Watching your baby grow feels like a series of tiny miracles, and crawling is one of the most exciting moments.

You start to notice little signs—pushing up during tummy time, rocking back and forth, or scooting across the floor—and you can’t help but wonder when your baby will take off on all fours.

Most babies start crawling between 6 and 10 months old, but every child moves at their own pace. When your baby begins to crawl, it opens up a whole new world of exploration and independence.

You’ll see their confidence grow as they chase after toys, explore corners, and discover their surroundings in new ways. This stage also helps build strength, coordination, and balance that prepare your baby for walking.

In this guide, you’ll learn what signs to look for before crawling begins, the different crawling styles babies use, and simple ways to support your baby’s progress safely and naturally.

When Do Babies Start Crawling?

Most babies start crawling sometime in the second half of their first year. You’ll notice small signs before it happens, like rocking on hands and knees or scooting backward.

Some babies crawl in unique ways, while others skip it completely and move straight to walking.

Typical Crawling Age Range

Most babies begin crawling between 7 and 10 months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Some start earlier around 6 months, while others take a bit longer—up to 12 months.

Every baby’s timeline is different, and that’s completely normal.

Crawling is one of the key developmental milestones that helps build strength, balance, and coordination. It’s also a sign your baby’s muscles and motor control are developing well.

You might see different crawling styles, such as:

• Classic crawl: moving opposite hand and knee together
• Army crawl: dragging the belly while pulling forward
• Bear crawl: keeping knees off the floor
• Crab crawl: moving sideways or backward

Each style is fine as long as your baby is moving independently and exploring safely.

Early Signs Your Baby Is Ready to Crawl

Before crawling, your baby will show clear signs of readiness. You’ll notice your baby sitting without support, rocking on hands and knees, or pushing backward when trying to move forward.

These small actions strengthen the arms, legs, and core muscles needed for crawling.

Tummy time plays a big role here. Babies who get daily tummy time usually develop stronger neck and shoulder muscles, which makes crawling easier later.

Encourage movement by placing toys just out of reach or sitting nearby to cheer your baby on. Avoid pushing before they’re ready—each baby builds confidence at their own pace.

Why Some Babies Skip Crawling

Not every baby crawls. Some go straight from sitting to pulling up, cruising, and walking. This can happen because of personality, physical preferences, or even floor time habits.

Babies who spend more time in jumpers or seats may crawl later since they get less practice on the floor.

Others may find crawling unnecessary once they learn to stand and move along furniture. Skipping crawling isn’t usually a concern if your baby meets other motor milestones like standing or walking on time.

If you ever worry about your baby’s movement or muscle strength, talk with your pediatrician for reassurance and guidance.

Stages and Milestones Leading to Crawling

Your baby’s journey to crawling builds step by step. Each stage strengthens muscles, balance, and coordination needed for movement.

Tummy Time and Muscle Development

Tummy time is where it all begins. When you place your baby on their stomach for short periods each day, they start building strength in the neck, shoulders, and arms.

These muscles are essential for holding up the head and later supporting the body during crawling.

Start with a few minutes several times a day. Gradually increase the time as your baby grows stronger.

You might notice your baby lifting their head higher or pushing up on their forearms. To make tummy time fun, try placing a soft toy or mirror in front of your baby. This encourages them to look up and reach forward, which builds coordination and endurance.

Key skills developed:

• Head and neck control
• Upper body strength
• Early coordination and balance

Rolling Over and Pushing Up on Hands

Rolling over marks a major developmental milestone. It usually happens around 4–6 months when your baby begins turning from tummy to back and then back again. This movement shows strong core muscles and growing body awareness.

As your baby rolls, they learn how to shift weight and use their arms for support. Soon after, they begin pushing up on their hands while on their tummy. This action strengthens the chest, shoulders, and arms even more.

Encourage this stage by placing toys just out of reach. Your baby will try to roll or push toward them, which helps improve coordination and motivation to move.

Typical signs of progress:

• Rolling both directions
• Holding weight on hands and arms
• Lifting chest off the floor

Rocking and Pivoting Movements

Once your baby can support weight on hands and knees, you’ll likely see rocking and pivoting.

Around 6–9 months, babies often rock back and forth in this position as they test balance and muscle control. This rocking motion builds rhythm and teaches how to shift weight between hands and knees.

Pivoting in circles also helps babies learn how to change direction and explore their surroundings.

You can support this phase by giving your baby space on a soft mat. Let them practice freely without slippery surfaces or tight clothing that limits movement.

What this stage builds:

• Balance and coordination
• Core stability
• Confidence in movement

Transitioning to Hands and Knees

The hands-and-knees position is the final step before true crawling. Around 8–10 months, many babies begin moving forward by alternating their arms and legs.

Some may start by scooting or crawling backward before figuring out forward motion. This stage combines strength, balance, and coordination.

Your baby learns to move opposite limbs together—right hand with left knee, then left hand with right knee. This cross-lateral movement supports brain development and spatial awareness.

To encourage crawling, clear a safe space and place colorful toys a short distance away. Your baby’s motivation to reach them will help practice these new skills.

Developmental milestones reached:

• Coordinated arm and leg movement
• Improved balance and endurance
• Beginning of independent mobility

Crawling Styles and Types

Babies move in many ways before they walk. Each crawling style shows how your baby’s muscles, balance, and coordination are developing.

Some babies stick to one method, while others switch between a few as they grow stronger.

Classic Crawl

In the classic crawl, your baby supports their body on hands and knees, moving one arm and the opposite knee forward together. This cross-body motion helps both sides of the brain work together.

You’ll often notice your baby rocking back and forth before moving. That rocking builds balance and strength in the arms, shoulders, and legs. This style usually appears around 8 to 10 months.

It’s one of the most common crawling styles and helps prepare your baby for standing and walking.

Commando and Army Crawling

Commando or army crawling happens when your baby moves forward while keeping their belly close to the floor. They pull with their arms and push with their legs, sliding across the surface. This type often shows up before the hands-and-knees crawl.

It helps babies strengthen their upper body and core muscles. Babies who commando crawl may use one arm more than the other at first. You can encourage even movement by placing toys to each side.

Bear, Crab, and Leapfrog Crawls

In the bear crawl, your baby keeps their arms and legs straight, walking on hands and feet like a tiny bear. It builds strong shoulders, legs, and balance.

The crab crawl looks different—your baby moves backward or sideways, often pushing with their hands and feet. It can show strong arm coordination and flexibility.

Some babies experiment with a leapfrog crawl, pushing off both feet at once to hop forward. Though less common, it shows growing leg strength and confidence in movement.

Crawl Style	Body Position	Common Age Range
Bear Crawl	Hands and feet straight	9–12 months
Crab Crawl	Moves sideways/backward	9–11 months
Leapfrog Crawl	Small hops forward	Around 10 months

Bottom Scoot and Skip Crawling

In the bottom scoot, your baby sits upright and uses their arms and legs to push or pull across the floor. It’s often seen in babies who don’t like being on their hands and knees.

Scooting still builds coordination and leg strength but may delay standing slightly since babies spend less time bearing weight on their arms. Some babies skip crawling altogether and move straight to pulling up or walking.

That’s usually fine if they show other signs of good motor control, like sitting, rolling, or standing with support. Every baby finds their own way to get moving.

Supporting and Encouraging Your Baby’s Crawling Journey

Helping your baby learn to crawl takes time, patience, and a safe space to explore.

You can make a big difference by offering gentle encouragement, setting up a secure area, and knowing when to ask your pediatrician about possible delays.

Tips to Encourage Crawling

Encourage movement through daily tummy time. This builds arm, neck, and core strength—muscles your baby needs to crawl.

Try placing a favorite toy just out of reach to motivate forward movement. Use a soft crawling mat or blanket on the floor. A flat, firm surface helps your baby push off and move more easily than a soft bed or couch.

Join your baby on the floor. Get down at eye level and smile or clap when they move toward you.

Babies often copy your actions, so showing excitement keeps them interested. Keep practice sessions short but frequent—about 10 to 15 minutes several times a day.

Over time, your baby’s movements will become smoother and more coordinated.

Creating a Safe Crawling Environment

Once your baby starts moving, babyproofing becomes essential. Cover electrical outlets, secure furniture that can tip, and remove small objects that pose choking hazards. Use safety gates to block stairs and unsafe rooms.

Keep cords, houseplants, and pet bowls out of reach.

Babies explore with their hands and mouths, so check the floor often for dropped items. A non-slip crawling mat gives your baby a clean, cushioned area to move around.

Wash it often to keep it free of dust and germs.

Here’s a quick checklist:

Area	What to Check
Living room	Sharp corners, cords, small toys
Kitchen	Cleaning supplies, trash bins
Bedroom	Loose bedding, furniture edges

When to Seek Help for Delayed Crawling

Every baby develops at their own pace, but most start crawling between 6 and 10 months. Some babies skip crawling and go straight to walking, which can still be normal.

Talk to your pediatrician if your baby shows little interest in moving, can’t bear weight on arms or legs, or seems floppy or stiff. These signs may point to delayed crawling or motor skill issues.

Support Your Baby With Alppi Baby Wipes and Diapers

Crawling is a major developmental milestone that typically begins between 6 and 12 months of age, though every baby moves at their own pace. Some may skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking, while others explore unique crawling styles. 

As your baby begins exploring the world through crawling, cleanliness and comfort become even more important.

Alppi Baby Wipes provide gentle yet effective cleansing for everyday messes. They’re infused with skin-loving ingredients that soothe and protect, keeping your baby fresh and comfortable after every use.

Alppi Diapers offer superior leak protection, breathability, and all-day dryness—perfect for active little ones discovering their voice and the world around them. They come in diaper bundles, weekly bags, and monthly boxes, giving parents flexible options that fit their lifestyle and budget.

Parents love Alppi for its commitment to safety, eco-friendly materials, and reliable performance—making every stage of your baby’s growth a little easier and worry-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can I expect my little one to start crawling?

Most babies begin crawling around 7 to 10 months. Some may start as early as 6 months, while others take a bit longer. A few babies skip crawling entirely and go straight to standing or walking.

What are the signs that my baby is getting ready to crawl?

You might notice your baby pushing up on their hands and knees, rocking back and forth, or scooting backward. These movements show they’re building the muscles needed for crawling.

Reaching for toys or turning in circles on their tummy are also good signs.

How can I help my baby learn to crawl?

Give your baby plenty of tummy time each day to strengthen their arms, shoulders, and core. Place toys just out of reach to motivate them to move.

Keep the floor clear and safe so your baby can explore freely.

Are there any developmental milestones to watch for before my baby starts crawling?

Before crawling, babies usually roll over, sit without support, and push up on their arms.

Around 5 to 6 months, many start rocking on hands and knees. These steps help them build balance and coordination for crawling.

What if my baby isn't crawling by 9 months?

If your baby isn’t crawling by 9 months, don’t panic. Some babies prefer scooting or rolling to get around.

As long as your baby shows progress in other movements, like sitting or pulling up, they’re likely developing just fine.

Can skipping the crawling phase affect my baby's development?

Skipping crawling usually doesn’t cause problems. About 7% of babies go straight to walking without crawling first.