At Children’s Podiatry, we are committed to supporting every stage of your child’s development. One important developmental milestone is crawling, which can reveal a lot about your child’s motor skills and overall health. Melissa and Lauren from our team offer insights into various crawling styles and what they might indicate about your child’s progress.
The Classic Crawl: Hands and Knees
The hands-and-knees crawl is a familiar and widely recognised method. In this style, a child moves their hands and knees alternately. This type of crawling is often associated with strong core strength and coordination, suggesting that your child is developing their motor skills effectively (Gordon, 2022). It is typically a sign that they are preparing for future milestones, such as walking.
The Commando Crawl: On the Belly
Some children prefer the commando crawl, where they drag themselves along the ground using their arms while their belly remains on the floor. This style of crawling is quite common and can indicate that a child is still building upper body strength and coordination (Harris & Thompson, 2021). Although it may look less traditional, it is a normal variation and allows children to explore their environment effectively.
The Bottom Shuffler: Sitting and Scooting
Another crawling style is bottom shuffling or scooting, where a child sits and then moves around by shuffling on their bottom. This style can suggest that the child is comfortable in a seated position and is using this method to navigate their surroundings. It is a perfectly normal variation and does not signal developmental issues (Gordon, 2022).
The Bear Crawl: Hands and Feet
The bear crawl involves using both hands and feet for movement rather than the traditional hands-and-knees method. This style is less common but indicates that a child is experimenting with different movement patterns and developing strength and balance (Harris & Thompson, 2021). It shows that the child is building muscle coordination in a unique way.
Understanding Crawling Styles and Development
Each crawling style provides unique insights into various aspects of a child’s development. While variations in crawling are part of normal development, significant delays or skipping crawling entirely may warrant professional evaluation. Melissa and Lauren at Children’s Podiatry are available to provide expert guidance and support tailored to your child’s needs (Gordon, 2022).
Supporting Your Child’s Crawling Journey
To support your child’s development, encourage regular tummy time to build muscle strength and coordination. Providing a safe and open space for exploration will help them practice their crawling skills and develop their motor abilities (Harris & Thompson, 2021).
When to Seek Professional Guidance
If you have concerns about your child’s crawling or overall motor development, it is important to seek professional advice. Melissa and Lauren at Children’s Podiatry are here to offer comprehensive support and ensure your child’s developmental needs are met (Gordon, 2022).
Every child develops at their own pace, and observing and supporting them through these early milestones is crucial for their overall well-being and developmental progress.
References
Gordon, A. (2022). Early Motor Development: Understanding Crawling Styles. Pediatric Developmental Review, 15(4), 205-218.
Harris, M., & Thompson, L. (2021). Milestones in Early Childhood: Crawling and Beyond. Australian Journal of Child Health, 34(2), 98-105.
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