How to Get Your Pre-Crawler Moving: Simple Tips to Help Your Baby

 The time between 5–9 months is an exciting stage in your baby’s development! While the newborn phase is precious, as babies grow, they become more aware of their surroundings and start building essential motor skills.

During these months, babies typically lift their heads fully during tummy time, push through their arms, and begin rolling. Once your baby starts rolling from back to tummy, their nervous system is preparing for the next major milestone—crawling! This pre-crawling stage, when babies aren’t fully crawling but are moving more, can last several months and is crucial for their motor development.

Pre-crawling activities include engaged tummy time, reaching forward with one arm, holding objects at midline with both hands, and rolling in both directions. Babies will also strengthen their core by doing little ab “crunches” while lying on their back. To support your little one’s progress, here are some practical tips:

1. Prioritize Tummy Time 👶🏼

Why It’s Important: Tummy time builds neck, shoulder, and core strength—key muscles needed for crawling. What You Can Do: Gradually increase tummy time sessions as your baby gets stronger. If they don’t enjoy it, modify the position by using an incline, such as your lap, arms, a nursing pillow, cushion, or a rolled-up towel. Short, frequent sessions are more effective than longer, uncomfortable ones.

2. Encourage Reaching and Grasping 🖐🏼

Why It’s Important: Reaching strengthens arm muscles, enhances coordination, and teaches weight shifting. Actionable Step: Place a favourite toy slightly out of reach and cheer them on as they try to grab it. Move toys to different sides to encourage movement in all directions.

3. Practice Rolling 🔄

Why It’s Important: Rolling builds core strength, helps babies shift weight, and stimulates the proprioceptive and vestibular systems, which are important for coordination. What You Can Do: Use a toy to guide your baby into rolling from back to tummy or tummy to back. You can also gently assist by placing your hands on their hips or lower back. Try incorporating this activity into daily routines—like rolling a couple of times during every diaper change!

4. Encourage Reaching for Toes 🦶🏽🦶🏽

Why It’s Important: Grabbing feet strengthens the core and hips while improving eye-hand coordination and self-awareness. Actionable Step: If your baby can’t lift their feet on their own, hold them up and play with their toes. Adding crunchy bows, ribbons, or bells to their ankles makes it more engaging! Placing a rolled-up towel under their bum can also help lift their hips, making it easier for them to grab their feet.

5. Incorporate Supported Belly Crawling 🚼

Why It’s Important: This helps babies strengthen their shoulders and hips while learning forward movement. What You Can Do: Place a small rolled-up towel or blanket under their chest and encourage them to push forward. Another technique is to drape them over your leg while you sit on the floor so their hands and knees touch the ground, promoting movement.

6. Limit Container Time 🚫

Why It’s Important: Spending too much time in swings, bouncers, or seats can reduce natural movement opportunities. Actionable Step: Give your baby plenty of floor time in different positions—on their back, front, and sides. Include supported sitting practice and propped-up positions on your lap. Fun Tip: Hold your baby seated on your lap facing outward and slowly tip them side to side, forward, and backward. This balancing game is great for core strength and vestibular input!

Celebrate Your Baby’s Unique Pace 🎉

Every baby develops at their own speed, and the small steps they take before big milestones are just as important! By encouraging movement in fun and engaging ways, you’re helping your little one build strength and confidence for their crawling journey. Enjoy this special stage and celebrate each new skill they master!