Crawling Delays

Should You Be Concerned?

Let me set the scene: your friend's baby is zooming across the living room like a mini Roomba, and you're sitting there staring at your adorable (but very stationary) little one thinking, "Okay but… why aren't we doing that yet?"

Been there. Googled that. Freaked out over it.

Let's just say I had a whole meltdown when my baby showed zero interest in crawling by nine months. And if you're in that boat, deep breath—you are not alone. Crawling delays can be nerve-wracking, but they're often totally normal. Let's break it down, mama.

What's "Normal" When It Comes to Crawling?

Okay, brace yourself: some babies skip crawling entirely. Yup. Turns out crawling isn't even a required milestone. Some go straight to pulling up, cruising, or even walking (like they're on some kind of fast-track toddler hustle). Most babies crawl between 6 to 10 months, but that range? Super flexible.

There are so many ways babies move before walking:

• Scooting on their bums
• Army crawling
• Rolling to get places
• Bear crawling (hands and feet—no knees!)
• Straight up refusing to move and demanding to be carried 🙃

What Affects Crawling?

It's not about who's "advanced" or behind—it's about:

• Muscle tone: Core and limb strength takes time.
• Body shape: Chunky thighs? Low muscle tone? Totally a thing.
• Temperament: Some babies are chill observers. Some are go-getters.
• Time on the floor: More tummy time = more practice.
• Sibling dynamics: If a big sibling's always handing them stuff, they might not feel the need to move.

When to Chill (And When to Check In)

Let's be real: not every delay needs a full-blown panic. Here's when to just ride it out:

• Your baby is hitting other milestones (sitting, rolling, babbling).
• They're curious and engaged with their environment.
• They're showing some movement—just not "classic" crawling.

But here's when it's cool to talk to your pediatrician (because you deserve peace of mind):

• No movement or attempt to move by 12 months.
• Stiff or floppy limbs.
• Using one side of the body much more than the other.
• Not bearing weight on arms or legs.

Even then, a delay doesn't mean there's something "wrong." Sometimes a little PT is all it takes to get those gears turning.

What Helped Us (Besides Crying Into My Coffee)

Real Talk: You're Not Failing

If your baby's not crawling yet, it's not a reflection of you. You're not slacking. You're not behind. You're showing up every day. You're learning. You're watching and loving and being present—and that matters more than a milestone chart ever could.

So here's your permission slip to stop spiraling on forums and trust that your baby has their own rhythm.

I wasn't ready for the rollercoaster of baby milestones. I thought every skipped step meant doom. But spoiler: they figured it out—their way.