If you’re a babysitter or a nanny, encouraging crawling may be a big item on your list of duties. It’s an exciting milestone to see a baby go from sleeping and eating to moving all on their own. As they jump, or as it may be scoot, towards independence, you can take pride in being part of their journey.
When Do Babies Start Crawling?
Most babies begin crawling sometime during their first year. Crawling helps them develop spatial awareness, motor skills, visual skills, physical strength, and more. And, it’s typically a stepping stone to standing and walking.
How Do I Encourage A Baby to Crawl?
Wondering how to encourage a little one to crawl? Playing a role in that learning process can take many shapes. As one of their caregivers, you can use toys designed to promote crawling. (See below for a list to offer to parents). Or you can try some of these favorite crawling activities for babies. Either way, get ready for some fun!
Tummy Time
Tummy time is a great option for young babies as it can start as soon as birth. And it’s easy to incorporate into your time with the child.
Time on their belly strengthens their neck, arms, shoulders, and torso. This helps them develop the muscles they need to become a champion crawler. When they are still small, place the baby on your chest or lap for a few minutes.
As they get older and bigger, transfer them to a playmat or blanket.
Mirror, Mirror On The Wall
Mirrors are for more than checking out your great looks and prepping for the perfect selfie to send to mom or dad. Use them as another tool to encourage crawling during tummy time. Set the playmat and the baby in front of a mirror on the floor.
Babies are naturally curious and will want to investigate their adorable reflection. As they reach out or hold themselves up for a closer look, they begin to make the movements that lead to crawling.
Tempting Textures & Toys
You’re not limited to using the mirror to promote crawling. You can also use different textures the same way. Whether it’s the enticing crinkle-sound from a toy or something soft and silky, let the baby explore. This is a simple activity you can introduce whether the baby comes to you or you to them.
A reward is always a great motivator too. Try placing interesting new toys around the baby during tummy time. Check-in with their parents to find out their favorite toy and use that. Place it just out of reach. Like the mirror, the baby will reach for the toy and may eventually progress to crawling.
Some toys are also specifically designed to help babies hit their movement and motor skill milestones. Here are a few toys that encourage crawling:
VTech Wiggle and Crawl Ball
This popular interactive toy wiggles and moves on its own. Babies can go chasing after it and will be delighted by the animal characters, songs, and flashing lights. This is best for children 6 – 36 months old.
Bright Starts Roll & Glow Monkey
With just a tap on the monkey’s head, this toy begins to roll around on its own. As it moves, the toy plays music and lights up, drawing an infant’s attention. Once the baby catches the monkey, another tap on the head starts the fun again. Recommend for ages 6 – 36 months.
Looky-looky
Combine the mirror and the toy for another great way to encourage a baby to crawl. The two big wheels keep the mirror gliding across the floor as the baby pushes it. You can use this toy shortly after birth.
Sassy Bumpy Ball
The designers behind this toy wanted an object that activated multiple senses. With bold patterns, fun rattling, and different textures, babies can develop strength, motor skills, and get that crawling practice in. This toy is safe for children six months and older.
Get On Their Level
This one may take a bit of stretching. Get down on your hands and knees and show them how it’s done. You can make this crawling practice part of playtime. This example could help the baby begin to mimic your movements. This is also a great way to check for potential crawling hazards too.
Be The Support System
This one is great for babies who are in the early stages of crawling. It also works for babies who are still growing and building the necessary muscles. Lay down with the child and hold their stomach. You can support most of their body weight while leaving their hands and legs free to move. Think of it like swim practice and you are the floaties. The baby’s getting used to the movement.
Another method you can try is holding the baby’s feet in the air. Use a pillow or a foam roller to support their stomach. Babies will put their hands on the ground and get accustomed to using their arms.
Once they are more mobile, put your palms against their feet. They can use you as a launching pad for more momentum for starting their crawl.
Sitting Out Of The Chair
Some babies begin sitting up around three to four months old. Sitting, assisted or unassisted, is part of helping a baby develop the abdominal and back muscles to crawl. While sitting is its own milestone, you can also use sitting to encourage crawling.
Take them out of the high chair or bumpo chair and prop them up. As the baby leans or even tips over, they may realize that they can hold themselves up. This can lead to another discovery. Using their hands for balance can turn into wiggles and rocking. You know what can happen next: crawling!
Hands Up
Another technique to encourage crawling is to have them play with their hands elevated. If sitting, place the baby’s hands on a box, pillow, or stuffed animal. Same goes for tummy time.
This will help their arm muscles grow and make crawling easier. Depending on the baby’s age and sitting ability, you may want to keep a close eye for tipping over.
Obstacle Courses
For a baby who has progressed further in the stages of crawling, you can create a mini adventure for them in the house. Use tunnels, pillows, and boxes to create an obstacle course. They can maneuver in and out of the objects. And for the pillows up and over too.
For any of these crawling activities, make sure that the baby has a safe space free of potential hazards. Whether at their parents’ home or at yours, babyproofing is essential. Of course, supervision is important too. And lastly, it can’t hurt to remind parents that patience is important. Some babies just take longer to crawl. Some skip it altogether and go straight from sitting to walking. They never know which activity will be the secret trick for encouraging their infant’s crawling.
Once a baby nails crawling, another development milestone is just around the corner. Standing and walking! Make sure to keep your camera ready to capture these moments for their parents! Ready to try some of these activities out with a new darling? Find your next family on Sittercity today.
