Oops, there goes your baby-baby. From a small human that lies, eats, cries and laughs to a child that slowly starts standing up. Off, into the wide world. But, when does your baby actually start crawling? And of course also rolling over, tiger crawling and sitting?
Age & Crawling
Most babies start crawling somewhere between 7 and 10 months. But it's also possible that your little one starts earlier or later, or simply skips the whole crawling phase and goes straight from sitting to walking. No worries, every baby is unique, so every development is different too.
The pre-crawling stage
Let's start at the beginning, because your little one has been preparing for months! First, gross motor skills are trained. At around two months, he discovers his hands and feet. Around three months, an object can be held. And don't be surprised if your baby suddenly puts his foot in his mouth. Funny to see. During this period, place your baby often on a play mat, so there is space for development and movement and schedule tummy time. This trains the back and neck muscles. Around six months, your little one starts rolling over. Whoops, from belly to back. The other way around is still often difficult. Keep in mind that your child can now also roll over in his crib and crawl up and/or down.
Pivoting is something you learn
Well, not really learn, it happens naturally. Around nine months, your child can roll over completely and also rotate on his axis. This is called pivoting. From here, your baby learns to move forward and backward. Aha, the tiger crawling era has begun! During tiger crawling, the side muscles are strengthened, which is useful for crawling.
There goes your baby!
Is your baby (not so baby anymore) suddenly in a crawling position during tiger crawling? Then crawling is near. Sitting will also not take long. Sometimes your baby crawls before sitting and sometimes sits before crawling. It's all good.
Crawling takes energy
You can stimulate crawling by, for example, placing a toy just out of reach. Oh and a surface that is rough (such as sisal carpet) is not very pleasant for little legs and knees. You have some really nice crawling suits and leggings of course. Reason to shop at the same time (sustainably though!). Crawling does take a lot of energy, so a nice warm bath before bedtime is nice. Especially with a nourishing bath oil that keeps the legs soft and supple.
