Is it normal for the baby not crawling but scooting instead? All babies develop at different rates, and many may scoot, drag, or roll rather than crawl. If this happens, should parents be concerned about the baby not crawling but scooting?
Crawling is a crucial milestone in a baby’s development before they can stand and walk. It strengthens muscles and stimulates brain development through coordinated movement.
If you’ve noticed the baby not crawling but scooting or dragging to move around, you might wonder if there are any risks and what parents can do to help encourage proper crawling. Let’s take a look at the review below!
Is it normal for a baby to crawl and not crawl?
Source: Freepik
Is it normal for a baby to crawl instead of crawling? In general, babies learn to crawl between six to nine months of age. Before becoming confident crawlers, they need time to transition from sitting to crawling.
Your baby may experiment with various positions first, like propping up on hands and knees or rocking back and forth. In fact, crawling may be more common around the time a baby begins to crawl.
For some babies, scooting or dragging can be a precursor to crawling. However, others may prefer to crawl in their own unique way to get around—eventually progressing to walking.
There are several crawling ‘styles’ that babies might do, as follows:
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Moving Forward and Backward Using Arms
Babies roll onto their bottoms from a sitting position, then use their arms to push their bodies forward and backward.
Some babies crawl using the sides of their bottoms to pull their bodies along.
Some babies also lie face down on their stomachs, using their arms to drag their bodies along with their legs to move. This movement resembles crawling.
Babies can also move their bodies forward by crawling while sitting using their bottoms.
Some babies prefer to roll over with their bodies to get where they want to go.
Is this normal?
Quoting from Mom Junction, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics as long as the baby can coordinate his body movements and use all his limbs evenly to move, Parents no need to worry.
Sliding is an alternative movement to crawling for normal babies. Even dribbling and skipping the crawling phase is considered normal as long as the baby reaches other developmental milestones on time.
4 Reasons Why Babies Don’t Crawl But Slither
Source: Freepik
1. The baby is preparing to crawl
Sliding is an early stage and is part of learning to crawl for babies. It could be that after the baby is skilled at moving here and there by sliding, he will try to crawl using his hands and knees.
2. Babies Prefer to Slide
Just like other humans, babies have their own minds and preferences. If they prefer crawling to crawling, they may find it a more comfortable way to move than crawling.
In a 2013 study of 47,000 babies in Norway, 7% preferred crawling to crawling and learned to walk just as well as crawling babies.
3. Toned Hip Muscles
Babies who suckle in a sitting position or only use their bottoms may have tight or tense hip muscles. This tension in the hip muscles can contribute to the baby not crawling but scooting instead.
When the hip muscles are tense, it becomes difficult to bring the thighs closer together when the hips are bent — such as when sitting on a low step or getting into a crawling position. This may explain why the baby not crawling but scooting finds it harder to move in a typical crawling posture.
As a result, the legs may spread wide when trying to crawl, making the movement more challenging and reinforcing the pattern of the baby not crawling but scooting as their preferred way to get around.
4. Lack of balance and motivation to crawl
Crawling on hands and knees requires a lot of balance control. Some babies who prefer crawling may decide that crawling is more difficult and, as a result, focus on learning other ways of moving instead of crawling.
Lack of motivation can also be a cause of a baby’s crawling. They’ll prefer other methods they perceive as easier.
The Risk of Baby Crawl
Source: Freepik
So, are there any health risks if a baby doesn’t crawl but instead scoots? Crawlers may have stronger core muscles than crawlers, but there are also some negative consequences, such as the following.
1. Can walk longer
Some experts believe that babies who don’t crawl but instead shuffle have difficulty supporting their body weight on their legs. They tend to bend their legs at the knees when standing, which makes it take longer for them to learn to walk.
2. Losing the Benefits of Crawling
Crawling is important for strengthening the arms and giving children different opportunities to explore different surfaces. For example, climbing up and down and moving on surfaces with different textures, such as grass, sand, smooth floors, carpet, and so on.
A crawling baby will move from a sitting to a crawling position many times a day. This movement teaches the baby trunk control and stability and provides the hip muscles with the regular stretch necessary for good mobility.
4 Ways to Prevent Your Baby from Sliding
Source: Freepik
Babies may have their own preference for sliding over crawling, but there’s no harm in them gaining experience with crawling. Here are some ways to keep your baby from sliding and encourage them to learn to crawl.
1. Tummy Time
Go back to basics. Tummy time can increase neck, arm and chest strength which is important for the process of learning to crawl.
When babies are placed on their tummies, they may feel more confident about trying to crawl. The more often babies are placed in this position, the more confident they are. tummy time or face down, the greater the desire to crawl, either to get out of that position or to move.
2. Fishing with Toys
Does your little one have a favorite toy? Try encouraging him to crawl with a toy. Place the toy a little away from your baby so he has to move to get it. It’s even better if your baby is lying face down or lying down. tummy time so that he is encouraged to move his hands and feet.
3. Encourage Baby to Kneel
Encouraging and motivating your baby to kneel is a great way to get them to crawl. Simply place a folded towel on the floor or play mat. Position your baby on his knees with his upper body resting on a folded towel or higher than his feet. This will help strengthen the arm muscles needed for crawling.
4. Help Baby Stretch
If Parents If you suspect that your baby doesn’t want to crawl because he has tense or tight hip muscles, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. Parents can also help the baby stretch the hip muscles.
Bend your baby’s hips and knees to a 90-degree angle and hold the back of their thighs with your palms. Gently move their thighs in a circular motion for 1 to 2 minutes. Do this while engaging in play or conversation with your baby. Do this stretch 2 to 3 times daily.
Things Parents Should Be Aware Of
Sliding is normal for the baby to move, but there are some signs that it is necessary Parents Be aware of the following medical disorders:
- Babies cannot stand with support at 12 months and cannot walk at 18 months.
- Poor coordination between body parts
- Awkward body movements when running or crawling
- Appears weak or easily shakes when moving or being carried, this could be an indication of a neuromuscular disorder.
- Delays in physical, cognitive, or speech development
- Child has difficulty eating
- Ever had a seizure?
Immediately consult a doctor if you find signs like those above in your baby to get the right treatment.
There’s no need to worry too much if your baby isn’t crawling but is crawling. It may be more comfortable for your baby. However, continue to monitor your baby for other signs of developmental delays early on. We hope this information is helpful.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
