While there is no pressure for children to crush milestones as it’s not a competition, there are simple activities that can help them exercise their muscles and get them ready for the big milestones.
Also, once babies begin to crawl, they are generally happier as now they can explore, choose where they go, follow you around and have more independence.
You can start exploring these activities as soon as your baby is able to push up on extended arms while lying on their tummy; usually this starts around 5- 6 months of age.
Activity 1
Place an enticing toy in front of your baby but slightly out of reach and if possible, slightly off the floor. Use a low couch or a table. This will encourage the baby to look up and push through the straight arms to lift himself off the floor to reach for the couch and then the toy. It’s okay if this takes a few trials before he is able to reach for it.
Activity 2
Get your baby into the crawling position by flipping the legs underneath the body. The baby may need additional support to stay in this position. Give this support by placing your hands on the sole of his feet or place a rolled up towel underneath his chest to give more postural support.
You can also position the baby in a way that allows his tummy rest on your leg (mimicking the crawling position) . Stay on this activity till you notice your baby is more comfortable in this position and can rock back and forth.
Activity 3
Give motion motivation by placing a toy on the floor in front of your baby or you can stand in front of your baby and gradually move back as he reaches for you. You can provide additional support by placing your hands on the sole of your baby’s feet and wait till he reaches out with one hand to get the toy in front of him, once he reaches out apply a little pressure to help your baby push off and then move forward. This will help strengthen and stabilize the muscles needs for crawling. If he keeps falling, go back to activity 2 and spend some time on it.
Activity 4
Pants and socks can make it difficult for your baby to get into the crawling position if your floor is slippery. If you notice your baby sliding backwards instead of forward, that could be why.
Make it easier for them by either practicing on a carpet that isn’t slippery like tiles or go pants free with just rompers. This simple change can make a huge difference.
Not all babies crawl in the traditional manner. In fact, there are 7 different types of crawling styles so don’t worry if your baby chooses something totally different from the “norm”.
Now it’s time to baby proof your home and keep dangerous items away.
