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It’s exciting to have and see your baby crawl. Most babies begin to crawl between 6-10 months. However, some babies crawl much later than that and this can be a source of concern to parents. Crawling is important to babies as it strengthens their neck muscles, helps develop and enhance vestibular or balance system, sensory system, cognition, problem solving skills and coordination; it also helps them understand movement, improves strength in the arms, hands and fingers, provides sensory stimulation to all the joints on the front of their body, and builds a responsibility for movement and mobility in them.
It’s so thrilling to capture the first moment and subsequent attempts your baby makes at crawling, it brings so much joy and smiles to your face as parents. However, getting your baby to learn how to crawl can sometimes pose a challenge to you as a parent. Not to worry! Check out these eleven tested tips to get your baby crawling;
Tummy Time is So Important
To get your baby to learn how to crawl, you have to take tummy time serious. Tummy time is allowing your baby spend enough time laying on their tummy. This lying position is good for your baby’s arms, legs, neck and back muscles. Tummy time should be done about three to four times daily, when your baby is awake, in the baby’s nursery or crib and should be supervised by the parent.
When babies want to sleep, either during nap or nighttime, you should place them on their backs. But during tummy time, when they are fully awake and in a light mood, you can place them on their tummies. You can also spice things up by singing or playing with them, with their toys, or even reading a storybook to them. During tummy time, you can also prop your baby up on a pillow to lift their neck and chest.
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Allow Your Baby Move and Turn
Allow your baby move from one point to another. You can place a toy at a point a little far from where they are and encourage them to reach for it. While doing so, cheer them up, sing for them to nudge them on.
Introduce a Tunnel
Creating a pop up tunnel tub for babies in the home can help your baby crawl as they move into the tunnel and out during play time.
Teach and Encourage Your Baby to Play With Their Hands Lifted
It’s crucial to teach and encourage your baby to play with their hands elevated, that way, it helps their muscles grow. Help put your baby’s hands on an elevated object for example, a furniture while they are seated.
Give Your Baby a Little Help
Give your baby a little help by lifting him/her off the floor when doing a leg workout. As your baby is learning to crawl, you can give them a little help by picking them by the arm to support their body weight, thereby allowing them practice the motion of walking, which will help strengthen your baby’s legs.
Mirror Play Sure Does Work
Allowing your baby play in front of the mirror can help them learn how to crawl as they get excited seeing their reflection, and in their curiosity, will want to touch and hold the mirror, leading them to crawling towards the mirror. When doing so, ensure that your baby is safe by closely supervising them.
Crawl Together With Your Baby
Yes! This is an absolute way to encourage your baby to crawl. Hop in on the ‘train’ by crawling together with your baby, that way, they will be excited to take more steps.
Give Your Baby a Good Massage
A good massage can help strengthen your baby’s muscles and this enables them to crawl. You could incorporate a massage routine in their bedtime period, after giving them a good bath at night.
Don’t Over-pressurize Your Baby
I know you so much want your baby to learn how to crawl, however, it is pertinent not to put too much pressure on your baby as this can negatively affect them. Be patient with them and make learning fun to them.
Celebrate Their Success
Celebrate every step and move your baby makes when crawling. Celebrate their first attempt at crawling and every other attempts.
Remember, Safety First
Always put safety first. Your baby’s safety should be a priority. When your baby starts crawling, please ensure their safety around the house.
Here are vital tips to keeping your baby safe while crawling;
- Keep your house and environment clean, tidy and germ-free;
- Observe your baby’s movements;
- Ensure furniture are secure;
- The plants just have to go;
- Keep hazardous and poisonous products locked up, and out of your baby’s reach.
Encourage and celebrate every step your baby takes.
