How to Get Babies to Crawl

Parents can put babies in the proper position to crawl.

Babies typically start crawling on their own, but there are certain actions that parents can take to encourage the process. Before teaching your baby to crawl, you must make sure that she can sit up straight, hold her head up and turn her head without your support. If your baby cannot support herself, then her back, arm and neck muscles are not strong enough for her to crawl. Once these muscles mature, you can take actions to help your baby to start crawling.

Instructions

1. Create a space in your home where your baby can crawl freely. Place a large rug or blanket on the floor and place your baby's toys on it. Sit on the floor with him, allowing him to sit up on his own. Play together with your baby until he is comfortable in his surroundings.

2. Lay your baby on her stomach. Place toys around her to keep her occupied and to teach her how to reach and grab for what she wants. Encourage your baby by demonstrating the same actions yourself. Lay on your stomach and reach for toys that are far away from you, and your baby is likely to try to mimic your actions.

3. Place your baby's toys further away from him each day. As your baby reaches for the toys, his arm and leg muscles will strengthen, and he will eventually start scooting towards the toys using his legs and feet. Grab your baby's hands and slightly pull him as he moves forward to encourage the use of these muscles.

4. Place some of the toys at the edge of the rug or blanket. Although your baby may not be able to reach them right away, she will notice them and eventually move in the direction of the toys on her own, especially if they are her favorite. If your baby becomes frustrated because the toys are far from her, move them a bit closer so that she feels more confident in her ability to reach them.

5. Praise your baby when he reaches his toy successfully. Avoid making loud, startling noises when your baby crawls for the first time. This may make him nervous and discourage him from crawling again. Clap your hands softly while telling him, with a big smile, that he did a great job.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to childproof the crawling area for your child's safety. Cover all electrical sockets, keep cords out of reach and make sure that there are no liquid or food items lying around within reach.

References

• BabyCenter: Developmental Milestones, Crawling; April 2006
• Baby Development News: Teaching Baby to Crawl Is Easy with These 2 Techniques