Is crawling really a milestone?
Written by Shruti Pradhan, DPT, Pediatric Physiotherapist. Founder of Tiny Tots PT
Follow on Instagram @tinytotspt
Yes. Yes, it is. And it's kind of an important one! Do you have a little one who never crawled? Or were you told that crawling isn't really a milestone because not all kids crawl? Well, I'm here to bust some myths. Development results from networks formed in the brain while we learn a skill and how we use it in our environment. Because everyone's environment is so different, development is variable. Why do we need to know this? Well, this may be why some kids skip crawling. But that doesn't mean it's not an important milestone.
Why is crawling important?
There are multiple benefits of crawling, and they extend beyond motor development. Here are a few of them:
Core strength: Crawling on all fours requires our body to coordinate multiple muscle groups - most importantly, the hip, shoulder, and core muscles. Crawling can have a positive effect on walking and balance.
Hand-eye coordination: There is a strong correlation between crawling and the development of vision. Research shows that kids who crawl can search for objects and perceive space better.
Bilateral coordination: This is the body's ability to use both sides for the body. This is required for tasks like throwing or catching a ball, riding a bike, hold the paper with one hand while using scissors with the other, etc. Crawling is all about coordinating both sides of the body and can set your little for future motor skills success.
Fine motor skills: Did you know that we must have good core strength to use our hands efficiently? Stability muscles (muscles for hip, core, upper back) are essential for tasks that require mobility (like writing, pointing). Crawling helps strengthen the stability muscles, resulting in the promotion of fine motor skills.
Motor planning: This is the ability of our brain to plan a sequence of movements! Crawling is one of the initial ways kids learn to motor plan.
Cognitive development: This is the development of attention, memory, abstract thinking, play, reasoning, etc. Being able to move independently allows your child to explore, which promotes cognitive development.
What if your child is crawling, but it's not on all fours?
There are many ways kids learn to move around! Some may roll to get places, while others may adapt their own way of crawling. This could be:
Belly crawling: Not all kids crawl on their belly (commando crawl), but if your child is doing this, it's absolutely okay! The key is to help them get to the next step! (Side note, getting them to crawl over pillows or your legs may just do the trick!)
Three-point crawl/janky crawl: This is so common! Kids will place both their hands, one knee, and one foot on the floor while crawling around. Generally speaking, if kids can weight bear on their knees and get on their hands/knees, it’s not a concern. But if it seems like they are uncomfortable putting weight on the knee, seem to be weak on one side, or just aren't progressing - it may be beneficial to have a PT take a look!
Bum scooting: This is the easiest way of moving around for some kiddos! If it is the ONLY way your little is moving around, it may not be very beneficial for them! Littles who bum scoot do not use their hands, develop enough strength, and impact other developmental skills in the future.
Do you need to worry if your child isn't crawling?
Well, yes and no. Let me explain. It depends on the age and the underlying reason your LO isn't crawling. Typically, infants crawl between 7-10 months of age. That is a big range!! If we observe pre-crawling skills like bring able to roll from tummy to back and vice versa, pivot (turn circles) on their belly, sit independently and reach for toys and grab their toes - it's usually not a concern. But if you're concerned that your child isn't meeting milestones, reach out to a pediatric PT for an evaluation. You can download a free Gross Motor Milestone Guide here!
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About Shruti
Shruti Pradhan, DPT
I’m a pediatric Physical Therapist licensed in the US and certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). I received my MS in Rehabilitation Sciences from University of Pittsburgh and Doctor of Physical Therapy from Northeastern University. I recently relocated to Canada with my husband and my pup! I specialize in Early Intervention (birth to three), am very passionate about neurodevelopment and working with kids with special needs. I started @tinytotspt earlier this year to share information with parents and professionals about motor development and how to promote it! You can check out some free resources available in the Resource Library on my website.