Tips To Get Your Baby Crawling Like a Champion!

Whether your little one is still a newborn or has reached the six-month mark and is already rolling over, you’re probably anxiously awaiting the day your baby starts crawling! Here are 10 great ways to help your bundle of joy along their developmental path.

1) Give Your Baby Plenty Of Tummy Time

One of the most important things you can do to help your baby’s muscles develop is to give them plenty of tummy time. Put simply, this is just time that you allow your baby to spend on their tummy.

This position is beneficial for the muscles in your baby’s arms, legs, back, and neck—all of which help your baby crawl. Tummy time often works best in your baby’s room or nursery so that they can have a personal space in which to feel comfortable.

2) Encourage Your Baby To Play With Their Hands Elevated

Another way to help your baby’s muscles grow is to have them play with their hands elevated. Try putting their arms on top of a pillow or stuffed animal during tummy time.

You can also encourage them to put their hands onto elevated objects (e.g. furniture or toys) while they’re sitting down. Just be sure to supervise so your baby doesn’t fall over!

3) Lift Your Baby Off The Floor

Help your little one get a leg workout by lifting them off the floor just a bit. You can pick your baby up by the arms or armpits just enough to support their body weight but not so much that their feet leave the ground. This allows your baby to practice the motion of walking and will help strengthen their legs.

4) Let Your Baby Play In Front Of A Mirror

Take advantage of your little bundle of joy’s natural curiosity, and let them play in front of a mirror! They will want to investigate their own reflection, which will lead to holding themselves up and reaching out toward the mirror. These movements will help get your baby crawling in no time!

5) Use Toys To Encourage Crawling

Nothing gets people moving like a little reward! The same is true for babies; they just need the right incentive. Place your baby’s favorite toys—or a brand new one—in front of them during tummy time.

You can place toys just out of their reach during playtime, too. Play tunnels are also a great way to encourage crawling.

6) Take Your Baby Out Of Supportive Devices

Strollers, high chairs, car seats, and walkers are all essential items for your baby. However, they can actually impede your baby’s muscular development.

Because these items provide so much support, your little one isn’t forced to use their own muscles to support their weight. This can lead to delayed development, so be sure to limit time in supportive devices.

7) Allow Your Baby To Play On All Sides

During playtime, try moving your baby into different positions and allowing them to play on all sides. An even mix of right side, left side, back, and tummy will help your little one’s body become strong and healthy.

8) Crawl With Your Baby

To get your baby crawling, allow them to practice! One great way to do this is to lie next to your baby and support their abdomen while they are on all fours.

Gently hold most of your baby’s body weight while still allowing their hands and feet to touch the ground. This will get them familiar with the feeling and movements of crawling.

9) Don’t Make Your Baby Work Too Hard

Remember to be patient and have fun with your loved one! If your baby becomes agitated or starts crying during playtime, it’s OK to call it off. Just put them on their backs, hold and rock them, or let them get some sleep.

It’s important for your baby to have positive associations with tummy time and crawling practice! So don’t force your baby to do it when they aren’t enjoying it, and always give your little one lots of affection after crawling exercises are over.

10) Always Put Safety First

Last, but most certainly not least, always put safety first! You can start by baby-proofing your house and keeping your floors clean. A dirty floor may lead to irritated skin or a little baby rash.

If your baby does develop a rash or dry skin, make sure to use safe, gentle baby skin care products. Finally—and it’s worth repeating a million times—never leave your baby unattended, even just for a minute.

 

 

Article adapted from https://www.mustelausa.com/baby-crawling