When Do Babies Start Crawling A Parent's Guide

It’s one of the biggest questions parents ask: when do babies start crawling? Most Aussie babies will get moving sometime between 7 and 12 months of age. This might seem like a huge window, but it’s completely normal. Every little one gets there on their own unique timeline.

Understanding Your Baby's Crawling Timeline

Watching your baby get ready to crawl is incredibly exciting. It’s their first real taste of independence, opening up a whole new world for them to explore. It’s also easy to fall into the trap of comparing your baby to others. The most important thing to remember is that development is a spectrum, not a race.

Before they start zooming across the living room, babies have to build up the strength and coordination needed for the job. Here is why. Earlier milestones, like learning to roll over, are crucial building blocks that strengthen their core muscles. We actually have a whole guide on when babies start rolling over if you want to dive deeper. These foundational movements get their bodies ready for the big leagues of crawling.

The Average Age And Normal Variations

While there’s a wide window for this milestone, what does the research say? A global study by the World Health Organization found that the average age for hands and knees crawling is around 8.5 months. But, and this is the important part, the study also showed a massive range from 5.2 to 13.5 months. This proves just how much "normal" can vary.

This infographic breaks down a typical timeline, showing everything from the early movers to the little ones who take their time.

As you can see, there’s a big difference between the early, average, and later timelines. It’s a great visual reminder that there's no single "correct" age for your baby to start exploring.

Every baby follows their own developmental path. The wide age range for crawling is a perfect example of this individuality. Focus on celebrating their progress, not comparing it.

Next steps. How do you know if your baby is gearing up to get mobile? Spotting those tell-tale signs that they're getting ready to move is key. Let's break down what to look for.

So, how can you tell if your little one is gearing up for their first big adventure across the floor? Before they actually start moving forward, babies hit a series of “mini-milestones.” These are the tell-tale signs that crawling is just around the corner.

Think of these early movements as their own personal training program. Every little push, rock, and pivot builds the muscle strength, balance, and coordination they need for that first independent shuffle. You’ll probably notice these signs pop up gradually, often blending together as your baby gets closer to figuring it all out.

Let's take a closer look.

Building Core Strength and Coordination

One of the first big clues is a change in their tummy time routine. You’ll notice your baby doing more than just lifting their head. They will start pushing right up on their arms, arching their back and lifting their chest completely off the mat. This is a huge step in building the upper body power required to hold themselves up.

Soon after, you might see them making little swimming or flying motions. While on their tummy, they may lift both their arms and legs off the ground at the same time, looking like a tiny superhero. This movement is brilliant for strengthening their back and core muscles.

These pre-crawling movements are not just random wiggles; they are purposeful exercises. Each push-up and rocking motion is your baby's brain and body working in sync, figuring out the complex mechanics of movement.

Another classic sign is when they manage to get up onto their hands and knees and start rocking back and forth. This rhythmic movement shows they’re learning how to shift their weight and find their centre of balance. This skill is absolutely essential for propelling themselves forward.

Growing Curiosity and Motivation

Physical readiness is only half the story. Your baby’s growing curiosity is a powerful driver for them to get moving. Here are a few signs that their mind is ready for exploration:

• Reaching for Toys: You’ll see them become much more determined to get their hands on a favourite toy that’s just out of reach. This desire to explore their world is a key mental leap.
• Pivoting in Circles: Many babies first learn to pivot on their tummies. They’ll use their arms to push themselves around in a circle to get a better view or to inch closer to something interesting.
• Moving Backwards: Do not be surprised if their first real attempts at movement send them backwards! It’s a common (and often frustrating for them) step as they learn to coordinate their arms and legs to go forwards.

These actions show that your baby is actively trying to solve the puzzle of getting from point A to point B. By spotting these signs, you can better understand their developmental journey and get ready to cheer them on when they finally start to crawl.

Exploring the Different Baby Crawling Styles

When you think of a baby crawling, you probably picture the classic hands and knees shuffle. But that’s only part of the story. Babies are brilliant little innovators, and there are so many ways they figure out how to get from A to B.

In reality, some babies never do the traditional crawl. Instead, they come up with their own unique methods to explore. The specific style they choose is far less important than the fact that they're moving with purpose and strengthening both sides of their body.

Let's break down a few of the common crawling styles you might see your little one trying out.

Common Crawling Variations

Do not be surprised if your baby experiments with a few different techniques before landing on a favourite. They might even blend a couple of styles together. Their creativity is amazing to watch.

Here are some of the most popular moves:

• The Classic Crawl: This is the one we all recognise. Your baby gets up on their hands and knees, then moves one arm forward with the opposite knee. It's a fantastic workout for their coordination.
• The Commando Crawl: Also known as the 'belly crawl', this is where your bub pulls themself along on their tummy using their forearms, looking like a tiny soldier on a mission. Many babies master this before moving to the classic crawl.
• The Bum Scoot: Some little ones decide crawling is overrated and prefer to stay sitting up. They will shuffle along on their bottom, often using their arms to push or pull themselves across the floor.
• The Crab Crawl: Just like a little crab at the beach, some babies move sideways or even backwards. They push with their arms, often leading with one side of their body.
• The Rolling Crawl: Why crawl when you can just roll? For some babies, rolling from their back to their tummy and back again is the fastest way to get to that interesting toy across the room.

The most important thing is not how your baby moves, but that they are exploring and using both sides of their body to do it. Their unique style is just their problem-solving skills in action.

Ultimately, every one of these styles gets the job done. It gives your baby the freedom of independent movement. As long as your little one is happily exploring and getting stronger, their chosen method is perfect. This is a time to celebrate their determination as they start their big adventures on the floor.

How to Gently Encourage Your Baby to Crawl

Watching your baby get ready to explore the world on their own terms is one of the most exciting parts of being a parent. While it’s so important to let them develop at their own pace, you can absolutely be their biggest cheerleader. You can do this by creating a safe and supportive space that gently invites movement. You do not need any special gear, just a few simple, playful ideas.

The single most effective way to help your baby build the strength for crawling is through regular tummy time. Think of it as your baby’s daily workout session. It strengthens all those crucial muscles in their neck, back, arms, and core, laying the foundation for getting mobile.

Let's break it down.

Making Tummy Time Engaging

To keep your little one happy and motivated during tummy time, it really helps to make it fun and interactive. Short, frequent sessions are often much more effective than one long one. This is especially true for younger babies who are still building up their stamina.

Here are a few creative ways to spice up your routine:

• Use a Mirror: Place a baby-safe mirror in front of them. Babies are fascinated by faces. Seeing their own reflection can encourage them to lift their head and push up for a better look.
• Get Down on Their Level: Lie on the floor face to face with your baby. Sing songs, make funny faces, and just talk to them. Your presence is their absolute favourite toy.
• Bring in Engaging Toys: Place a few colourful or noisy toys just within their reach. This motivates them to pivot, stretch, and eventually try to move towards whatever has caught their eye.

For even more inspiration, check out our guide on fun tummy time activities to try with your baby.

Creating the Perfect Practice Arena

Your baby's environment plays a huge role in their journey to crawling. A safe, comfortable, and motivating space is what invites them to experiment with movement. A soft yet firm play mat provides the perfect surface for this. It offers a bit of cushioning for the inevitable tumbles while still giving good traction for little hands and knees.

Australian infant development research highlights how tummy time supports crawling. It notes that babies often start to crawl soon after they learn to sit without support around 7 to 10 months. Health guidelines recommend starting tummy time right from birth. You can gradually increase from a few seconds up to several minutes at a time as they grow stronger.

Creating opportunities for movement is key. The goal is not to rush the milestone but to provide a safe and stimulating space where your baby feels confident to explore their abilities.

Here are a few more practical tips:

• Dress for Success: Pop your baby in comfortable clothes that allow for free movement. Bare legs and feet can actually help them get a better grip on the floor, preventing them from slipping.
• Use Motivation: Once they start showing interest, place a favourite toy just beyond their grasp. This little challenge can be the spark that encourages their first forward lunge or shuffle.

By focusing on play and creating a supportive setting, you’re giving your baby everything they need to take on this exciting new stage. 

Creating a Safe Space for Your New Explorer

Once your baby is on the move, your entire home transforms into their personal playground. It's a thrilling milestone! But it also signals a shift in focus for you. It’s time to think about safety.

Creating a secure environment is less about saying "no" and more about building a confident little explorer. Think of it as creating a "yes" space. This is a zone where your baby is free to touch, explore, and learn without you having to hover over them.

The goal is to thoughtfully remove potential dangers so their natural curiosity can take the lead. A great first step? Get down on your hands and knees and see the world from their perspective. You’ll be amazed at what suddenly looks fascinating from down there.

Your Essential Safety Checklist

Here's a simple checklist to help you turn your home into a safe haven for your crawler. It's best to tackle these key areas before your little one is fully on the move.

• Secure Heavy Furniture: Anchor anything that could topple, like bookshelves, dressers, and TVs, to the wall. Babies love to pull themselves up on things. This simple step prevents dangerous tip-overs.
• Cover Electrical Outlets: Pop snug-fitting safety covers into all unused power points to keep curious little fingers out.
• Install Safety Gates: Sturdy gates are a must-have at the top and bottom of all staircases. They're also handy for blocking off rooms that are not fully baby-proofed yet, like the kitchen or bathroom.
• Remove Choking Hazards: Get into the habit of scanning the floor daily for small items. A good rule of thumb is that if it can fit through a cardboard toilet paper roll, it's a potential choking hazard.
• Keep Floors Clear: An open, clutter-free floor is the perfect practice ground. Investing in supportive tummy time mats for infants can create an ideal surface for their adventures. These offer just the right amount of cushioning and grip.

Creating a safe environment is one of the most important things you can do to support your baby's development. It provides the freedom they need to practise new skills like crawling and pulling up to stand.

As you create this safe space, think about making it inviting, too. Visually stimulating surroundings can encourage exploration. Weaving in thoughtful and engaging nursery wall decor ideas can help make their new 'exploration zone' feel warm and welcoming. This perfectly complements all your baby-proofing efforts.

When to Speak with a Health Professional

Trusting your gut is one of the most powerful tools you have as a parent. While it’s reassuring to know just how broad the range of ‘normal’ development is, it’s also helpful to know what to look for if you ever feel a niggle of concern.

Remember, development is not a race. Some babies skip crawling altogether and head straight for pulling up and cruising along furniture. That can be perfectly fine. The real focus is on their overall progress and how they engage with the world.

Key Indicators to Note

If you have any worries, there’s never any harm in checking in with your GP or child health nurse. They can offer peace of mind or, if needed, guide you on what to do next.

Here are a few specific things to keep an eye on:

• Little Interest in Moving: If your baby is nearing 12 months and does not seem curious about moving their body to get from A to B, it’s worth a mention at their next check-up.
• Lopsided Movement: Notice if your baby seems to strongly favour one side of their body. For instance, they might only ever push off with their left leg or reach with their right arm, leaving the other side less active.
• Muscle Tone Concerns: If your baby feels particularly floppy (low muscle tone) or, conversely, seems unusually stiff and rigid when you move their limbs, this is something a health professional should assess.
• Not Progressing Towards Mobility: A baby who is not trying to bear any weight on their legs or making any real attempts to move by their first birthday might benefit from an evaluation.

Your intuition is an essential part of parenting. If something just feels off about your baby's movement, a quick chat with your child health nurse can provide so much clarity and support.

Booking an appointment to talk through your observations is always a positive, proactive step. Think of your healthcare provider as a partner in your parenting journey. They are there to make sure your little explorer has everything they need to thrive.

Common Questions About Baby Crawling

Even with all the excitement around crawling styles and safety checks, you might still have a few questions bubbling up. Every baby’s journey is so unique, so it is completely normal for new queries to pop up along the way.

Let’s get into some of the most common questions parents ask. This will help you feel even more confident cheering on your little explorer.

Do All Babies Crawl Before They Walk?

Surprisingly, no. Some babies skip the classic hands and knees crawl altogether. You might see them bum-shuffling, rolling, or even going straight from sitting to pulling up on the furniture to cruise around the room.

The Australian government’s parenting resource, Raising Children Network, points out that crawling is not seen as a must-do milestone before walking. What’s truly important is that your baby is learning to coordinate their little body and is eager to move and explore. This is true no matter which method they choose.

Can Crawling Affect My Baby's Sleep?

Yes, it is very common for this new skill to throw a little spanner in the works with sleep. Many babies hit a sleep regression around the 8 or 9 month mark just as they’re mastering crawling.

Here is why. They’re just so thrilled with their newfound freedom that they want to practise it all the time, even in their cot. You might peek in and find them on all fours, rocking back and forth instead of drifting off. It’s usually just a phase and a wonderful sign of their incredible brain development.

What If My Baby Crawls Backwards?

Crawling backwards is incredibly common, so do not worry one bit. A baby’s arm muscles are often stronger than their leg muscles at first. So when they push up, it’s just easier to propel themselves in reverse.

Think of it as their first driving lesson. They are just figuring out the gears. Before you know it, they’ll build the strength and coordination to move forwards towards that toy they’ve been eyeing off.

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At Wallaby Collective, we believe in creating beautiful, safe spaces for these precious milestones. Our soft linen play mats provide the perfect surface for every push, rock, and shuffle. 

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Sources Used

• Movement: birth to 12 months, Raising Children Network, 27 May 2024.
• WHO Motor Development Study: Windows of achievement for six gross motor development milestones, World Health Organization, 2006.