7 Stages of Crawling: The Ultimate Survival Guide for Parents

When do babies start crawling? When they want to get to the other side.

Like the age-old conundrum Why did the chicken cross the road?, the question of When do babies crawl? can yield a vast spectrum of correct answers. That’s because there are all sorts of different kinds of babies, each with their own charms, quirks, and speeds.

There’s also a lot of anxiety that tends to go with that very same question. Can babies crawl at 4 months? 2 months? Do babies sit up or crawl first?

Deep breath, mama. Crawling is not a race.

Some babies don’t really crawl at all. They skip this step and go straight to walking. But if you want to see how to help baby crawl, we have a few top baby crawling tips coming your way!

In this article: 📝

When do babies start crawling?

The answer for each baby is different, but the average age for starting to crawl is between 6 and 10 months. But even that’s just an estimate: some might start sooner, and some won’t be crawling until their first birthday, while others might skip the crawling stage entirely.

Some of this depends on how much tummy time your baby is having, so if you’re looking to encourage your babe to start moving, shift your energies onto their tummy time routine. Strengthening their backs and necks will really help them along on their crawling journey, and having toys or mirrors around will make them all the more likely to start venturing off to explore.

Just make sure you’re always present for their tummy time play and that they’re on their backs for sleeping. But if you’ve upped their tummy time game and your baby still turns out to be a non-crawler, it’s no biggie, especially if they’re hitting other developmental milestones. Some babies are just not a fan of the crawl. Don’t stress, mama, and just enjoy watching them explore the world however they want to do it.

What's the earliest a baby can crawl?

Well, it’s hard to tell how old the youngest baby to crawl really is — it’s not in the Guinness Book of World Records. Some unsubstantiated claims suggest that the youngest baby to walk was just 3 months old! But don’t feel like your baby is behind if they’re not showing signs of crawling at 3 months — most babies learn from around 6-10 months old.

Are babies who crawl early smarter?

No — there are no scientific links between early crawling babies and intelligence or IQ. Your baby will learn to crawl in their own time, although some babies skip this stage entirely, and go straight to walking!

What are the stages before baby crawling?

First off, what are some signs baby is ready to crawl? Early signs of crawling tend to be some of your babe’s first major milestones. These can include rolling over from back to front and back again and sitting up unsupported.

During tummy time, some babies might also do a “swimming” motion — moving their arms and legs while laying on their tummies. They might even pivot themselves in a circle on their tummy! If they push themselves up onto their hands and feet, like a plank, or are starting to support their weight with their arms, they’re getting really close to the full-fledged crawl.

Your baby might balance into a hands-and-knees crawling position, or even start rocking back and forth on their hands and knees. These are all signs baby will crawl soon. But it’s important to remember that not every baby goes through each of these steps, so your baby might find their own unique way into the full crawl.

Signs baby is ready to crawl

There are a few tell-tale signs baby is ready to crawl, so if you’re concerned about their development, these could mean that a crawling baby is right around the corner!

• Shifting positions when lying down
• Looking around during tummy time
• Holding onto their feet when lying on their back
• Rolling over when lying on their back
• Rocking backward and forward when on all fours

If your babe’s showing any of these signs, keep an eye on them during tummy time, just in case they feel the need for speed and start crawling before you can take a pic!

What comes first: crawling or sitting up?

Babies typically learn to sit somewhere in the second half of their first year. Sitting can help develop the ab strength to make baby crawling happen. Like many important discoveries, going from sitting to crawling can sometimes happen by accident. Unlike sitting, crawling is not a developmental marker or milestone — but if it does happen, some degree of sitting will likely precede it.

What are the stages of learning to crawl?

So your baby is getting a little more confident with their moves. What now?

We’ve broken it down into 7 stages of crawling. But remember, not every baby is the same, so it’s totally normal for them to have their own journey that looks a little, or a lot, different from what we’ve outlined here. Some babies will skip or mix up several of these steps as they figure out how to navigate the world.

1. The "shuffle”

As we mentioned earlier, anything from the tummy squirm to "swimming" means they’ve started their journey to crawling. So when your babe is ready to start exploring, they'll take on this signature move.

The shuffle is all about mastering balance and coordination while building those adorable little muscles. Your baby will start by pushing themselves up on their arms and wiggling their bottom until they can rock back and forth. Then, with a little practice, they'll be on their way, shuffling across the floor like a pro!

2. The "commando crawl"

If your baby is starting to move their body around using their arms, they’ve started to commando crawl. It’s the stealthy move your babe needs to conquer the world!

The commando crawl is all about using those little arms to pull themselves forward while dragging their legs behind. This style of crawling helps build upper body strength and coordination. Babies tend to start here as their upper body strength develops a little faster than their lower halves.

3. The crawling position

If your babe is starting to get onto their hands and knees, even if they’re not moving, they’re well on their way to figuring out how to turn this position into movement. The crawling position is all about mastering balance and coordination while building their baby muscles.

Your babe will start by getting on all fours, with their knees and hands supporting their weight, ready to pounce on any toy or object in their way. This position helps develop hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and strengthens the core muscles — all skills that will be essential in later stages of development.

4. The backward crawl

They’ve made it to the all-fours crawling position, but are going backward? Your baby will start by pushing themselves up on their arms and wiggling their bottom until they can rock back and forth. But instead of moving forward, they'll put their own spin on things and start moving backward like a boss.

They’re getting close! Any movement is good movement.

And hey, if it’s good enough for Bluey, it’s good enough for us!

5. The "scoot"

If they’re getting places by shuffling about on their bottoms, they’re starting to master the idea of moving, and might start replacing this with a faster crawl soon. The scoot is all about using their arms to pull themselves forward while dragging their bottom along the ground — like a mini skateboard move.

6. The "crab" crawl

Some babes find it easier to start off with a crawl that focuses on one side of their body. If they’re shifting themselves forward with one straight and one bent leg, they’re well on their way to getting into a full crawl. Plus, it's just plain funny to watch your babe crab-walk their way around the room like they're at the beach.

7. The "classic" crawl

If they’re on all fours moving opposite arms and legs at once, they’ve got the hang of a classic crawl. Some babes will never get to the full "classic" crawl — and that’s fine, too.

Although these first steps into moving around are a big milestone for some babies, it’s not something every baby goes through. They may be so confident in their commando or crab crawl that they just never find the need to learn a full-fledged crawl.

They might also just go straight to standing up and walking — yes, it happens! As long as they’re starting to find their own way to move, they’re doing great.

What months are the stages of crawling?

While every baby develops at their own pace, there are some general milestones you can look out for. The first stage of crawling usually starts between 6-10 months, when your baby begins to push themselves up on their arms and start to rock back and forth.

The second stage, known as the classic crawl, typically starts around 7-12 months, when your baby begins to crawl on all fours. From there, your little adventurer may progress to other stages of crawling, such as the commando crawl, the crab crawl, the backward crawl, or even the scoot.

How long does it take between creeping and crawling?

Creeping is when your babe starts to shuffle themselves around on their tummies. But at this pre-crawling stage, you might find your baby doing several different moves, too.

They might be squirming on their tummies, bums, or backs, rolling around, scooting, or just being generally experimental with all their newfound strength. If they’re doing any of those things, you’re looking at just a few more weeks of being fully in control of your baby’s whereabouts, so it’s a good idea to start baby proofing your home.

The more squirmy your baby is getting during tummy time, or the more they’re exploring the limits of their own body’s strength and movement, the more likely you’re going to see your babe have their first crawl soon.

Baby proofing before the crawling starts is a really good idea. Your suddenly mobile baby will want to explore their newfound skill — a lot — so keep an extra eye out for things like electrical sockets, stairs, sharp edges, and anything in your baby’s reach that they’re better off steering clear of.

What causes delay in crawling?

If you’re worried about your baby not crawling at 9 months, 10 months, or even 12 months, try not to fret. Some babies simply don’t crawl at all, and go straight to standing, then walking. But some babies simply don’t have the opportunity to start crawling, so it’s worth making sure they have enough tummy time and space to explore.

When should I be concerned about my baby not crawling?

While some babies skip the crawling stage, there are a few key developmental signs to look out for, to make sure baby’s hitting those milestones. If baby’s not moving their legs or putting their feet down when in an upright position by 6 months old, it’s worth checking in with your doctor. But if they’re doing those things, only not crawling, it’s usually nothing to be concerned about.

How can I encourage my baby to crawl?

Keen to find out how to help baby crawl? Here are our Peanut moms’ top tips on how to teach baby to crawl:

1. Tummy time

You may hear it in every room that has a mama in it: the importance of tummy time. Don’t stress, it’s not complicated.

All it means is giving your babe some time on their tummy, preferably when they are awake, and preferably when they are not yelling their lungs out. Why is this so important? Well, consider it Baby Gym.

Tummy time is a full-body workout, targeting their legs, back, arms, and neck, building their motor skills. And guess what those muscles are excellent for? You got it: baby crawling. It’s never too early to start with tummy time.

You can even get your newborn started with some quick sessions of about 3 or 4 minutes long about 3 times a day. Other ways to do baby gym? Clap hands above the head, lift their feet slightly off the ground, and entice them with a well-placed toy. As an added bonus, tummy time can help an active baby get to sleep — thank goodness!

2. Look in a mirror

This is a fun one. Pop a mirror in front of your baby during tummy time and watch them try to investigate the new friend — their reflection.

You may find them reaching up toward the mirror and even holding themselves up. Next step: baby crawling!

3. Get crawling yourself

Okay, you’re not allowed to go through your parenting journey without looking completely ridiculous at least once a month. Here’s this month’s challenge: get crawling yourself. Babies are amazing copycats. Seeing their mama crawling may just get baby crawling.

4. The carrot-and-stick method

This one can lead to a crying baby, so approach with caution! Place baby’s favorite toy a short distance from them, and encourage them to come to you to find it. And voilà: crawling baby!

We don’t recommend trying this technique on a grizzly or tired baby — if they start to get frustrated or fussy, try another tactic.

What should I buy for baby to crawl?

While most babies don’t need any extra products to help them learn to crawl, some of our Peanut mamas like to use things like baby crawling mats, baby crawling knee pads, and toys to help baby crawl. So here are a few of their favorite products to help baby crawl.

Best baby knee pads for crawling

Baby knee pads for crawling can help protect baby’s knees from bruises and scrapes, particularly useful if baby’s learning to crawl on hard floors. Here are some of our Peanut mama’s favorite baby crawling knee pads:

• Unisex Baby Toddlers Kneepads 5 Pairs: Five pairs of baby crawling knee pads in pink, blue, black, soft gray, and dark gray — great for babies 6 months and up. Buy it here
• Baby Crawling Kneepads & Anti-Slip Socks: Perfect for a crawling baby who’s close to learning to walk and stand. Buy it here
• Baby Kneepads for Crawling & Cushion Backpack: Another great purchase for a crawling baby who’s also learning to walk, the cute, cushioned backpack can help prevent baby from bumping their head. Buy it here

Toys to help baby crawl

Toys are one of the best motivators to get a baby crawling. These toys to help baby crawl range from rolling toys that can tumble out of baby’s reach, encouraging them to crawl, or toys that baby leans on to get crawling.

• Baby Einstein Bendy Ball: A highly-rated, BPA-free baby toy that can roll out of baby’s grasp, encouraging them to crawl to get it back. Buy it here
• Yeaye Baby Crawling Crab Toy: A fun electric toy to help baby crawl, this crab does its own crawling to get baby on the move. Buy it here
• Inflatable Rolling Drum: For babies who are starting to get the gist of crawling, this rolling drum is made so baby can lean on it to get them used to the sensation of moving. Buy it here

Baby floor mats for crawling

If you have hardwood floors, a baby crawling mat could be a good idea to ease the pressure on baby’s knees. Here are a few of our Peanut mamas’ favorite baby crawling mats:

• Space Foam Baby Crawl Mat: If your baby is out of this world, you’ll love the space theme of this large foam baby floor mat for crawling. Buy it here
• Super Play Mat: A fun, soft-padded baby crawling mat with a few toys built in to get baby’s mind whirring. Buy it here
• Memory Foam Patchwork Play Mat: The best thing about this baby crawling mat? It’s waterproof and easy to wipe clean. Buy it here

How should I dress my baby to crawl?

You don’t need to worry about baby wearing specific clothes while they’re learning to crawl, although having their knees out can help them better feel their surroundings. Avoid any clothing that dangles too much, as they can get caught while baby’s trying to move, or restrictive clothing, which can impede baby’s crawling progress.

How do babies survive crawling?

With all this strain on baby’s knees, how do they get through crawling without bruises and scratches? Well, it’s totally normal for babies’ knees to get a little bruised from crawling, but as long as they don’t seem to be in pain, they should be fine.

But the best way to protect baby while they’re crawling is to babyproof wherever they’re let loose.

• Make sure fragile items, or things you don’t want baby to grab are out of reach.
• Put padding over sharp or hard corners, particularly ones at baby’s head height.
• Keep electrical cords tucked away and out of sight.
• Put any blind or curtain cords way out of reach of baby.
• Install baby locks on cabinets and drawers you don’t want baby to get into.
• Put covers over electrical outlets.

Do babies get bruised knees from crawling?

Sometimes, yes, babies can get bruised knees from crawling. While they usually don’t cause baby any pain, you can get some baby crawling kneepads to help protect their knees while they’re on the move.

How do you keep baby hands clean when crawling?

Well, sometimes, you can't keep baby’s hands clean while they’re crawling, but you can clean them between crawling sessions. To clean baby’s hands, simply use lukewarm water (or cold, if baby doesn’t mind) and mild baby-friendly soap to get their hands squeaky clean and ready for their next crawl.

Can I put hand sanitizer on my baby's hands?

Yes, you can use hand sanitizer on a baby’s hands, as long as they’re supervised to ensure they don’t put their hands in their mouth before they’re dry.

Can you use diaper wipes on baby hands?

Yes, you can use baby wipes and diaper wipes on baby’s hands to get any muck from baby crawling.

What surface is best for crawling?

According to our mamas of Peanut, carpet is the best surface for a crawling baby. However, a rug, blanket, or baby crawling floor mat can help if you have hardwood or laminate floors.

Should you let baby crawl around house?

Yes, it’s absolutely fine to let baby crawl around the house to explore, as long as they are always supervised and not at risk of being hurt by things like hard corners, unsupported cabinets, electrical outlets, and drawers or cabinets with dangerous items inside. After all, baby doesn’t know what’s dangerous — they’ll just keep exploring while they learn to crawl.

Is it OK for babies to crawl on hard floors?

Yes, it’s absolutely fine to let baby crawl on hard floors — you can choose to use a softer surface for them to crawl on, like a rug, blanket, or crawling floor mat, but, as long as baby is happy crawling on a hard floor, go for it!

Whether your little explorer is crab-crawling across the living room, scooting in circles, or rocking back and forth with determination, crawling is a big (and adorable) step in their journey.

Some babies fly through the crawling stages, others take their sweet time, and a few skip it entirely — and all of that is totally normal.

Your job? Cheering them on, offering plenty of tummy time, and babyproofing like a pro when the time comes.

Join the conversation on Peanut and share your baby’s crawling milestones with a community who gets it.