All About... Crawling
A baby usually starts crawling between eight and 12 months. Remember that every child has their own pace and learning to crawl is a process that takes time.
Here’s why crawling is a crucial stage in baby’s development:
The Midline
Baby learns to cross the midline. This means one side of the body can cross over to the other side by moving across its centre, or midline. For example, the right hand can cross over the midline and pick up an object on the left side of the body. The ability to cross the midline is needed for a number of basic body skills and everyday movements and activities. In fact, it’s one of the markers of school readiness. A baby who crawls will go for a toy, then naturally sit over one leg to play with it. This involves a twist in the body, which is 'crossing the midline.'
Problem-Solving
Baby learns problem solving. While mastering crawling, baby experiments with different methods, finally choosing the one that works best. In this way they learn about problem solving, the cause-and-effect relationship between movement and direction, and they get positive reinforcement… this kind of learning process matters most as your baby’s motor skills develop.
Cross-Crawling
Baby learns to use arms and legs together. Babies discover they can move most efficiently if their elbow and opposite knee move at the same time and rate. This movement is called 'cross-crawling' and prepares her for many other physical skills, like efficient ways of running, throwing and balancing.
Hand-Eye Coordination
Baby’s eye-hand coordination is stimulated and her hands, fingers and shoulders are strengthened as she crawls after objects to pick up and hold or throw.
What if baby skips crawling?
Don’t worry if your baby skips crawling and goes straight to walking. To help your toddler gain the developmental benefits of crawling, have fun with them by playing games on your hands and knees. This may be as simple as making or buying a cardboard tunnel for your child to crawl through or playing games where you pretend to be a horse or dog and chase after each other on all fours. How about a fun game where you have to go after the ball on your hands and knees? Don’t panic if your child's progress with crawling is slow and remember that you’re doing all the right things. Each baby develops at their own unique pace. If your child’s lack of crawling bothers you, have a chat with your health professional to rule out any underlying problems.
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