Sitters, crawlers, shufflers and creepers: every route counts
How sitting and crawling usually develop between six and twelve months, the many ways babies get moving, floor play that helps, and when to ask for a check.
By PreggieLover 3 min read
At a baby group, one little one is crawling at speed across the room. Another sits happily in the middle of the mat, watching. A third shuffles along on their bottom with impressive determination. Their parents glance at one another, quietly comparing. If you have ever felt that pang, this article is for you.
Sitting up
Most babies learn to sit with support by around six months, and to sit steadily without support somewhere between six and nine months. Early on, your baby may lean forward on their hands like a tripod. Over time they will sit straighter, turn to reach toys, and catch themselves when they start to tip.
To help:
- Sit your baby between your legs on the floor, or surrounded by cushions, with toys just in front of them.
- Place toys slightly to the side, so they practise reaching and twisting.
- Keep up tummy time, which builds the back and shoulder strength needed to sit.
- Stay close: new sitters topple over, so keep the floor soft and clear.
The many ways to get moving
Crawling often begins somewhere between seven and ten months, but there is no single right way to do it. You may see:
- Classic crawling on hands and knees
- Commando crawling, pulling along on the tummy with the arms
- Bottom shuffling, scooting along while sitting
- Rolling across the room to get where they want to go
- Going backwards before forwards, much to your baby's frustration
Some babies skip crawling altogether and go straight to pulling up and walking. That is usually fine too. What matters is that your baby is finding a way to move, explore, and use both sides of their body.
Floor play that helps
- Plenty of floor time on a clean, safe surface, with as little time as possible in seats, bouncers and other equipment.
- Toys just out of reach, to give a reason to move.
- Cushion mountains, soft obstacles to climb over with you close by.
- Tunnels made from a cardboard box or under a chair, for crawlers who like a challenge.
- Bare feet and bare knees where it is warm enough, which help grip.
Baby walkers, the wheeled seats babies push around, are not recommended. They do not help babies learn to walk and have caused injuries, including falls down stairs. A sturdy push-along toy used under supervision is a better choice once your baby is pulling to stand.
New mobility, new risks
A crawling baby can reach places you did not expect, quickly. Now is the time to:
- Fit safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
- Get down on your hands and knees and look for small objects, wires, cords and sharp corners.
- Move cleaning products, medicines, button batteries and magnets high up or into locked cupboards.
- Keep hot drinks, kettles and irons well out of reach.
When to ask for advice
There is a wide range of normal. Talk to your health visitor or doctor if:
- Your baby is not sitting without support by around nine months
- Your baby is not moving around in any way (crawling, shuffling or rolling) by around twelve months
- Your baby seems very stiff or very floppy
- Your baby uses one arm or leg much more than the other
- Your baby loses skills they used to have, at any age
If your baby was born early, use their corrected age when thinking about milestones. And if you simply have a feeling that something is not right, ask. You are not being a nuisance.
On comparison
Comparing babies is almost impossible to avoid, but it can steal your joy and feed needless worry. Each child grows to a pattern God has woven into them. Your baby is not late to someone else's timetable. They are on their own path, and you are walking it beside them.
A verse to hold when other babies seem to be racing ahead:
"I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." (Psalm 16:8, KJV)
When you keep your eyes on Him rather than on the baby across the room, your heart can stay steady, even while your little one wobbles.
A prayer for every way of moving
Lord, thank You for my baby's body and its growing strength. Guard my heart from comparison and fill it with delight in who my child is. Keep them safe as they explore, and give me wisdom to know when to ask for help. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
When do babies usually crawl?
Many babies start crawling between seven and ten months, but some shuffle, roll or skip crawling and go straight to walking.
Are baby walkers good for development?
No. Baby walkers do not help babies learn to walk and have caused injuries. Floor play and supervised push-along toys are better choices.
This article is for general information and encouragement, not medical advice. Please talk to your doctor or midwife about your own health and your baby's.
