Milestones happen quickly during the first year of a baby’s life. Littles adapt to their surroundings so quickly that it is always a must to keep one’s camera ready
And before one of the biggest events of their young lives occurs — their first steps — they will probably conquer crawling first. Mom Sara W. expressed how freeing the accomplishment was for her and her baby. "Everyone says you will hate when they start moving on their own, but I loved it. You want that bottle? Go get it!" she previously told Mom.com.
Before your little one begins zipping across the living room floor, here are some tips for helping them learn to crawl.
At what age do babies start crawling?
How to help your baby crawl
Motivation can help your baby go from rocking to crawling! “As a pediatric occupational therapist, I cannot stress how important motivation is. Motivation is key to your little one participating and repeating skills necessary to build those bigger skills to meet those milestones,” expressed pediatric obstetrician therapist, Nekole Amber, in her vlog.
Whether your baby is reluctant or willing, making the per-crawling stage fun and enjoyable is the key to making the transition from rocking to crawling with ease.
Here are some of the top tips from mom and Lamaze certified Childbirth Educator, Bridget Teyler, on how to get your little one crawling:
1. Tummy time
Tummy time allows babies to build up their core, support their heads, and strengthen their arms. If your baby dislikes tummy time, then as Bridget suggests, use a birth ball.
2. Floor mirror
Babies love mirrors and they can act as a great distraction for babies who need some encouragement to play while on their bellies. So, build their curiosity by having them look at themselves while strengthening their crawling muscles.
3. Use tunnels!
Floor tunnels provide a fun obstacle course for little ones to crawl through. Placing some of their favorite toys in parts of the tunnel will give them the extra push to crawl through.
4. Keep favored objects slightly out of reach
Place your baby’s precious toys just out of their reach in all directions so that they begin reaching and turning their bodies in order to grab them.
5. Model crawling for your baby
Get down on the ground and show your baby how to crawl on their hands and knees. Babies love it watch mama do something fun and they love to emulate, so start crawling!
