Babies usually start to crawl between 6 and 10 months – although it might be longer if they were born prematurely.

The process of learning to crawl is complex. Babies need sufficient brain development to be able to coordinate the movement of their arms and legs, and sufficient physical development in the muscles in their arms, shoulders, and legs to support their weight.

So the learning process can take a very long time.

Generally speaking, it doesn’t matter. It’s really common for babies to be scooting backwards on their bottoms, crawling backwards, sideways and in all sorts of funny ways.

Generally speaking, it doesn’t matter. It’s really common for babies to be scooting backwards on their bottoms, crawling backwards, sideways and in all sorts of funny ways.

Here are the main normal ways babies start crawling:

• Rolling around
• Scuttling sideways
• Commando crawling – on the belly
• Not crawling at all, but going straight to walking
• The “classic” – alternating hand on one side and knee on the other

There’s no right or wrong way to crawl. As long as a baby is making progress in his ability to use his body to get around, that’s what is important.

That said, if a baby ALWAYS favours one side, it might signal a neurological condition so you should get them checked over by a health practitioner.

Yes – you can help your baby to crawl by giving them lots of time out on a safe surface like a carpeted floor.

If they spend too much time in the pram, sling or baby cot they won’t get a chance to practice.

Encourage them by lying them on their tummy and putting a favourite toy a manageable distance away.

“Tummy time” is a great way to strengthen their muscles – you can do this by placing them tummy side down, on your thighs, with your legs bent as you sit on the floor. Have their little heads peeping out above your knees. Read our article on head control to see how it’s done.

A lot of people believe “Baby Walkers” are not a good idea for babies – they don’t let babies progress naturally when they’re ready to do so. It’s best for babies to learn to crawl and walk in their own time, as their brains and muscles are ready.

You need to baby proof your home for safety’s sake!

Look around your home very carefully, room by room.

Any dangerous bottles, sprays, cleaners, poisons and so on need to be moved right up to a high cupboard out of reach.

Any sharp corners need to be softened – you can use specially bought products from nursery stores to do this – or make do with foam or tennis balls cut at the back and slid onto sharp corners.

Cupboards with anything you don’t want your baby to get at needs to be kept shut – you can buy special cupboard fasteners from nursery stores.

You will need to put stair guards at the top and bottom of your stairs.

Now your baby is more mobile, it’s a good idea to take the cot bumpers out (if you had them) and any big toys they could climb up on and fall out of the cot.

Probably not but it depends on:

• If your baby was premature, they will take longer to crawl. If they are particularly large or heavy they may take longer to get the muscle strength to crawl.
• If your baby reaches a year old and hasn’t shown any desire to get moving, it’s probably a good idea to see your health practitioner.
• If your baby is trying to crawl by a year but still can’t coordinate their arms and legs, it’s worth getting them checked out.
• Again – If they are consistently lopsided on one side, it’s also worth getting checked.