sitting up → crawling
My baby sits but hasn't started crawling — how can I help?
Crawling typically appears between 7 and 10 months, but the range is wide and some babies skip it for bottom-shuffling, rolling or walking straight to standing. Generous tummy time, tempting toys just out of reach, floor play and hands-and-knees practice all help. Seek a gentle developmental check if, around 9–10 months, your baby is not bearing weight on the legs, not reaching for toys, very stiff or floppy, strongly favouring one side, or showing little drive to move — for early reassurance or support, not a label.
The journey from sitting tall to crawling is a wonderful adventure — and many happy, healthy babies take their own scenic route to get there.
In short
Crawling usually emerges somewhere between 7 and 10 months, but there is a wide, normal range — and some babies skip classic crawling altogether and go straight to bottom-shuffling, rolling, cruising or walking. If your baby sits well and is reaching, rolling and trying to move towards toys, you have lots you can do at home to encourage the next step. Arrange a gentle developmental check if your baby is not weight-bearing on the legs, not reaching for toys, very stiff or very floppy, or showing little interest in moving by around 9–10 months, or if you ever feel one side of the body is used much more than the other.How you can help the move to crawling
Crawling grows from strength, curiosity and lots of floor time. Try these every day:- Tummy time, generously — short, frequent spells on the tummy build the shoulder, arm and back strength crawling needs. Make it fun with a mirror, your face, or a favourite toy.
- Tempt, don't rush — place a beloved toy just out of reach so your baby has a reason to lean, pivot and push forward.
- Get onto the floor with them — crawl yourself, cheer the smallest wriggle, and let your baby see movement is joyful and rewarding.
- Hands-and-knees practice — gently support your baby in a four-point position over your leg or a rolled towel so they feel the posture and rock into it.
- Free, safe space — barefoot time on a firm, clear floor beats long spells in walkers, bouncers or seats, which limit the practice babies need.
Remember: bottom-shuffling and rolling-to-travel are perfectly valid ways to get around. What matters most is that your baby is trying to move and growing steadily in strength.
When to arrange a check
Trust your instinct and book a developmental review if, around 9–10 months, your baby is not bearing weight through the legs when held, not reaching for or transferring toys, seems unusually stiff or floppy, strongly favours one hand or side, or shows little drive to explore. This is not about labels — it simply lets a clinician confirm all is well or offer early, playful support, which works best the sooner it begins.The Pinnacle way
This is general guidance, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care. Our physiotherapy and motor team helps babies build the strength and confidence for crawling and beyond through play, and you can always [start here](/) to find your nearest centre across our 70+ locations.Trusted sources
CDC developmental milestones and "Learn the Signs, Act Early" guidance on movement at 9 months (cdc.gov); American Academy of Pediatrics parent guidance on crawling, tummy time and motor development (healthychildren.org); WHO gross-motor milestone framework (who.int).Next step — Keep the floor time joyful and the toys tempting. If you'd like reassurance or a closer look, book a developmental assessment with a Pinnacle clinician.
What to watch
Arrange a check if, around 9–10 months, your baby is not bearing weight through the legs when held, not reaching for or transferring toys, seems very stiff or very floppy, strongly favours one hand or side, or shows little interest in moving. Bottom-shuffling or rolling to travel can be perfectly normal — what matters is steady growth in strength and the drive to explore.
Try this at home
Place a favourite toy just out of reach during floor play and join your baby on the ground — a little tempting goes a long way, and short, frequent tummy-time spells build the shoulder and back strength crawling needs.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 365 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
At what age should my baby start crawling?
Crawling usually appears between 7 and 10 months, but the normal range is wide. Some babies crawl early, some later, and some skip classic crawling for bottom-shuffling, rolling or going straight to pulling up and walking. What matters most is that your baby is gaining strength and showing a desire to move and explore.
Is it a problem if my baby skips crawling altogether?
Not usually. Bottom-shuffling, rolling to travel, or moving straight from sitting to cruising and walking are all recognised, healthy variations. The key is that your baby is bearing weight, reaching for things and keen to get around. If you're unsure, a developmental check offers easy reassurance.
How much tummy time does my baby need to build crawling strength?
Short, frequent spells throughout the day work best — a few minutes several times daily, building up as your baby enjoys it more. Make it fun with a mirror, toys or your face at floor level. This builds the shoulder, arm and back strength crawling needs.
When should I see someone about my baby not crawling?
Book a gentle developmental review if, around 9–10 months, your baby is not bearing weight on the legs, not reaching for toys, seems very stiff or floppy, strongly favours one side, or shows little drive to move. This is for reassurance or early, playful support — not a label.