Introduction
Crawling is a huge milestone in your baby’s physical development. It’s the first time your little one gets to explore their world on their own terms! But while every baby develops at their own pace, there are gentle, fun ways you can encourage crawling safely and naturally.
In this blog post, we’ll cover:
- When babies typically start crawling
- Simple, effective techniques to encourage crawling
- Safety tips for a crawl-friendly space
- 15 tried-and-tested toys to make crawling irresistible!
Let’s get moving!
When Do Babies Start Crawling?
Most babies start crawling between 6 to 10 months. But keep in mind every child is unique. Some skip crawling altogether and go straight to standing or cruising.
Signs your baby might be ready to crawl:
- Pushing up on their arms during tummy time
- Rocking back and forth on hands and knees
- Scooting or army crawling using their belly
If you notice these cues, it’s a great time to start introducing crawl-friendly activities and toys!
Benefits of Crawling
Before we dive into how to teach your baby to crawl, let’s talk about why it matters:
- Strengthens muscles: Builds upper body, core, and leg strength
- Improves coordination: Prepares your baby for walking, climbing, and running
- Boosts spatial awareness: Helps your child learn how their body moves in space
- Encourages independence: Fosters curiosity and self-confidence
How to Teach Your Baby to Crawl
Teaching your baby to crawl isn’t about strict drills, it’s about creating opportunities for movement, exploration, and fun.
Prioritize Tummy Time
Tummy time is the foundation for crawling. It strengthens the neck, shoulders, arms, and back muscles necessary for mobility.
Tips:
- Start with short, frequent sessions (3-5 minutes)
- Get down on the floor with your baby
- Use a mirror or favorite toy to keep them engaged
Use a Crawling-Ready Space
Create a safe, clean area for your baby to move. A soft playmat, foam floor tiles, or a low-pile carpet works great.
Check for:
- No sharp edges
- No small objects within reach
- Baby gates on stairs and room openings
Place Toys Just Out of Reach
Encourage movement by placing a beloved toy just a little beyond your baby’s reach. This inspires them to stretch, pivot, and eventually crawl toward it.
Pro Tip:
Use light-up or sound toys to capture attention.
Lead by Example
Babies love to imitate! Crawl around on the floor to show them how it’s done. Play peek-a-boo from across the room to motivate them.
Cheer on Every Attempt
Applaud effort over perfection. Every wiggle, scoot, and roll deserves encouragement.
Safety Tips for Crawling Babies
Once your little explorer starts moving, safety becomes even more crucial.
Checklist:
- Install outlet covers
- Keep cords and blinds out of reach
- Secure furniture and shelves to the wall
- Use corner guards on sharp furniture edges
- Lock away cleaning supplies and medications
15 Toys That Help Teach Your Baby to Crawl
The right toys can make crawling irresistible. Here are 15 top-rated, parent-approved options you can use to inspire those first moves!
1. Fisher-Price Crawl After Learning Puppy
A moving, music-playing pup that encourages your baby to chase after it.
2. VTech Wiggle & Crawl Ball
This interactive ball wobbles, spins, and lights up to draw your baby in.
3. Infantino Press & Stay Sensory Blocks
Soft, easy-to-grasp blocks perfect for stacking, toppling, and crawling toward.
4. Lamaze Freddie the Firefly
A colorful sensory toy with textures, crinkles, and mirrors for tummy time and crawling.
5. Baby Einstein Crawl & Discover Tunnel
A soft, collapsible tunnel that turns crawling into an adventure.
6. Musical Rolling Toys
Toys that play tunes as they roll away inspire chasing and crawling.
7. Foam Play Mats
Safe, cushioned flooring that makes crawling comfy and inviting.
8. Stacking Cups
Encourage reaching, stacking, and knocking over towers then crawling after them.
9. Mirror Toys
Babies love seeing their reflection while crawling toward it.
10. Pull-Along Toys
Toys with strings babies can pull as they move great for post-crawling play too!
11. Light-Up Crawl Balls
Balls that glow and roll to engage curiosity.
12. Plush Crawling Companions
Soft toys with wheels or movable parts that glide gently across the floor.
13. Inflatable Tummy Time Rollers
Strengthens muscles and encourages movement.
14. Pop-Up Activity Tents
Bright, cozy play spaces that invite crawling exploration.
15. Sensory Soft Books
Textured, colorful cloth books with interactive elements to crawl after.
Conclusion
Crawling is one of the most exciting milestones in your baby’s first year. With a little patience, encouragement, and a few helpful toys, you can turn this phase into a fun, confidence-building adventure.
Remember: Every baby moves at their own pace. If your little one is happy scooting or rolling, that’s perfectly fine too.