What if your baby didn’t begin crawling when you expect it to happen?

New parents are all concerned when their offspring become mobile. They cannot wait the time when they see them moving and crawling. Usually children do their first crawling moves between ages of 7 and 12 months. It happens normally after they learn how to sit and balance the body. Kids are all different and some develop earlier while others a little bit later, but it is still normal and nothing to worry about.

On the other hand, some infants don’t begin to crawl up until standing or walking. Your pediatrician will monitor the development of your child and as long as she (he) doesn’t concern about child’s mobility, you shouldn’t be also even if your baby starts moving later than you expected or hoped. Other thing to keep in mind is that premature kids will normally start to crawl few months later than most of their peers.

What to do to help strengthen baby’s muscles

Generally helping your baby to crawl is not only the right thing to do, but even recommended by pediatricians. However, you shouldn’t hurry up, but instead you should give your child the privilege to take a lead. Your child will start crawling when he will be ready for that and develop enough muscles to support and balance his body.

You can help with making the very first moves by giving him plenty of tummy times during first 6 months of life and after. Normally a few minutes and several times a day will be sufficient for that matter. You also can do some light massages or do fun physical exercises with him. For example, it is good to gently lift his legs and arms up and down for a couple of minutes. Playing with your child will also help him to develop earlier.

What to do to encourage your baby to crawl

When you baby learn how to balance on his hands and knees, you can place toys and even yourself in front of your child, but beyond his reach. He will definitely start trying to reach you or grab a toy and make his first move forward. Of course, this will be tough for him and it won’t happen right away. So, don’t be frustrated, just give it some time. All kids have different ways and styles of crawling. Your child might start doing something that is not looks like proper. For example, he may move simultaneously arm and leg from the same side of his body instead of doing cross crawling. However, you should not correct him at first. Your pediatrician will recommend you to wait until he strengthens his muscles a little bit more. Then he will change his style of crawling on his own the way it is more convenient and effective for him. Remember that practice make perfect and with no time you will realize that your child not only start crawling, but walking as well.

Medical Disclaimer

The author is not a doctor and the information in the article is general in nature with no medical advises given or imply. Talk to your doctor, nurse or medical advisor how to treat health related problems.