How Do Babies Learn to Crawl?

Updated on July 18, 2007
K.E. asks from Bernville, PA
8 answers

My daughters were both crawling when they were placed with us so this is a new area for me. My son is trying like crazy to crawl, but is having difficulty. He gets up on hands and knees, can rock back and forth like this, and can even move backwards pretty well. It's hard to watch him get so frustrated and then give up. Is he progressing normally in learning to crawl or has he chosen a different approach to this? I imagine that most babies don't just wake up one morning and start crawling forward! LOL Just wondering what the "steps" are in learning to crawl.

Thanks,
K.

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D.G.

answers from Pittsburgh on

My daughter is 7.5 months and just started to crawl backwards this week, too. I read that it is because their arms are better developed than there legs and because they haven't learned to dig in with their feet and knees. When I brace my hands behind her feet she propels forward. Time to start babyproofing the house!

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A.H.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Dear K.,
Hey, my son Tyler just started crawling a few weeks ago. He was doing what you are describing for almost a full month before he finally took off. Don't worry he will be crawling and into everything before you can snap your fingers. I totally understand that it is horrible to watch and know how close they are and not be able to help. He'll figure it out. And also what he is doing is perfectly normal. The rocking tells you that he is thinking about taking off and he is very close. FYI, the next thing that he will be doing is standing against furniture and walking along it. My son is already doing that and trying to stand and walk on his own! Good luck, and keep a camera handy, it'll happen soon!
Sincerely,
A.

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L.R.

answers from Reading on

K.~ your son is on his way to crawling. it will be no time before you are chasing him around.

L.

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A.D.

answers from Reading on

He is almost there. I bet another week and he will get it. Those are the first "steps" to crawling. Backwards for some reason is easier and more natural and forward will come when he gets the correct pattern down on how to move. Just try to encourage him to come to you or a toy placed in front of him out of arms reach and if he moves just a little forward reward him with the toy and keep making him go further and he will figure it all out.

Good luck with the adoption!!!

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J.B.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I have a friend whose son never crawled. He rolled everywhere he needed to go, then one day he started pulling up and walking around things. I have another friend whose baby did the "Army crawl" everywhere he went and never actually crawled. Each baby is different. It is heartbreaking to watch them get frustrated, but he will get it soon, I'm sure.

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D.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi, it seems like your son is learning as a normal baby does. My son didnt start crawling until late, my nephew either. That is how they start and then one day he will just start going forward. After that it wont be too long before he is walking and getting into everything. He is fine. You have nothing to worry about.

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J.G.

answers from Reading on

Absolutely normal developmental progression! Many babies crawl backwards before figuring out how to put it in drive. Some never go forwards, and get where they're going by crawling around in reverse. His next step will be either crawling forwards, or sitting and scooting (which my daughter did, never crawled) or maybe even straight to pulling up to a stand/cruising. At 7.5 months, he's right on schedule. My daughter didn't scoot forward on her butt til she was a year old, and didn't cruise til she was 15 months (then walked at 16 months). All still completely developmentally normal, and I never worried about the late walking (I rather enjoyed it, it was one less thing to worry about, a one-year-old careening around on hardwood floors). When she did walk, she never fell or had any bumps on the head or anything, as she'd already acquired her spatial awareness and well-developed motor control. To get back on subject, your son sounds like he's doing fine and will be crawling or cruising straightaway. Enjoy the calm before the storm, he'll be leading you on a merry chase in no time.

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J.H.

answers from Erie on

Sounds like he's on the right path. My daughter did just what you're describing for about 2 months, she would end up on her belly, get frustrated and then just scream! Well she just started crawling and she just turned 10 months old! My older daughter was crawling at 6 or 7 months old. I don't think he is having any problem progressing, babies develop at different rates and it sure sounds like he'll be there very soon! On a funny note, my daughter woke up one morning and really did start crawling,,,stranger things have happened! Good luck!

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