How to teach a baby to crawl

Almost all parents want their child to grow up faster. They look forward to seeing the baby begin to roll over and sit up, crawl and finally walk. Some parents believe that the crawling stage is not necessary and are happy when their child begins to walk very early.

When does a baby start crawling?

In fact, crawling should not be neglected. For a baby, walking on his feet creates a very large load on the fragile spine. But when a child crawls, his back muscles are actively strengthened, which will then support him when walking.

At about three months, the baby learns to roll over onto his tummy. Then many interesting objects become available to his gaze, which he did not see while lying on his back. From about the same age, the child tries to reach out with his hands to objects of interest to him, and a little later, crawl to them.

By the age of five to six months, babies can usually begin to crawl, and by eight to nine months their muscles have become strong enough and they make attempts to walk.

How to teach a baby to crawl

If by six months age The baby is not yet making attempts to crawl, it is necessary to stimulate.

Here are some useful tips:

• Place the baby on the floor on his tummy, and place a bright toy at a short distance in front of him. The child will definitely become interested in it and try to get it, while at the same time he will learn to crawl.
• In order to crawl well, the baby must be able to lean on straightened arms. This way he can learn to crawl on all fours. You can develop such a skill with the help of a little trick. Place an object that interests him a little higher than the head of the baby lying on his tummy. He will try to take a bright object and begin to rise, leaning on his hands, and reach for the object. If the toy does not attract the baby’s attention, then first invite him to touch it, and then lift it higher.
• Place a cushion made from a folded blanket or other fabric under the baby's chest. The baby's tummy and legs should lie in this position on a horizontal surface, for example, on the floor. The head and hands are free. In this position, the child has a large view. He can take things that interest him with his hands. This is a great workout for your arm muscles.
• To teach your baby to stand on all fours, place a roll of rolled fabric under his tummy. In this position, his arms and legs will hang down. Instinct will force the child to lean on his limbs and get on all fours.

The child crawls on his belly

Some children prefer to move with their bodies tightly pressed to the floor, rather than on all fours. Moving on your back is very useful for the development of a child and you should not be afraid of it. In general, do not re-teach your child if he prefers the flat technique. Over time, his muscles will become stronger and he will learn to crawl on all fours.

If the baby doesn’t get on all fours for a long time, you need to help him. Perhaps he is simply afraid to lift his body off the floor. After all, in such a position you can easily fall. This child needs help. Take a wide towel and pass it under your baby's belly. Lift the ends of the towel to help your child get onto all fours. This way you will take part of his weight on yourself and provide protection while moving. After a few such lessons, the baby will be able to crawl on all fours.

How to teach a child to crawl: video

If you doubt your abilities and don’t know how to help your baby learn to crawl, watch the video. Here you will find several useful and visual exercises. With their help, within a few days your child will learn to actively crawl.