Variations in crawling can include asymmetrical crawling and the infamous army crawl. Often seen as endearing forms of crawling, there are times that a baby practicing these versions of crawling could use some support at home or from a Physical Therapist! Read on for more about different versions of crawling.

What is Asymmetrical Crawling?

Asymmetrical crawling means that a child’s crawling pattern includes a bent leg and either dragging or scooting the other leg along. It may be referred to as “Tripod”, “One-legged” or “3 point” crawling.

Babies choose asymmetrical crawling pattern when they have tight and/or weak muscles; inactive or retained reflexes; muscle imbalances; unresolved torticollis.

It is important to achieve symmetrical crawling because it uses both sides of the brain together; develops spinal curves; promotes symmetrical movement pattern; strengthens hips and shoulders; requires visual scanning and motor planning needed for walking.

Tips and tricks to try at home to improve Asymmetrical Crawling:

• Side sit to opposite side (place toys on non-preferred side about 45 degrees)

• ½ kneel play at a supportive or vertical surface with non-preferred leg up

• ½ kneel to stand through non-preferred leg

• Tall kneel play with weight shifts to weaker side

• Tall kneel walk (with push toy, diaper box, laundry basket, couch ottoman)

When is asymmetrical crawling a concern? When this is your child’s preferred crawling pattern. Contact a PT if you do not start to see progress/improvements with 2 weeks of trying these at home tips!

What is Army Crawling?

The army crawler uses their arms and upper body to propel them across the floor. Their legs perform very little function, and their trunk and legs remain on the floor as they drag themselves to their desired location.

Babies choose an army crawling pattern when they have muscle imbalances, weakness in the hips and/or trunk, retained newborn reflexes, faster than hands and knees crawling.

It is important to achieve symmetrical crawling because it uses both sides of the brain together; develops spinal curves; promotes symmetrical movement pattern; strengthens hips and shoulders; requires visual scanning and motor planning needed for walking.

Army crawling is a milestone for some children from 6-8 months, then crawling on hands and knees should emerge around 9-11 months. While army crawling is a stepping stone to hands and knees crawling, it is a concern if army crawling continues at 10 months without sign of progression to hands and knees crawling.

Tips and tricks to try at home to improve Army Crawling:

• Tall kneel at vertical or supportive surface (mirrors with suction toys, toys on coffee table, etc.)

• Encourage pushing a laundry basket or diaper box on their knees encouraging both knees to move in an alternating pattern

• Hands and knees play over your leg or a rolled up blanket to support weight-bearing through arms and hips

• Encourage baby to crawl over mini obstacles such as your leg, pillows, or onto an elevated surface

• Crawling up stairs with an alternating pattern

• Side sit play (even time on both sides)

When is army crawling a concern? When this is your child’s preferred crawling pattern. Contact a PT if you do not start to see progress/improvements and willingness to bear weight through arms and legs with 2 weeks of trying these at home tips!