My Daughter Is't Crawling Yet.......

Updated on July 17, 2008
N.D. asks from Virginia Beach, VA
37 answers

My daughter is * months old and not crawling yet, and i am wondering if i am doing something wrong. I cant get her to stay on her stomach, she always rolls over when its tummy time and her legs are chuncky..hahaha so her little feet cant push the floor and i dont know how to help her. i was wondering if any mommys out there could give me some tips. i know she is still young but she has been sitting up by herself since she was 4 1/2 to 5 months old and i am new at this and need help. so please mommys if you have good tips for cwawling please let me know. is it still to early for her to crawl?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.L.

answers from Norfolk on

I won't worry about her not crawling yet, but you can always show her one of her favorite toys and try to get her to follow it. Both my daughters didn't crawl until they were 10 months old and then walked shortly after. Good luck. Just be patient.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Washington DC on

My daughter didn't crawl until she was 11 months old (then walked 1 week before her 1st B-day). My son didn't EVER crawl. He went from pulling up on things to cruising to walking.

I wouldn't worry too much...enjoy the non-mobile time while it lasts... ;)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Washington DC on

My daughter didn't start crawling until she was 10 months old and learned to walk when she was 14 months. They all go at their own pace...some never crawl and go straight to walking. good luck and enjoy this time while she is still not mobile and you don't have to keep a constant eye on what she's getting into next. : )

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.S.

answers from Richmond on

There are many good ways to help teach a baby motor skills, and to enjoy tummy time. I am a Physical Therapist, and also trained in how to use the Feldenkrais® Method to help infants learn developmental sequences. I would be happy to tell you more, and to set up an appointment if you are interested.
R. Shapiro, ###-###-####

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.G.

answers from Providence on

Hi N.,
Some babies don't crawl at all and go stright to pulling up. My DS is almost 8 months old and he isn't crawling yet either! Don't worry though, I know that ALL babies do things at different times! Hope that helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.G.

answers from Washington DC on

Some kids never crawl and not crawling is not considered to be a "problem". If you really want to encourage her to crawl try putting a toy that she wants out of her reach and then show her how to get it. You could also sign up for a baby gym class (like gymboree, my gym, or little gym). My daughter was a late crawler (10 months). She never got very fast at it, and just started walking at 1 year. As a mom, it is easy to say but hard to do, just try not to worry.
E.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.D.

answers from Washington DC on

I have three kids. The first crawled at 6 months and didn't walk until 13 months. the second child crawled at 8 months and walked at 13 months. My third, I worried about but finally at 10 months or so, he crawled and at 11 months he walked. Before that, he didn't scoot or really move. He was a chunky little guy. My advice is don't sweat it. Your daughter will crawl when she is ready. But please make sure she crawls. there is research that shows that babies who skip crawling have more disciplinary problems in school etc. DOn't know first hand if it is true but something to think about. Good luck and don't sweat it too much. She will crawl and then walk when she is ready!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.A.

answers from Washington DC on

Have you tried to prop her on her tummy on a boppy pillow or something similar. sometimes if they are not lying completely flat on their tummies, they like it a little better. I used to put a mirror on the floor in front of my son to help distract him from tummy time. But don't get too caught up in crawling either - some infants never crawl and go right to standing and walking.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.A.

answers from Washington DC on

Here's another response saying that everything is fine with your daughter. My son didn't particularly like belly time and started crawling for real around 8 1/2 months. Now he's 9 months and has been practicing standing on his own. There's no telling what's inside their little brains or what they're going to do next physically!
However, when he was starting his scooting on his belly phase, we were positively silly with all the "cheerleading" we did with him to make crawling a fun and exciting experience. We sat on the floor with him, and cheered and clapped and played with silly faces, exaggerated facial expressions, etc. I think it made being on his belly a fun time and he started to take more interest in it. But that seems so long ago now! Just a month or two later and he is climbing and squirming to run away from mom & dad! Once they're ready, they'll move like crazy.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Washington DC on

My son didn't start crawling until he was 8mths. My husband and I wanted him to crawl SO BAD! I was at his daycare and he saw one of the other babies crawling around with his toy and he started following her. Now, I can't stop him! He hasn't even mastered crawling and is already trying to stand! He's everywhere!! Don't rush it...the "im-mobile" stages are the BEST!!
:-) Just wait..before you know it...she'll be walking and talking!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.P.

answers from Norfolk on

N.,

Just to echo everyone else; some babies never crawl, it is not a developmental milestone, and there are at least 23 crawling styles that are recognized (my daughter did the military crawl, she never got up on her knees but scooted along as though she was going under barbed wire). And, don't worry if walking is delayed. Doctors don't ask until your child is two years old. My daughter didn't walk until she was 18 1/2 months old. She had cruised around since she was twelve months, but didn't walk independently until she was 18 1/2 months. She wanted to do it perfectly without falling everytime. Babies do things when their brains want to, not when the baby books (or grandma, the neighbor or anybody else) says they should. Some early talkers walk later and visa versa.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Washington DC on

my oldest started walking at 10 months but didn't say his first words until he was 18 months. my niece didn't crawl until 10 and 1/2 months but is babbling and singing up and storm and will be talking very soon, i'm sure. all babies are different. the main thing is "is she learning?" as long as there is some sort of progression, be it w/ movement, language, dexterity, what-have-you, i wouldn't worry. when we were worried about my son not talking, the doctor just told us that they can only learn to do so many things at once. just keep trying to give her her tummy time and she'll get it. good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.W.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi N.,

She is just fine and will learn to crawl when she is ready, it will just happen. Or she may completely skip the crawling and go into walking...who ever really knows. I didn't think my daughter would start crawling since she was rolling and getting to wherever she needed to go...but she did learn to crawl. You can go to babycenter.com and get weekly emails, even they say all babies are individuals and don't do everything by the book...no worries, she will do what she needs in due time!! Hope that helps...good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Norfolk on

If you daughters doctor has looked at her and she is fine don't worry about it. Some kids never crawl. They go straight to pulling up and walking. Good luck.

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

hi N.,
you really can't be 'doing something wrong' since you don't actually teach babies to crawl, do you?
actually, it would be fun to watch parents attempting to teach babies to crawl<G>.
quit stressing. you'll have plenty of REAL stuff to stress over. some babies crawl early. some never crawl at all. my younger went from rolling to walking, and did it all late. and despite how it feels when they're tiny, doing stuff early does NOT translate into 'incredibly advanced brilliant child.'
kids have their own timetables. relax and enjoy!
:) khairete
S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.L.

answers from Washington DC on

My daughter is 10 months old and is not crawling yet. She is happy just sitting on the floor playing with her toys. The pediatrician says it is totally normal and nothing to worry about.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from Washington DC on

You are a fabulous mother with a perfectly normal daughter. Babies grow at all different times and stages. My oldest crawled at 7 mos and walked at 9. My youngest crawled at 8 mos and walked at 10. My girlfriend's daughter crawled at 11 mos and walked at 15. My other girlfriend's son didn't crawl 11 mos and then didn't walk until his 2nd birthday. And actually some babies don't even crawl at all and go straight to walking. She is perfectly fine I swear.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from Washington DC on

She will do it in her own time. There is really nothing you can do to make her crawl, other than provide opportunities for her to move around. Put a toy out of her reach, and see what she does. My oldest son never crawled, he rolled all over the place, and he later pulled himself around by his arms. Then he went straight to walking. He also never did the single words phase of talking, he just started talking in sentences. Every child is different, just enjoy what she's doing now!

C.W.

answers from Washington DC on

Dear N.-

I had to smile at your concern...my first was a chunky guy as well...he hardly moved, and did not walk til about 15 months. I was really getting concerned.

Fourteen months later, his brother was here...I kept encouraging him to crawl...even got one of those 'mickey mouse' toys that crawl!

As the next five came along, I was knockng them DOWN as having so many so young on the move was a challenge! LOL But in spite of it all, they all walk/run fine! Even a few good athletes in the brood,

Kids will do things in there OWN time!

Enjoy!

Michele/catwalk

PS
Oldest is now 19

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Richmond on

RELAX --- she will when she wants to. My son is also 8 months right now and is not crawling and has no interest whatsoever in being on his tummy. He will roll over immediately. He does LOVE his exersaucer and loves standing if someone will hold him up! So I know he is building leg strength every time. I have two older girls and the both crawled at various times.. My oldest didn't walk until 14 and 1/2 months and my middle child walked at 11 months. They all do these things at completely different times! I am expecting that he will "skip" crawling. I have heard of that, but never seen it. I suspect that as soon as he figures out how crawling will help him to get to something he will simply pull himself up and start the cruise. essentially skipping the crawling part. we shall see. But I am not worried. Usually kids that are not "early" on the physical developments are busy with others, vocal, for one. so rest assured that she is busy developing just fine. She just doesn't need to crawl. She is content with what she can do.! try to relax and enjoy her for who she is.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.N.

answers from Washington DC on

i used to put fav. toys where my kids could see them yet not within reach. put my girls on their tummys and start encouraging them. eventually they started crawling because they wanted the toy. i didn't give the toy to them when they would start crying cause they were seeing it/them. that said, crawling isn't a milestone. some kids crawl, some don't at all, and just start walking. either way, i wouldn't worry about it all all
good luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Washington DC on

My son is 9 months old tomorrow (July 16) and only started crawling 1 1/2 weeks ago - he loved tummy time and was always on his tummy, but only got the hang of crawling (hands and knees) last week. My daughter (2 1/2 now) didn't start crawling until she was 13 months (and didn't walk until she was 17 months). She was diagnosed with low-tone - which caused her delay - she also HATED tummy time because of the low tone - now she's all over the place - we can't keep up with her.

8 months in not too early to crawl - but it's also not too late. Here are some tips that we did with our kids (based on recommendations for our daughter with low-tone):
~~lay her on her back and bicycle her legs
~~lay on tummy and put feet together (like a frog) and put a toy or something out of reach - encourage her to reach for the toy as you hold her feet stationary close to the ground so that she can push against you
~~sit with her sitting between your legs and put a toy on the outside of your legs - encourage her to try to get the toy by crawling over your leg
~~lay on your tummy face to face with her on her tummy and talk, sing, etc. **if she can't hold her head up real well, you may need to use a boppy pillow or something similar
~~lay on your tummy side by side with her on her tummy and read a book and point out pictures **if she can't hold her head up real well, you may need to use a boppy pillow or something similar

I hope some of these ideas help - but don't worry right now. If it continues and she doesn't crawl, watch for signs for walking (pulling up on things, etc) - if you don't see anything within the next few months - talk to pediatrician.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.F.

answers from Washington DC on

My daughter didn't really crawl until she was 11 mos. She is 15mos now and still isn't walking on her own. She is cruising very well. Anyway, each child does things in their own time. It's annoying to hear, but she will crawl when she wants to. Just be patient.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.B.

answers from Norfolk on

Don't stress it, my 11 1/2 month old son wont crawl either. I asked my peditrician the same question and she said. "Just give him (in your case her) plenty of time in a standing position." (you holding on or if she'll do it and your comfortable doing it have her hang on to the side of her play yard.) That will develop the leg muscles and get her use to using her legs for what your eventualy after anyway, being upright. My son will stand all day hangen on to the side of his play yard and has never once made any effort to crawl.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.M.

answers from Norfolk on

According to the book "What To expect the First Year," some babies never crawl. Crawling is not a developmental milestone, nor is it a prerequisite to walking. That being said, when my girls were babies, I would actually move their feet and hands for them in a crawling motion. I felt like I was showing them that if they did this movement, they would be able to move around on their own. I don't know whether it helped them or not, but they were quick to learn after that. Nonetheless, if she doesn't crawl at all, you have nothing to worry about. She'll be up and walking before you know it.
D. M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.T.

answers from Washington DC on

A lot of babies go straight to walking.... never crawling... she will crawl or walk when she is ready. (My son was an early crawler, but a very late walker.) My in laws made me feel really bad that he wasn't walking... I just ignored them.

Enjoy being able to put her on the blanket on the floor, go throw a load of laundry in or cook on the stove knowing that she can't move:-)))) She will be moving soon enough!

L.M.

answers from Dover on

My daugther LOVED tummy time (now 19 months) as did my son (now 16 years) and both crawled/scooted early. My nephew who is just a month younger than my daughter HATED tummy time but once he decided to start moving, there was no stopping him. Every child is different and if your daughter doesn't have any obvious development issues and you doctor isn't concerned, I would say that she will be just fine. If you have any doubts, you should definately talk to your pediatrician...he can tell you better since he knows your daugther much better than we (the moms here on Mamasource) know her.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.G.

answers from Washington DC on

My first son NEVER crawled...ever. We tried everything. My husband and I would practice with him. I would move his little arms and my husband would scoot his legs behind him. Nothing. He was just very laid back. He started walking at 11 months.

My mother was worried because she also had heard that crawling is a developmental process with their motor skills and good for reading in school etc. He's now almost 6 (going to Kindergarten this fall because he missed the deadline) and can read (slowly of course) and write and loves school. In other words, everything seems on course for someone his age despite never crawling.

My second son (fireball) started crawling at 5 months and swinging off the rafters at 6. From no help from us of course.

My third son is 9 months right now and still not crawling....also very laid back. I'm not worried.

Good luck! And enjoy these "im-mobile" months as they do not last long.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Kids are either shakers or talkers first, so I wouldn't be too concerned if she's not crawling yet. I bet she's rather chatty! :) Yes, crawling happens around this time, but that's just an estimate. If your daughter has chunky legs, it's not unreasonable that she hasn't initiated crawling. What may help is trying to position her on all fours, but really concentrating on bringing her knees in front of her hips vs. right underneath her hips. Start on tummy first, then prop upper body up a bit to get onto hands, then slide the knees underneath her bottom. Weight bearing through the joints will give her some feedback. Sooner or later her body will respond to that stimulus. Be careful though, she most likely will take a nose dive because they're top heavy at this age (huge heads)! So choose the bed or carpeted floor to start. Oh, if she doesn't like tummy time, she won't like being on all fours. So don't be surprised if she's irritable. Overall, I think she'll be just fine.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.L.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi,
I wouldn't worry about it. My daughter didn't crawl until after she was 9 months old. I too was very worried and tried everything but in the end she just did it on her own. That's my reccomendation. Let it happen naturally. She is now 14 months old and running all over the place. I have some friends whose children never crawled, just went straight to walking.

Take care and don't worry:)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.T.

answers from Washington DC on

I don't think my daughter crawled until 9 months and she didn't do that for long. She progressed to cruising. She was a big cruiser and climber and didn't walk until 13 months.

It isn't too early for her to walk, but not walking is completely normal too.

Oh and crawling is not a developmental milestone. Some children never crawl. They go from scooting to standing, cruising and walking.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.N.

answers from Norfolk on

My son is 17 years old, and when he was 9,10, and 11 months old he would not even try to crawl,or get up on the furniture. 5 days after his 1st birthday he took off.He's been going since no stop.She may be like that. Just give her time,ok. God Bless!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.O.

answers from Washington DC on

Don't worry! My son didn't crawl until almost 10 months. He is a big baby, the more they weigh, the harder it is for them to crawl. He just turned a year old July 10 and is now trying to walk. He took almost 10 steps yesteday!!!
Your daughter will crawl when she is ready, it's very normal.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.F.

answers from Washington DC on

I wouldn't worry yet. All babies develop at their own pace. I have heard of babies that never crawl. They just go straight to walking. If you are worried, you can always mention it to your ped.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi N..
Congrats on being a mom. Each baby has their own time table as far as development. The guidelines at the ped. office are just that, guidelines. Kids tend to run about a month +/- around the guidelines are will still be considered fine by the peds. So, she's on track, if that's what you are worried about. Some kids even skip the crawling stage and go straight to the pullup/toddling stage. One thing that may help, is when she is in a sitting position, place objects just out of her reach, she'll learn to move towards them.
Best of luck.
M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.C.

answers from Washington DC on

HI, first of all I just wanted to say that your baby girl is completely normal. My daughter didnt crawl until she was at least 10 months old and she still preferred just to roll herself everywhere instead of crawling anyway. Some babies never crawl, they just skip straight to walking. Your daughter will crawl when and if she is ready. The key is not to compare her too much to other babies or baby books, every baby is different and special and you cant judge milestones by age alone. Enjoy every second with her now while she is still immobile because pretty soon you'll be running to catch up with her!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.K.

answers from Norfolk on

I am sure she is right on schedule!!
Many do there thing when they are ready, the twins I care for were thinking about crawling at that age, and now at 13 months they are everywhere.
I tried to encourage them but they had their own time.
If she is gaining weight and strong, you can be confident she is fine. Is she more vocal, some develop in thier speach then be more physical later.
God Bless!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches