Quick answer: Most babies start crawling between 7 and 10 months, though anywhere from 6 to 12 months is perfectly normal, and some babies skip crawling entirely and go straight from sitting to walking. Styles vary: hands-and-knees, bottom shuffling, commando and bear crawling all count. Speak to your health visitor or GP if your baby cannot sit unsupported by 9 months or isn't attempting any movement by 12 months.
What parents need to know
Most parents look forward to seeing their baby crawl for the first time — it's one of those big moments that signals the start of real independence. But when exactly does it happen, and what's considered normal?
The short answer: most babies start crawling between 7 and 10 months, though anywhere from 6 to 12 months is perfectly normal. And some babies skip crawling entirely — going straight from sitting to walking. That's absolutely fine too.
| Typical crawling age | 7 to 10 months |
|---|---|
| Normal range | 6 to 12 months |
| Sitting unsupported | Around 6 months for most babies |
| First steps | Typically between 9 and 15 months |
| NHS review | Developmental review at around 9–12 months |
What counts as crawling?
There's no single "correct" way to crawl. Babies find all sorts of creative methods to get moving:
- Classic hands-and-knees crawling – Moving opposite arm and leg together. The most common style.
- Bottom shuffling – Sitting upright and pushing along with hands and legs. Very common in UK babies.
- Commando crawling – Moving on the tummy, dragging with the arms.
- Bear crawling – Moving on hands and feet with straight legs.
All of these count. The goal is movement and exploration — not technique.
Month-by-month: what to expect
4–6 months
Your baby is building the core strength needed for crawling. During tummy time, they'll start lifting their head and chest, pushing up on their arms, and rocking on their hands and knees. Consistent tummy time is essential at this stage.
6–8 months
Most babies are sitting unsupported by around 6 months and starting to lean forward to reach for toys. You may notice them rocking, pivoting, or attempting to lunge towards objects they're interested in.
8–10 months
This is when most babies take their first proper crawling movements. Once they figure out that moving one arm and the opposite knee together gets them somewhere, they tend to speed up very quickly — often from tentative to fast in just a few days.
10–12 months
By now most babies are crawling confidently. Some will also start pulling themselves up to standing, which can sometimes pause crawling as they focus on that exciting new skill.
How to encourage your baby to crawl
- Daily tummy time. From birth, regular tummy time builds the arm and shoulder strength babies need to crawl. Short, frequent sessions work better than one long stretch.
- Place toys just out of reach. Giving your baby something to aim for encourages them to problem-solve their way towards it.
- Get down on the floor with them. Babies are natural mimics — demonstrating crawling can genuinely help, even if it feels a bit silly.
- Give them a safe, comfortable surface. A soft play mat provides grip and cushioning without the slip factor of hard floors, making it easier for early crawling attempts.
When should I be concerned?
Most delayed crawling is nothing to worry about — babies develop at their own pace. However, it's worth speaking to your health visitor or GP if your baby:
- Cannot sit unsupported by 9 months
- Isn't attempting any form of movement by 12 months
- Isn't pulling to stand or walking by 18 months
- Loses a motor skill they previously had
The NHS offers developmental reviews at around 9–12 months — a great opportunity to raise any concerns with your health visitor.
What comes after crawling?
Once your baby is crawling, pulling to stand isn't far behind — followed by cruising (walking along furniture) and eventually those first independent steps, typically between 9 and 15 months. It all happens remarkably fast, so enjoy every stage.
Frequently asked questions
At what age do babies usually start crawling?
Most babies start crawling between 7 and 10 months, although anywhere from 6 to 12 months is perfectly normal. Most take their first proper crawling movements between 8 and 10 months, then speed up quickly.
Is it normal for a baby to skip crawling?
Yes. Some babies skip crawling entirely and go straight from sitting to walking, which is absolutely fine. Bottom shuffling, commando crawling and bear crawling all count too — the goal is movement and exploration, not technique.
How can I encourage my baby to crawl?
Offer short, frequent tummy time daily, place toys just out of reach, get down on the floor and crawl with them, and give them a safe, comfortable surface such as a soft play mat for grip and cushioning.
When should I speak to a health visitor about crawling?
Speak to your health visitor or GP if your baby cannot sit unsupported by 9 months, isn't attempting any movement by 12 months, isn't pulling to stand or walking by 18 months, or loses a motor skill.
Sources & further reading
General information, not individual medical advice. Speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor about your baby’s needs.
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