Parents often ask, “Is it normal for my baby to skip crawling?”. While it does happen, skipping this important milestone (yes - I still consider it a milestone) could be an indicator of an underlying concern. The more important question to ask is "WHY did my baby skip crawling?". There are usually underlying reasons why a baby might bypass crawling, and understanding these can help address potential concerns early on.
Common Reasons Babies Skip Crawling
Several factors could contribute to a baby skipping crawling, and often the reasons are intertwined:
• History of Reflux or Oral Ties: Babies who struggle with reflux or have oral ties may experience discomfort or reduced opportunities for tummy time, which is crucial for building the arm, shoulder, trunk, and hip muscles needed for crawling.
• Limited Tummy Time Opportunities: Tummy time is essential for strengthening the neck, shoulders, and core muscles. Babies who dislike, avoid, or have limited tummy time may have delays in developing the strength and coordination needed for crawling. And again, I'd ask "Why is tummy time difficult?" since there are many modifications and adjustments you can make to tummy time to help a child succeed.
• Retained Primitive Reflexes: Primitive reflexes, such as the Moro, Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), or Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR), should integrate by a certain age. However, reflexes may persist in the event of a traumatic birth or stressful experience, which can interfere with motor development. This can result in making it harder for a baby to coordinate upper and lower movements in order to crawl.
• Side Preferences or Residual Torticollis: A baby who shows a strong preference for one side or has torticollis (tight neck muscles) may develop imbalances in their movement patterns, potentially affecting their ability to crawl. You may see bottom scooting or 3-point scooting, and from a pediatric physical therapist's perspective this is not crawling and should warrant investigation as to "why".
• Weakness in the Shoulders, Trunk, and Hips: Crawling requires significant strength in the shoulders, core, and hips. Babies with weakness in these areas may find crawling challenging and may try to compensate by sitting often or moving directly to standing.
Why Crawling Matters
Crawling is more than just a way for babies to move around - it’s a critical stage of development that helps establish bilateral coordination (using both sides of the body together). Crawling also lays the foundation for future gross motor skills, such as walking, running, and climbing, while promoting strong core strength and coordination.
How a Pediatric Physical Therapist Can Help
If your baby is showing signs of skipping crawling or struggling with motor development, a pediatric physical therapist can evaluate their movement patterns and provide targeted purposeful activities to address the "why". Early intervention can help address any underlying issues, lead to any necessary referrals, and ensure your baby develops the skills needed for future milestones.
Let us support your baby’s development and help them reach their full potential!
