Why Is My Baby Crawling Backwards?
Crawling backward is common and often happens first because babies' arm strength develops before their leg muscles and coordination skills kick in.
Try simple activities like Tummy Time, toy motivation, and rocking on hands and knees to encourage forward crawling.
If Baby isn’t regularly crawling with alternate leg and arm movement by 12 months, check in with their healthcare provider for guidance.
The classic hands-and-knees crawl isn’t every baby’s go-to style as they first learn how to get around. Some scoot. Some pivot. Some army crawl. And others? They do it, but in reverse! Backward crawling may look funny, but it’s nothing to be worried about. Learn why Baby moves this way and how you can help them make forward progress.
Crawling can look different for each baby. Here are a few types of crawling you may see Baby do!
Is Baby crawling backward? Here’s Why!
Baby should start moving with alternate leg and arm movement, e.g. creeping, crawling, by 9 months. But their early attempts to crawl can look a little… backwards (and that’s ok!). This is a common behavior for many first-time crawlers.
Before the crawling stage, babies learn how to push up on their arms. So, when they begin to experiment with their mobility, it can feel like a natural next step push themselves back with their upper body. Some babies also find it easier to start with backward crawling because:
Their legs aren’t as strong as their arms (yet!)
Their other “crawling muscles” (like shoulders, hips, core) are still catching up
They need more practice coordinating all those moving parts!
Why Backward Crawling Can Be a Good Thing
As silly as it looks, the action of pushing back on their arms is actually a good thing for Baby to practice! This is because it’s a foundational movement for being able to sit up on their own and move in and out of various positions as they get older. So no need to stop the backward scoot! Just give them time and encouragement to explore both directions.
How to Encourage Forward Crawling
With some muscle-building and coordination practice, Baby should be able to shift gears in no time! Here are some activities to help Baby crawl forward:
Do daily Tummy Time: Tummy Time is the best full-body workout for all the muscles Baby needs to crawl! Aim for up to 1 hour total throughout the day by the time Baby attempts to crawl (can be as early as 6 months!).
Hold/stabilize Baby’s lower legs: Do this when Baby is on their tummy to give them support as they learn to use their legs.
Use toys as bait: During Tummy Time, place a favorite toy just out of reach. Encourage them to alternate the arm they use to grab for it! You can also use a toy that rolls (like a car or ball) to try and get Baby to go after it.
Move backward yourself: You are Baby’s greatest motivator, so get down on their level and crawl backward to encourage Baby to come after you!
Try hands-and-knees rocking: Hold Baby up by their waist and gently rock them forward to get them familiar with the motion. If Baby can hold themselves up without your support, try letting go and using a toy to lure them forward!
Choose a surface with more traction: A slippery wood or tile floor can make it hard for Baby to get a good grip. Try practicing on carpet or even on the grass.
Remove socks and pants: Letting Baby practice with bare knees and feet can also prevent sliding on the floor, as well as promote better balance, coordination, and body awareness.
Watch the video below for more therapist-approved activities that help with crawling!
When to Speak to a Healthcare Provider
Don’t feel discouraged if Baby doesn’t get the hang of crawling right away. Lots of repetition is key for mastering huge motor milestones like this!
However, if Baby isn’t regularly moving with alternate leg and arm movement by 12 months, talk to their healthcare provider. While some babies skip crawling and go right into sitting and standing, it’s still important to encourage due to all its amazing developmental benefits (learn about them here!).
