Overview
Watching your baby become more mobile is an exciting part of their development. One day they may be reaching for a toy, and before long they might be rolling, shuffling or crawling across the floor to get it.
Babies usually learn to crawl sometime between 4 and 10 months, but every baby develops at their own pace. Some babies crawl earlier or later, while others bottom shuffle, move around on their tummy or go straight to pulling themselves up and walking.
Crawling is only one part of your baby’s development. What is most important is that they are gradually building strength, using their body to explore and learning new ways to move.
At what age do babies crawl?
Many babies start crawling between 4 and 10 months. Before crawling, your baby will usually develop skills such as holding their head up, rolling, sitting, reaching and pushing themselves up from the floor.
There is no single age when all babies should start crawling. Your baby’s development can be influenced by many things, including:
- Their individual temperament
- How much time they spend playing on the floor
- Their strength and coordination
- Whether they were born prematurely
- The way they prefer to move and explore
If your baby was born prematurely, your child and family health nurse or GP may use their corrected age when looking at their development.
Try not to compare your baby too closely with other babies of the same age. Development happens over time, and differences between babies are often nothing to worry about.
Explore our guide to baby developmental milestones to see how these movement skills fit into your baby’s wider development.
Signs your baby may be getting ready to crawl
Crawling involves strength, balance and coordination. Before your baby starts moving across the floor, you may notice them practising some of the skills they need.
Signs your baby may be getting ready to crawl include:
- Holding their head up steadily
- Pushing up on their arms during tummy time
- Rolling from their tummy to their back or back to tummy
- Sitting with less support
- Reaching for toys while sitting or lying down
- Turning or pivoting while on their tummy
- Pulling their knees underneath their body
- Rocking forwards and backwards on their hands and knees
- Moving backwards when they are trying to move forwards
- Becoming interested in toys or people that are out of reach
Your baby does not need to show every one of these signs before they crawl. Some babies also discover their own way of getting around.
Different ways babies learn to move
Not every baby crawls on their hands and knees. There are many different ways babies may move while they build strength and coordination.
Hands-and-knees crawling
Your baby supports their weight on their hands and knees, moving one arm and the opposite leg forwards at the same time. This is sometimes called traditional crawling.
Commando crawling
Your baby lies on their tummy and uses their arms to pull themselves forwards. Their tummy may stay in contact with the floor as they move.
Bottom shuffling
Your baby sits upright and uses their legs, arms or bottom to move across the floor.
Bear crawling
Your baby moves using their hands and feet while keeping their knees lifted from the floor.
Rolling or pivoting
Some babies roll from place to place or turn in circles on their tummy before learning another way to move.
Moving backwards
It is common for babies to move backwards before they learn to crawl forwards. Their arms may initially be stronger than their legs, causing them to push themselves in the opposite direction.
Some babies skip crawling altogether and move from sitting to pulling themselves up, standing and walking. This can be normal, but speak with your child and family health nurse or GP if you have concerns about your baby’s strength or mobility.
How to encourage your baby to crawl
All babies grow and develop at their own pace. You can support their development by providing safe opportunities to move, play and explore.
Offer regular tummy time
Tummy time helps your baby strengthen the muscles in their neck, shoulders, arms, back and tummy. These muscles will support later movements such as rolling, sitting, crawling and walking.
Place your baby on their tummy for short periods several times throughout the day. Stay close and supervise them at all times.
Karitane Tip: Tummy time is best done on the floor.
Give your baby floor time
A clean mat or soft floor surface gives your baby room to stretch, roll, reach and practise moving.
Try to balance time in prams, highchairs, car seats and other equipment with plenty of supervised play on the floor.
Place toys within sight but slightly out of reach
Place a favourite toy close enough for your baby to see, but far enough away that they need to reach, turn or move towards it.
Avoid placing the toy so far away that your baby becomes upset or frustrated. Follow their lead and bring the toy closer when they need help.
Get down on the floor together
Lie or sit facing your baby and encourage them with your voice, facial expressions and cuddles. Your baby may be especially interested in trying to move towards you.
Encourage reaching in different directions
Place safe toys on either side of your baby to encourage them to reach, turn and shift their weight.
Create a simple crawling course
Once your baby is moving confidently, you can arrange cushions or other soft objects for them to crawl around or over. Keep the activity simple and stay nearby at all times.
We recommend short, engaging play sessions that follow your baby’s interests and provide safe opportunities for movement.
What if my baby does not like tummy time?
Some babies find tummy time difficult at first. Begin with very short periods and gradually increase the time as your baby becomes stronger and more comfortable.
You could try:
- Lying your baby across your chest while you lean back
- Placing a rolled towel under their chest for support
- Getting down at their eye level
- Singing or talking to them
- Placing a safe mirror or toy in front of them
- Trying tummy time when they are awake, calm and not hungry
Stop and try again later if your baby becomes tired or upset. Tummy time should always be supervised, and your baby should be placed on their back for sleep.
Making your home safe for a crawling baby
Once your baby starts moving, they may reach places and objects that were previously out of sight. Baby-proofing your home before they become mobile can help keep them safe.
Get down on the floor and look at each room from your baby’s height. Check for anything they could reach, pull, climb on or place in their mouth.
Consider the following safety steps:
- Keep small objects and choking hazards off the floor
- Secure televisions and heavy furniture to the wall
- Install safety gates near stairs
- Cover or move electrical cords
- Use covers on unused power points
- Lock away medicines, cleaning products and chemicals
- Keep hot drinks, cords and tablecloths out of reach
- Move pet food, water bowls and litter trays when needed
- Keep blind and curtain cords secured
- Never leave your baby unattended on a bed, couch or change table
- Check that toys are appropriate for your baby’s age
- Adjust the cot mattress height when your baby begins pulling up
Your baby will learn through touching, reaching and exploring. Creating a safe space allows them to practise these skills while you stay nearby.
Does crawling affect my baby’s sleep?
Learning a new skill such as crawling can sometimes temporarily change your baby’s sleep.
Your baby may be excited to practise their new movement, including when they are in their cot. They may also wake after moving into an unfamiliar or uncomfortable position and need help to settle again.
Continue using a calm and consistent bedtime routine. If your baby wakes, respond to their cues and offer gentle reassurance. These sleep changes will usually settle as your baby becomes more confident with their new skill.
What if my baby is not crawling?
Not crawling at the same age as another baby does not necessarily mean that something is wrong. Look at your baby’s overall development rather than focusing on crawling alone.
Consider whether your baby is:
- Becoming stronger over time
- Moving both sides of their body
- Holding their head and body with increasing control
- Rolling, sitting, reaching or changing position
- Showing interest in moving towards people or objects
- Exploring their surroundings in their own way
Some babies use bottom shuffling or another way of moving instead of crawling. Others may progress directly to pulling themselves up and walking.
Speak with your GP or child and family health nurse if you are concerned about your baby’s movement or development. Seek support if a baby is not moving around, such as crawling or bottom shuffling, by about 9 months.
When to seek advice
You know your baby best. It is a good idea to speak with your GP, paediatrician or child and family health nurse if:
- Your baby seems unusually stiff or floppy
- They regularly use one side of their body more than the other
- They are not becoming stronger or more mobile over time
- They cannot sit without support by around 9 months
- They are not moving around by crawling, shuffling or another method
- They are not placing weight through their legs when supported
- They have lost a movement or skill they previously had
- You have any concerns about their development
You do not need to wait until a particular age to ask for advice. Early support can help you understand your baby’s development and identify whether your baby needs further support.
The NSW Health Blue Book provides information about your child’s health and development and can support discussions with your child and family health nurse or GP.
When Do Babies Start Crawling FAQs
Yes. Some babies begin crawling at around 6 months, although many start later. Babies develop at different rates, so crawling earlier or later can both be typical.
Some babies are not crawling at 9 months and may be developing normally. They might be rolling, bottom shuffling, pivoting or moving in another way. Speak with your GP or child and family health nurse if your baby is not moving around or you have concerns about their strength and development.
No. Some babies skip crawling and move directly to pulling themselves up, cruising along furniture and walking. Look at your baby’s overall progress and seek advice if you are concerned about their strength or mobility.
Moving backwards is common when babies first start trying to crawl. Their arms may be stronger than their legs, causing them to push themselves backwards. With more practice, they may learn how to coordinate their arms and legs to move forwards.
Commando crawling can be a normal way for babies to move. Your baby may pull themselves forwards using their arms while keeping their tummy on the floor. Some babies later move to hands-and-knees crawling, while others continue using their preferred method.
Some babies move around by bottom shuffling instead of crawling. This may be part of their individual development. Speak with a health professional if your baby only uses one side, seems uncomfortable or you have concerns about their movement.
Tummy time helps strengthen your baby’s neck, shoulders, arms, back and tummy. These muscles support movements such as rolling, sitting and crawling. Regular, supervised tummy time and floor play can give your baby opportunities to build these skills.
Your baby does not need a baby walker to learn to crawl or walk. Safe, supervised floor play gives them opportunities to develop strength, balance and coordination naturally.
Speak with your GP or child and family health nurse if your baby is not moving around by crawling, bottom shuffling or another method, or if you notice stiffness, floppiness, uneven movement or a loss of skills your baby once had. You should also seek advice whenever something about your baby’s development does not feel right.
Need advice or support?
Every baby develops differently, and it is normal to have questions about movement and milestones.
If you are worried about your baby’s development, speak with your GP or child and family health nurse. Karitane is also here to provide practical, evidence-based and judgement-free parenting support.
