DID YOUR BABY CRAWL?
Crawling was removed from the milestone checklist… but it’s one of the most important things your baby can do.
Recently, milestone guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics removed crawling as a required milestone.
WHY CRAWLING IS A BIG DEAL:
Cross-Body Movement
Crawling connects the two sides of the brain through the corpus callosum
→ foundation for reading, writing, attention
Visual Tracking
Eyes + body working together
→ essential for learning
Strength + Stability
Shoulders, hands, core
→ needed for fine motor skills later
Balance + Body Awareness
Built through the vestibular system and proprioception
Problem-Solving + Independence
This is your baby’s first real mobility
WHAT I SEE CLINICALLY:
Kids who skip crawling may later need support with:
● Coordination
● Attention
● Fine motor skills
Not always—but often enough to pay attention.
WHAT TO DO:
Don’t rush past it.
● Prioritize tummy time early
● Give them space on the floor
● Let them struggle a little (that’s where growth happens)
● Avoid too much time in container
Crawling may not be on the checklist anymore… but it’s still wiring your baby’s brain!
