When Do Babies Start Crawling And How Can I Help My Baby Learn To Crawl?
Once your baby has figured to prop himself up by his arms and can lift his neck while on his tummy, what’s next?
If the baby’s already developed strength in his arms, neck and upper body, he’ll probably start pushing himself forward while on his tummy. That means, that your baby will use whatever motor skills he’s acquired to navigate his environment.
The best milestone should be the traditional crawl. This is where the baby supports and balances himself on his knees and hands. This is often the precursor to him starting to crawl and move forward while on his hands and knees.
While most babies can figure out how to do this by themselves, as moms, we can help. However, before we take a look at how we as moms can help, we should address when babies often start crawling. When should babies, as they achieve their developmental milestones, should they learn how to crawl?
When To Do Babies Normally Learn How To Crawl?
Before a baby learns how to crawl, he or she often has to develop certain motor skills that are aided by certain activities. For instance, tummy time often helps develop and strengthen the arm muscles. This is because, for a baby to see their surroundings while on their tummy, they have to do mini- pushups.
Also, tummy time helps develop strength in the upper body, which is crucial for when the baby starts learning how to crawl. Hence, as their muscle strength develops, you’ll notice that just cruise while on her tummy or just roll over from time to time.
However, usually, babies learn how to crawl between 7 to 10 months.
How To Help Your Baby Learn How To Crawl?
Tummy Time
As previously mentioned, tummy time is very important in developing a baby’s muscles. It helps develop the neck, arm and upper body muscles as we’ve so often mentioned. However, tummy time also helps contribute to strengthening the back and leg muscles.
All these muscles are crucial to helping a child learn how to crawl. Also, tummy time reduces the amount of time a child spends a while on his back. This helps reduce the chances of your baby developing a flat spot on his head.
Related:
HOW TO DO TUMMY TIME WITH YOUR BABY?
Childproof The Baby’s Surroundings
This means, that once your baby has developed some motor skills, you’ll want to keep the environment safe. Baby-proof everything that could be a potential threat to the baby’s safety. This also includes the staircase, as babies always seem to be fascinated by them.
Keeping the environment and safe for them to roam will help build their confidence. However, if they get injured while trying to navigate their surroundings, they may get discouraged and fearful.
Creative Incentives
Give the baby some incentives to want to move around. Place objects such as his favorite toys beyond his reach. This might encourage him to move so that he can reach it.
You can also just lay a few inches away from your baby. The baby will want to be next to you and this might encourage him to move.
Provide Support
Once your baby has learned how to balance on his hands and knees, place your hands behind their feet. This gives the baby a platform to push themselves off of when trying to move.
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