Crawls
What is this milestone?
Moves on hands and knees
Crawling takes many forms—from the classic hands-and-knees cross-crawl to an army crawl, a bottom scoot, or a sideways crab walk. It is the ability to propel themselves across the room independently.
Why it matters
Crawling provides immense freedom to explore. It enhances spatial awareness, depth perception, and bilateral coordination (using both sides of the brain and body together), which is critical for future physical and cognitive development.
What to expect leading up to it
Before they zoom off, babies often get up on their hands and knees and simply rock back and forth. They might even crawl backward initially as their arms tend to be stronger than their legs. Frustration is common during this learning phase.
How to encourage and support it
Baby-proof your home meticulously! Give them plenty of floor space and dress them in comfortable, flexible clothing. Place a highly desired object just out of reach to motivate them to figure out how to move forward.
When to talk to your doctor
The CDC's milestone checklists say what most children (75% or more) can do by each age. They do not list crawling, so there is no CDC age to hold it to. The CDC's general advice still applies: if your child is not meeting the milestones for their age, has lost a skill they once had, or you have any other concern, do not wait. Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening. Source: the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” milestone checklists, checked October 5, 2026.
Every child develops at their own pace, and the ages here are the CDC's general guidance — not a developmental screening. This article is not medical advice and is not a substitute for your pediatrician. If you have any concern about your child's development, talk to them.
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