Crawling helps develop and enhance the baby’s vestibular system, cognition, coordination, and problem solving skills. Crawling on the tummy (or army crawling), or on hands and knees, stimulates the corpus callosum which facilitates both hemispheres of the brain to communicate. It also helps hip sockets form as well as strengthens the core and pelvic muscles.

Tummy time is one of the most important activities to do with your baby during their first months of life. Allow as much floor time as possible. When your baby is strong enough during tummy time, they will start moving in circles or pivoting, and rolling to reach toys. Around 7 to 8 months old, encourage your baby to play on hands and knees to gain shoulder and pelvic stability. Then, you can place your hands behind their knees to facilitate crawling like it is shown in the video. You can also facilitate this movement by the arms, positioning yourself in front of your baby and providing support by the elbows.

**This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.