Why Babies Skip Crawling
Welcoming a new baby often means constantly watching for each new milestone. Parents may compare their child’s growth to friends, books, or online advice, celebrating every smile, roll, and reach along the way. When progress seems to pause, parents may wonder if everything is unfolding as it should during infancy.
Sometimes, babies surprise their families with unique ways of moving. Some little ones skip crawling and instead find their own style—like shuffling along while seated or scooting in a playful pose. These creative approaches can become an everyday part of family life, showing just how varied and individual the journey through infancy can be.
Reasons Some Babies Do Not Crawl
Many babies go through hands-and-knees crawling before they walk, usually around seven to 10 months old. However, some infants move in different ways, such as bottom-shuffling, sliding on their stomachs, or rolling. These alternative ways of moving help them develop mobility and independence. Some little ones even skip crawling altogether and move straight to walking.
Doctors emphasize that not reaching the crawling milestone does not usually signal a problem if the child’s other developmental milestones—like rolling over and sitting up—are on track and confirmed during regular visits. Children who skip crawling still build coordination, balance, and strength while exploring their surroundings in their own unique way.
Some infants show more interest in pulling themselves up, standing, and cruising along furniture. These children often use different methods, such as the “commando crawl” (where only the arms are used), or they may roll from one side of the room to the other. This diversity in movement demonstrates that children find creative ways to practice balance and coordination before taking steps on their own.
Useful Items for Babies Learning to Walk
For babies who are starting to pull themselves up or want to stand more often, a few items can support their walking journey:
| Item Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sit-to-stand learning walker | Encourages balance and stability as baby learns to stand and walk |
| Busy Buggy ride-on toy | Offers both sitting and pushing, promoting movement and play |
| Wooden pushcart | Helps with walking, can be used to carry toys, and encourage stacking |
These tools make it easier for babies to practice crucial walking skills in a safe and engaging way. They also build confidence and independence as little ones explore their surroundings on foot.
Most Babies Are Fine Without Traditional Crawling
Parents can feel concerned if their baby does not crawl in the typical way. Some babies scoot, shuffle, bear walk, or even skip crawling and start walking sooner. These differences in movement style are very common and most of the time, do not lead to any problems with motor development or learning. Researchers have not found strong evidence linking skipping traditional crawling to delays in thinking skills or learning issues.
Motor abilities such as sitting, scooting, or pulling up all help babies learn to control their bodies. Not every baby will go through the same steps in the same order. In some families or cultures, caregivers carry babies more or place them more often in a sitting position, so babies might go straight to walking without spending much time crawling.
Many parents want to help their child practice crawling. Giving supervised tummy time each day can help. Tummy time strengthens arm, shoulder, and back muscles. This can make it easier for babies to push up, reach for toys, or start moving on their own. Some children do not enjoy tummy time and may fuss or cry, but even short periods of tummy time during the day can be beneficial.
If a child does not like tummy time, parents can try lying down in front of the baby or putting a favorite toy just out of reach. This can encourage the baby to look around, reach forward, and practice moving. Every child is unique, and their motor milestones will look different. Some may crawl, some may scoot, and others may skip right to walking.
If the baby grows stronger, becomes more mobile, and tries new ways to move, parents usually do not need to worry. Many children who skip crawling grow up happy, healthy, and strong. Parents can trust that as long as their baby makes progress, it’s usually just part of their own normal development pattern.
