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Like all major milestones, there is no right or wrong time for your baby to start crawling.
Crawling can start any time between 6 to 10 months - and some children skip crawling all together! If your baby is a little bit bigger or heavier, it may take a little longer to crawl because it's harder to move their extra body weight. Sometimes baby is just more interested in other things or prefers to explore the world visually. But if your baby is ready to crawl, here are some things you can do to help her get moving:
1. Give your baby plenty of tummy time to help strengthen the shoulders, back, neck, arms, and torso, which are crucial for crawling.
2. Make sure your home is safe and child-proof and be sure to always supervise your baby while he learns and explores. Get down on the floor to your baby's level to try to see things from his perspective so that you can identify any hazards that you might have missed while standing up.
3. When your baby is on all fours and ready to go, you can place the palms of your hands behind her feet to give her something to push off and help stabilize her. This is a fun way for you to interact and encourage her while she learns.
4. Encourage him to crawl. Older siblings may bring toys to baby and you probably pick him up and take him where he needs to go. Instead, try putting a favorite toy just a little out of reach to give him the motivation he needs to move himself towards his goal.
5. Try to limit the amount of time your baby spends in baby seats or carriers. Learning to sit, crawl, stand, and walk requires a lot of time to move and explore every day.