Crawling is one of those magical milestones in your baby's development 👶✨. From one day to the next they start moving on their own, without anyone teaching them, as if they had a secret map engraved in their little body 🗺️. It's amazing! But… did you know that not all babies crawl in the same way? 🤯
Today we explain why this stage matters and how to support it respectfully, drawing on Emmi Pikler's philosophy of free movement: observe, trust and let each little one unfold their movement at their own pace, without interference. Spoiler: in this process, less is more 🙈.
Why is crawling key to child development?
Crawling is much more than a step before walking 🐾. It's a fundamental stage that drives a baby's motor, cognitive and emotional development: it strengthens their muscles, improves their coordination and activates areas of the brain that are key for concentration, spatial awareness and problem-solving. From Emmi Pikler's perspective, this stage should be lived without rushing and without unnecessary "little helping hands". Babies don't need us to teach them to crawl; they need a safe environment, uninterrupted time and an adult who observes without intervening. When a baby moves on their own initiative, the learning is genuine and deep 🧡.
At what age do babies usually start crawling?
Babies usually start getting around somewhere between 6 and 10 months. But here's a fierce truth: there's no right age and no single path. Some crawl on all fours, others commando-crawl on their tummies and others go straight to walking. Every style is valid.
Because what matters isn't when or how, but that it's the baby who decides and wins their independence in their own way.
How does crawling benefit your baby's overall development?
Crawling isn't just adorable, it's also really beneficial! It builds strength and coordination, strengthens the muscles in the arms, legs and back and, in short, helps your little one get ready to start walking.
But it's not only good for their body, it's good for their mind too 🧠: crawling has wonderful benefits for cognitive development, as it helps babies plan routes and get past obstacles. It also improves spatial awareness, reinforcing concepts such as distance and depth 🫶. And moving on their own gives them a sense of independence and autonomy that is fundamental to their development.
How can you support your baby's crawling respectfully?
👀 Your role: be there, watch and trust
As adults, we need to put one of our hidden superpowers to work 🦸🏻: calm presence. There's no need to teach them to crawl or to greet every attempt with an ovation that pulls them out of their exploration. What you can do:
- Observe with curiosity.
- Stay close and available, without intruding.
- Trust that your little one knows what they're doing, even if you don't fully understand their manoeuvres.
Sometimes, supporting them simply means offering a safe, spacious environment, removing obstacles (physical and mental) and letting the magic happen.
No sitting them up before they're ready or standing them up if they haven't reached that stage on their own. Watching their movements, respecting their pauses and trusting their natural rhythm is more beneficial than any directed "exercise". Even when it looks as though they're doing nothing… their brain is buzzing with activity! ⚡
How to create a safe space for crawling
When your baby starts moving around on their own, it's time to adapt your home 🏡. Creating a safe space for crawling is essential so they can explore freely:
- 🔌 Cover plug sockets and furniture corners: at first they won't have full control of their movements, and everything is irresistible to their curious little hands.
- 👄 Remove small objects that could be a choking hazard. Golden rule: if it fits through a toilet roll tube, it's best kept out of reach.
- 🪜 Fit safety gates on doorways and stairs: the crawling adventure includes opening, climbing and getting into places they shouldn't.
- Keep the floor clean and clear, with no slippery rugs or loose cables.
🐺 Feroz tip: get down on all fours and look at the world from their height. You'll spot hazards you hadn't noticed before.
Frequently asked questions
What can I do if my baby doesn't crawl?
You're the person who knows your baby best. If you notice signs that concern you, such as not showing any interest in moving, it's a good idea to talk to a paediatrician or child development specialist 🩺.
Is it normal for my baby to crawl backwards?
Yes! Many babies start out crawling backwards before they master moving forwards, and it's perfectly normal.
What if my baby skips the crawling stage?
In most cases, if all of the above is in place, babies find their own way of getting around before they walk. But since you can't generalise, some go straight to walking. As long as their motor development is on track, there's nothing to worry about.
What shoes should my baby wear during the crawling stage?
Until they start walking, your baby doesn't need to wear any kind of shoe and, in fact, being barefoot as much as possible is good for their development. If this stage happens in winter and you want to protect their feet, you can put them in soft, warm socks with non-slip soles, like these. And only once they start walking can they wear our irresistible baby shoes.
