crawling the same way. They experiment with different movements as their muscles develop and they figure out how to propel themselves.
According to one perspective, your little one may begin crawling by creeping — keeping her tummy and legs down on the floor and pulling herself along with her arms. This method, sometimes also known as the “belly crawl,” uses the arms to drag the body forward while the lower half stays grounded.
Another common initial approach is the bottom scoot. While learning to crawl, your baby may test out scooting around on her bottom. This involves sitting and pushing or shuffling with their hands and legs to move across the floor.
Other Pre-Crawling Movements
Beyond the belly crawl and bottom scoot, babies might try other inventive ways to move:
- Rolling: Babies often learn to roll over significant distances before they crawl.
- Army Crawl: Similar to the belly crawl, but perhaps using arms more actively to "pull" the body.
- Crab Crawl: Moving sideways, like a crab, using hands and feet.
- Bear Crawl: Keeping hands and feet flat on the floor with knees straight, moving like a bear.
These varied movements are all part of the process leading up to more coordinated crawling patterns.
What Comes Next?
These initial methods, like the belly crawl or bottom scoot, are often precursors to the more familiar hands-and-knees crawl. As babies build core strength and develop better control over their limbs, they gradually transition to lifting their tummies off the floor and using alternating movements of arms and legs to crawl effectively.
It's important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace, and the path to crawling can look different for each child.
