How to Pick the Perfect Stroller For Your Baby

 How To Help Baby Crawl In Simple Steps

If you’re the parent of a baby who hasn’t yet learned how to crawl, you may feel like you’re at your wit’s end. Crawling gives babies an independence they crave, and that drives them to try crawling as soon as they can move around on their own. If your little one isn’t crawling yet, here are some simple ways to help a baby crawl in no time!

                                       

Step 1: The Preparation

When do babies start crawling? It’s difficult to know for sure, but experts generally agree that a baby is ready to crawl when he can sit up by himself, and his legs have grown long enough so that they are slightly longer than his torso. He should also be able to lift his head off of a flat surface without support, which will help him maintain balance while moving around on all fours. 

Babies typically begin crawling between 9 and 12 months old, though some may start as early as 6 months or as late as 15 months.

Step 2: Let Them Practice, Practice, Practice

When your baby is ready, they’ll start kicking off with their feet. This can be a little scary at first, but it’s actually great news: That means it’s time for you to start practicing too! 

Place an object in front of your baby and encourage them with positive reinforcement when they get close. Make sure to congratulate them on their progress—but don’t push too hard. 

Babies learn best by doing things on their own terms and pace.

                             

Step 3: Adding a Toy Wheel

Once your baby is ready to crawl, she will be able to make her way around with a little help from you. Place one of her favorite toys next to her, so that it encourages her to crawl towards it. 

Then place a toy wheel underneath it, which should keep her attention for hours on end as she tries out new crawling strategies.

 Your baby’s newfound ability to move about independently can also allow her to enjoy playtime in ways she never could before. 

A variety of toys designed for babies who are learning how to crawl will give your child plenty of options for making new discoveries and developing important skills! 

Step 4: Add Another Toy Wheel

Your baby has seen toys roll, so now add a new toy wheel—this time a stationary one. Use your finger to pull it slowly toward your baby and say, Look! Watch her play with it, while keeping an eye out for signs that she’s ready to crawl.

 She may start grabbing at it or pulling herself up on her knees when she sees you with it. When she does that for about a week or two, you know she’s ready. 

Now put away all of those other toy wheels, because they’re distracting from what really matters: learning how to crawl. 

And don’t forget: Always supervise your baby when she plays with any toy wheels.

Step 5: Best Toys for Babies Learning to Crawl

Part of your job as a parent is trying out various baby toys and determining what’s best for your child. It’s important that you use developmentally appropriate toys that encourage fine motor skills, social interactions, and cognitive learning. 

One good place to start is by learning when babies typically begin crawling. Although every child is different and develops at their own pace, there are some signs they’re likely ready to give it a try!

Step 6: Safety Tips and Important Points

Babies begin crawling somewhere between 8 and 12 months, but there’s no hard-and-fast crawling rule. 

Parents often wait until their baby is ready—signs include lifting knees off ground with high head control and strong neck muscles. 

Once the baby's ready, take these tips into consideration . 

Make sure the baby has plenty of floor space: A small room with a soft floor surface (carpet or soft rug) will work best for learning how to crawl. And be sure that all furniture legs are covered; don’t leave any breakables on low tables; and make sure electrical cords are out of reach. 

If you have wood floors, consider covering them with a thin rug so your little one doesn’t hurt herself as she practices her new skill.

When do Babies Start Crawling?

Babies start crawling at different ages, depending on their developmental level.