The Importance of Crawling for Baby
Crawling is an important motor milestone. But it can actually help other areas of development, too! Watch to learn why baby crawling is such an important step.
Read along with the video below!
Crawling is an important gross motor skill, but did you know that crawling helps other areas of development too?
Sensory
Crawling on different surfaces (carpet, tile, blanket, grass) provides new sensory experiences. It also helps with balance, body awareness, coordination, and visual tracking.
Play
Once baby starts crawling they have more freedom to explore during play.
Executive Function
Crawling can help improve baby’s problem solving skills, like learning how to move around and get a toy they want from across the room.
Fine Motor
A typical crawling position helps stretch baby’s fingers, which will help them use utensils, draw, and play.
Feeding
Crawling develops hand strength and shoulder stability, which they’ll need to eventually feed themselves.
Brain Development
Since crawling requires both sides of the body to work together, it’s a great skill that fosters brain development.
Here are some tips to help with this 7-9 month motor milestone:
Do Tummy Time often
Place toys around baby so they can pivot
Do baby push-ups
Teach baby to rock on hands and knees
Position toys out of reach
Encourage crawling to their favorite toy
Help baby gain the skills to crawl! All materials including videos are provided at no cost; no fees or charges may be associated with any of the Pathways.org materials without prior written approval.
