What If Your Baby Skips Crawling?

There are a lot of important skills that are developed uniquely by crawling. That's why I hesitate to brush it off when a baby skips this milestone.

But there’s good news!

If your baby begins walking before crawling, they can still reap some of the benefits by getting down on the floor and crawling while playing.

Try this:

Create an obstacle course with opportunities to explore and navigate by crawling.

Think about obstacles your baby can crawl through, under, and over. Provide a variety of uneven surfaces. 

Here are some ideas to get you started: 

1. Crawling through tunnels: Utilize play tunnels or create makeshift tunnels using chairs and blankets.

2. Crawling under furniture: Set up a safe and secure space beneath tables or chairs for your baby to navigate through.

3. Crawling over soft obstacles: Arrange a pile of pillows covered in a blanket and encourage your baby to crawl over them.

4. Couch cushion challenge: Place a cushion on the floor and encourage your baby to crawl up onto it and back down.

5. Yoga mat adventure: Drape a yoga mat over a sturdy box and create an exciting crawling surface.

6. Stair climbing: Under close supervision, allow your baby to crawl up a few steps while ensuring their safety at all times.

If your baby has skipped crawling, it's essential to investigate the reasons behind it. Babies don’t usually skip crawling because they would simply rather walk. But rather, it can indicate an underlying issue that hinders their ability to crawl. Observing any potential obstacles or difficulties is crucial. If you notice any such concerns, it is highly recommended to seek guidance from a physical therapist who can provide personalized activities tailored to your baby's needs. By addressing these challenges, you can help your baby overcome any barriers and continue their developmental journey.

Here's what to look for 👇🏼

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P.S. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for skilled physical therapy intervention. While I am a physical therapist, I am not your child's physical therapist. If you have questions or concerns about your child's health and/or development, please contact your pediatrician.

When you shop using the links above, Physical Therapy for Infants earns a very small portion of what you spend at no additional cost to you.