Crawling and cruising are significant milestones that often mean walking is not too far behind. Although it can vary, babies often learn to crawl between six and ten months. But babies don’t always follow a set timetable. So don’t worry if your baby reaches ten months and is still content to hangout and has not started to crawl yet. If your little one has not started to crawl by about a year, talk to your pediatrician if you’re concerned.

Learning to Crawl

So how do babies master crawling? Often crawling is a gradual process.  Once your baby is sitting well without support, he might learn to get on all fours. You might notice he rocks backs and forth, shifting his weight from his hands to his knees. Although he looks like he might take off at any moment, it might be a few more weeks before he learns to push off with his knees and propel himself forward.

But don’t be surprised if your baby has a different crawling style. Not all babies start crawling on all fours. Some little ones prefer to crawl commando style. Your baby might lie on her tummy and drag herself forward with her arms, army style.  Other babies scoot on their bottom instead of crawling on all fours. Creative crawling methods in babies are very common.

Keep in mind, there is no one perfect way to learn to crawl. What’s important is that your baby is making an attempt to get moving. Some babies also skip crawling altogether and go right to standing.

Cruising Along

Before he takes his memorable first step, your baby may start cruising by holding on to furniture and shuffling along. Cruising usually starts shortly after your baby learns to stand. She may start by inching along and sliding her feet while holding on to anything in sight. As she gains confidence and balance, she will pick up her feet and move between pieces of furniture holding on to one while reaching for another.

There is no need to hurry your baby along and try to make him crawl or cruise before he is ready. He will do it in his own time. But there are a few things you can do to encourage his motor skill development.  For instance, make sure to give your baby plenty of opportunities for tummy time. Spending time playing on his tummy helps your baby strengthen his trunk, back and arms.

One way to motivate your baby to get mobile is by placing a toy a little out of his reach. Also, if your baby is on all fours and has not yet figured out how to move forward, you can place your hands behind his feet. This might give him something to push off.

Once your baby is crawling and cruising, be sure to take a good look around and make sure everything is baby proofed. For instance, cover electrical outlets, place baby gates near stairs and move plants stands that could tip over when your baby reaches for furniture.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro@writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Your baby is not a tiny newborn anymore, and she is learning new skills every day. You probably notice she is becoming more mobile and may be well on her way to crawling and standing pretty soon.

When it comes to becoming more mobile, babies don’t all follow the same steps or timetable. For example, although most babies crawl between six and ten months, that timeframe is not written in stone. Also, your baby may bypass crawling on all fours and instead opt for a different style, such as scooting on her tummy.

Your little one may also skip a step and go from sitting to standing without a lot of time spend on crawling. Once your baby learns to stand, he might spend some time cruising. When he gains a little confidence standing, he might hold on to furniture and glide his feet along the floor moving between two pieces of furniture.

Don’t be too alarmed if your baby decides to sit things out for a while. Some little ones are content to take things a bit slower. If your child is not attempting to crawl by about her first birthday, talk with your pediatrician.

To encourage mobility grab one of your baby’s favorite toys and place it just beyond her reach. She may be motivated to get the toy, which might help her get moving. Also, once your baby is crawling well, consider placing pillows on the floor for your baby to crawl around. This mini-obstacle course encourages her to move around the objects, which helps her develop her agility and balance.

As your baby gets increasingly mobile, you have to pay even more attention to baby proofing. Even if he is not yet standing and is only starting to crawl, it’s good to start thinking about these safety issues now. After all, he is only going to get faster.

Although nothing takes the place of a watchful eye, accidents can happen in a second, so keeping his environment safe is essential. Consider placing furniture guards on the corners of tables to prevent her from getting hurt if she bumps into things. Avoid tablecloths for now, since she may reach for it and pull everything on the table down on top of her.

Anchor large furniture to the wall, which prevents it from falling over on top of your baby if she climbs up. Also, blind cords can become wrapped around your baby’s neck, so place them up high.

It may seem like there is a lot to think about. But creating a safe space for your baby allows her the freedom to get moving.

Written by Mary Ann DePietro @writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

After months of being your baby’s only mode of transportation, you’re probably keen for him to get moving by himself. One of the most amazing things about having a baby is being able to watch and share in his excitement as he masters new skills. Crawling is a milestone that will allow your baby to better explore his world. It is his first step towards independence and a reminder of how quickly time passes. Crawling will help him to develop the skills necessary for walking. It will also help him on his quest for mischief, but don’t worry too much about that.

Most babies learn to crawl between the ages of seven and 10 months old. Some babies learn sooner, however, and for others it can take a little longer. Some babies skip the crawling stage altogether, opting instead for a maverick move like the bum shuffle to help them get around at baby group.Here are five ways to encourage crawling:

1. Tummy time

To be able to crawl, your baby needs muscle control and strength. He needs to be able to raise himself up, move his legs and use his tummy muscles. Tummy time is important for helping him to develop the necessary muscle strength for crawling. Make supervised tummy time a part of your daily routine to make sure he has lots of opportunities to build up these muscles and learn how to use them.

2. Opportunity

To perfect his crawling skills, your baby needs plenty of opportunities to practice moving around. This means he needs freedom to move, explore and play as much as possible. Spending time in strollers, bouncy chairs and highchairs limit the time babies have to learn valuable skills such as crawling. Of course, some time spent in these things is unavoidable, but do make an effort to provide your baby with plenty of opportunities for floor play throughout the day.

3. Play

Children and babies learn best through play. You can encourage your baby to crawl by making it a game. Placing exciting looking toys slightly out of reach might tempt your baby to try and reach for them. Babies love to explore so leave the toys in sight but leave your baby to discover it for himself if he can. To begin with, place the toys just out of reach, but as your baby gets better at reaching them, move them further away.

4. Safety

Babies are easily spooked, so you need to make sure his crawling practice arena (aka your living room) is a safe environment for him. Avoid banged heads, trapped fingers and falling objects by baby-proofing the room long before he learns to crawl. Get down on your hands and knees and crawl around the room to identify potential dangers for crawling infants.

5. Relax

Your baby will master crawling in his own time. The above suggestions will provide him with ample opportunity to practice the skills needed for crawling, but it’ll still be up to him when he finally does it. Help your baby build his confidence by remaining cool, calm and collected while he’s trying to crawl. If you feel stressed, he could pick up on that. You don’t need a strict, regimented schedule of crawling lessons, just plenty of time and space to explore.

Has your baby started crawling?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.