When Do Babies Start Crawling? Understanding the Baby Crawling Milestone

At Colonia Pediatrics, serving families in Avenel, NJ and Metuchen, NJ, we know how exciting – and sometimes nerve-wracking – it is when your child reaches new developmental milestones. One of the first major milestones is crawling. But many parents wonder: when do babies start crawling, what age should babies crawl, or how will I know when my baby is ready?

In this blog post, we’ll walk through typical timelines, variations, signs of readiness, how to encourage crawling, and when to reach out to your pediatrician.

What Is the “Crawling Milestone”?

Crawling is one of the earliest forms of independent mobility for infants — it’s when babies move on their own, using hands and legs (or alternative methods), exploring their surroundings rather than relying on being carried.

That said, crawling doesn’t look the same for all babies. Some babies “classic crawl” on hands and knees; others may belly-crawl (commando crawl), scoot on their bottoms, or even skip crawling and move directly to pulling-up, standing, or walking.

Because of this variety, crawling is better thought of as a “range-based milestone,” not a rigid deadline.

When Do Babies Usually Begin to Crawl?

According to child development research and pediatric sources:

• Many babies begin to crawl between 7 and 10 months of age.
• Other infants may start a little earlier – as early as 6 months – or a bit later, up to 12 months, and still be within the typical range.

An often-cited developmental pattern is: sitting / trunk control → crawling → pulling up / cruising → walking.

What Are the Signs Your Baby Is Ready to Crawl?

Before actual crawling, babies usually show a sequence of preparatory skills as their muscles and coordination develop. Some of these include:

• Rolling over (belly → back, back → belly)
• Pushing up on arms while on tummy (tummy time)
• Sitting up without support
• Rocking on hands and knees or “shifting weight” while on hands and knees
• Scooting, belly-crawling, or moving around on the tummy or bottom
• Showing interest in reaching toys or objects and trying to move toward them

These signs reflect growing strength in the neck, trunk, arms, and legs – all essential for true crawling.

Different Styles of Crawling – Not All Crawls Are the Same

Babies may adopt different “crawling styles,” or even skip classic crawling entirely. Some common variations include:

• Classic crawl: On hands and knees, moving forward in typical crawl motion
• Commando / belly crawl: Moving on the belly, using arms (and sometimes legs) to pull forward
• Scooting / bottom shuffle: Sitting and pushing along with legs / hands
• Bear crawl / hands-and-feet crawl: Some babies might use hands and feet with legs extended
• Crab crawl or alternate movements: Some crawl sideways or backwards first

All of these are valid – what matters most is independent mobility and gradual progression toward standing / walking.

What If My Baby Isn’t Crawling Yet – Is That Normal?

Yes – many healthy infants simply follow a different timeline. According to child development experts, babies not crawling by 8–9 months (or even older) may still be within normal range.

Some infants may skip crawling entirely and go directly to pulling up, cruising (holding onto furniture), and then walking. That’s often OK – as long as other motor skills (sitting, rolling, trunk control) are progressing.

However, if by 12 months your child shows little or no independent mobility and other milestones (sitting, rolling, balance) seem delayed, it’s a good idea to consult a physician or pediatrician to rule out neuromotor or developmental concerns.

How Parents Can Encourage Crawling – Tips & Safe Practices

As your baby’s trusted Pediatrician in Avenel, NJ (and also serving families in nearby Metuchen, NJ), we recommend the following gentle and developmentally supportive ways to encourage crawling:

• Tummy time, early and often: From birth, supervised tummy time helps build neck, shoulder, arm, and trunk strength – the foundation for crawling.
• Placing toys just out of reach: Encourages your baby to reach, move, and try to get to the toy – a gentle motivation for movement.
• Safe, spacious floor play: Provide a clean, baby-proofed area with soft mats or rugs so the baby can explore freely as strength builds.
• Avoid rushing or comparing: Each baby develops at their own pace. Some may crawl early, some later – what matters is safety, opportunity, and milestone progression.
• Supervision & child-proofing: As mobility increases, make sure to secure furniture, cover outlets, remove small / choking hazards, and supervise constantly.

When to Reach Out to a Pediatrician

If you are concerned about your baby’s mobility – for instance: delayed rolling or sitting, lack of interest in moving toward toys, asymmetry in limb use, stiffness, or no sign of crawling or alternative mobility by 12 months – it’s wise to speak with a professional.

At Colonia Pediatrics (serving Avenel, NJ and Metuchen, NJ) we’re here to support your baby’s development. We can assess gross motor development, observe muscle tone and coordination, recommend physical therapy if needed, and provide guidance to help your child progress safely and confidently.

The Takeaway: Crawling Is a Milestone – but Not a Deadline

• Most babies begin crawling around 7–10 months, but it’s perfectly normal to start earlier or later (some as early as 6 months or as late as 12 months).
• Crawling may happen in many styles – classic crawl, belly crawl, scooting, or even be skipped altogether.
• As long as infants are gradually gaining strength, coordination, and milestone after milestone (rolling, sitting, tummy time), variation in timing is usually normal.
• That said, it’s always okay to discuss your baby’s progress with your pediatrician – especially if you notice developmental delays.

If you’re a parent in Avenel, NJ or Metuchen, NJ looking for reliable guidance on your baby’s growth and developmental milestones, Colonia Pediatrics is here for you. We’re committed to helping your child reach their milestones in a safe, supportive, and healthy way.