Crawling 101: Delayed and Skipped Crawling

As the third part of our crawling series, the Chatterbox Physical Therapists share the ins and outs of an infant skipping crawling and delayed crawling. Read on, for what every PT wishes caregivers knew!

What happens when a baby skips crawling and begins walking?

Crawling is an important gross motor milestone! See our first edition in this series all about the Importance of Crawling!

Crawling is responsible for:

  • increased bilateral coordination by connecting and using both sides of the brain (important for bike riding, skipping, getting dressed, etc.)

  • stronger trunk & shoulder girdle, which are both important for posture, handwriting, using utensils, ball skills, balance and MORE

  • improved grip strength and helps develop arches of hand

  • better visual tracking and motor planning

  • enhanced body awareness

  • increased further independence through exploration of their environment

Babies may skip crawling for various reasons, including:

  • arm, core or hip tightness and/or weakness

  • vision concerns

  • retained reflexes

  • unresolved or recurring torticollis

  • low muscle tone

  • lack of floor play and too much time in containers (i.e. playpens, jumpers, exercise rings, walkers, infant seats, etc.)

  • standing preference (standing is easier because they can “lock out” their joints, gaining more stability instead of using muscles)

Tips and tricks to try at home if your child skipped crawling: climbing, crawling through tunnels or under obstacles (make an obstacle course in the living room), spending time on their tummy to color or read, play on a scooter board on their belly, play with trains, cars or other wheeled cars to push around on the ground on all fours

When to see a PT: If you continue to see concerns with your child’s gross motor skills despite participation in suggestions for home practice.

Delayed Crawling

Crawling is considered delayed if it does not occur until 9-10 months.

Crawling can be delayed by:

  • arm, core or hip tightness and/or weakness

  • vision concerns

  • retained reflexes

  • unresolved or recurring torticollis

  • low muscle tone

  • lack of floor play and too much time in containers (i.e. playpens, jumpers, exercise rings, walkers, infant seats, etc.)

Tips to promote crawling at home:

  • place your child in a tall kneel position for play at a low supportive surface

  • side sit play (even time on both sides)

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

  • push a laundry basket or diaper box on their knees encouraging both knees to move in an alternating pattern (may have to help push)

When to see a PT: If your child is not crawling or attempting to crawl after 10 months with implementation of the above at home recommendations.

Pediatric TherapyChatter Boxphysical therapy, developmental milestones