Learning to crawl

Crawling positions

There are lots of different ways for your baby to crawl and move. Each baby is unique and has their own preferences. Your baby will find their own preferred way to move around.

• Classic crawling

  The classic crawl is also known as hands-and-knees crawling or cross crawling. This is when your baby crawls on their hands and knees. They will move one arm and the opposite knee forward at the same time as they crawl.

  This is what people typically think of when talking about crawling.

• Bear crawling

  Bear crawling is similar to the classic crawling position, but your baby is crawling on their hands and feet with their arms and knees straight. This lifts them higher off the floor. 

  This is similar to how bear cubs move, which is why it is called bear crawling. 

• Belly crawling

  The belly crawl can also be known as an army crawl, commando crawl or inchworm crawl. This is when your baby pulls themselves along on their tummy. Babies usually don't use their legs when they belly crawl. They use their arms to move around. 

  This is a perfectly normal variation to crawling. Some babies will belly crawl until they start to walk. 

• Bum shuffling and bottom shuffling

  Bum shuffling or bottom shuffling can also be known as bum scooting or bottom scooting. Bum shuffling is when babies sit on their bottoms and move themselves around using their legs rather than crawling. This is a perfectly normal variation to crawling. Bum shuffling is often used by babies who did not like tummy time.

  Some bum-shuffling babies may go from bum-shuffling to learning to stand without learning to crawl. This is a normal progression of skills. Read more about bum shuffling.

• Crab crawling

  Crab crawling can also be known as backwards crawling or step-scooting. This is when your baby is moving whilst they are in a sitting position with one leg tucked underneath them, and the other leg out and moving them around. They will also use their hands to help them move around. 

  This is a perfectly normal variation to crawling.

• Rolling

  Some babies roll to get around instead of crawling. They may find this easier to move around a room rather than crawling.

  Make sure to keep an eye on your baby if they are a rolling baby. Be mindful of where your baby is rolling to prevent injury such as rolling off a bed or a sofa.