Is it normal for a baby to crawl instead of crawling? All babies develop at different rates, and quite a few prefer to crawl instead. If this happens, is there any need to worry?
Crawling is a crucial milestone in a baby’s development before they can stand and walk. Crawling strengthens their muscles, and the movement can help stimulate brain development.
If the baby doesn’t crawl but instead drags, maybeParentsWondering if there are any risks and what to do to get them to learn to crawl ? Let’s take a look at the following review!
Is it normal for a baby to crawl and not crawl?
Source: Freepik
In general, babies learn to crawl from the age of six months to nine months. Before he becomes an expert at it, it takes time for the baby to develop the confidence to move from sitting to crawling.
Before learning to crawl, your baby will try various positions, such as propping himself up on his hands and knees and rocking back and forth. In fact, crawling may be common around the time a baby begins to crawl.
For some babies, crawling can be a precursor to crawling. However, others prefer to crawl to move, eventually leading to walking.
There are several crawling ‘styles’ that babies might do, as follows:
-
Moving Forward and Backward Using Arms
Babies roll onto their bottoms from a sitting position, then use their arms to push their bodies forward and backward.
Some babies crawl using the sides of their bottoms to pull their bodies along.
Some babies also lie face down on their stomachs, using their arms to drag their bodies along with their legs to move. This movement resembles crawling.
Babies can also move their bodies forward by crawling while sitting using their bottoms.
Some babies prefer to roll over with their bodies to get where they want to go.
Is this normal?
Quoting fromMom Junction, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics as long as the baby can coordinate his body movements and use all his limbs evenly to move,Parentsno need to worry.
Sliding is an alternative movement to crawling for normal babies. Even dribbling and skipping the crawling phase is considered normal as long as the baby reaches other developmental milestones on time.
4 Reasons Why Babies Don’t Crawl But Slither
Source: Freepik
1. The baby is preparing to crawl
Sliding is an early stage and is part of learning to crawl for babies. It could be that after the baby is skilled at moving here and there by sliding, he will try to crawl using his hands and knees.
2. Babies Prefer to Slide
Just like other humans, babies have their own minds and preferences. If they prefer crawling to crawling, they may find it a more comfortable way to move than crawling.
In a 2013 study of 47,000 babies in Norway, 7% preferred crawling to crawling and learned to walk just as well as crawling babies.
3. Toned Hip Muscles
Babies who suckle in a sitting position or only use their bottoms may have tight or tense hip muscles. This tension in the hip muscles makes it difficult to bring the thighs closer together when the hips are bent, for example when sitting on a low step or in a crawling position.
These tense muscles then affect the baby’s ability to get up into a crawling position. When crawling, the legs often spread wide, making crawling more difficult for the baby.
4. Lack of balance and motivation to crawl
Crawling on hands and knees requires a lot of balance control. Some babies who prefer crawling may decide that crawling is more difficult and, as a result, focus on learning other ways of moving instead of crawling.
Lack of motivation can also be a cause of a baby’s crawling. They’ll prefer other methods they perceive as easier.
The Risk of Baby Crawl
Source: Freepik
So, are there any health risks if a baby doesn’t crawl but instead scoots? Crawlers may have stronger core muscles than crawlers, but there are also some negative consequences, such as the following.
1. Can walk longer
Some experts believe that babies who don’t crawl but instead shuffle have difficulty supporting their body weight on their legs. They tend to bend their legs at the knees when standing, which makes it take longer for them to learn to walk.
2. Losing the Benefits of Crawling
Crawling is important for strengthening the arms and giving children different opportunities to explore different surfaces. For example, climbing up and down and moving on surfaces with different textures, such as grass, sand, smooth floors, carpet, and so on.
A crawling baby will move from a sitting to a crawling position many times a day. This movement teaches the baby trunk control and stability and provides the hip muscles with the regular stretch necessary for good mobility.
4 Ways to Prevent Your Baby from Sliding
Source: Freepik
Babies may have their own preference for sliding over crawling, but there’s no harm in them gaining experience with crawling. Here are some ways to keep your baby from sliding and encourage them to learn to crawl.
1. Tummy Time
Go back to basics.Tummy time can increase neck, arm and chest strength which is important for the process of learning to crawl.
When babies are placed on their tummies, they may feel more confident about trying to crawl. The more often babies are placed in this position, the more confident they are.tummy timeor face down, the greater the desire to crawl, either to get out of that position or to move.
2. Fishing with Toys
Does your little one have a favorite toy? Try encouraging him to crawl with a toy. Place the toy a little away from your baby so he has to move to get it. It’s even better if your baby is lying face down or lying down.tummy timeso that he is encouraged to move his hands and feet.
3. Encourage Baby to Kneel
Encouraging and motivating your baby to kneel is a great way to get them to crawl. Simply place a folded towel on the floor orplay matPosition your baby on his knees with his upper body resting on a folded towel or higher than his feet. This will help strengthen the arm muscles needed for crawling.
4. Help Baby Stretch
IfParentsIf you suspect that your baby doesn’t want to crawl because he has tense or tight hip muscles, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor.Parentscan also help the baby stretch the hip muscles.
Bend your baby’s hips and knees to a 90-degree angle and hold the back of their thighs with your palms. Gently move their thighs in a circular motion for 1 to 2 minutes. Do this while engaging in play or conversation with your baby. Do this stretch 2 to 3 times daily.
Things Parents Should Be Aware Of
Sliding is normal for the baby to move, but there are some signs that it is necessaryParentsBe aware of the following medical disorders:
- Babies cannot stand with support at 12 months and cannot walk at 18 months.
- Poor coordination between body parts
- Awkward body movements when running or crawling
- Appears weak or easily shakes when moving or being carried, this could be an indication of a neuromuscular disorder.
- Delays in physical, cognitive, or speech development
- Child has difficulty eating
- Ever had a seizure?
Immediately consult a doctor if you find signs like those above in your baby to get the right treatment.
There’s no need to worry too much if your baby isn’t crawling but is crawling. It may be more comfortable for your baby. However, continue to monitor your baby for other signs of developmental delays early on. We hope this information is helpful.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
