Why Crawling (and Simple Play) Matters More Than You Think

By Julieann Berg, PT, DPT

As a pediatric physical therapist, I get this question a lot: “Is it really important for my baby to crawl?”

The short answer? Yes—and here’s why.

Crawling is more than just a way for babies to get from point A to point B. It’s a powerful developmental milestone that helps lay the foundation for future movement, learning, and coordination.

Why Crawling Matters

Babies typically begin showing pre-crawling movement patterns between 6 to 8 months, and hands-and-knees crawling (also called quadruped crawling) usually emerges between 9 to 11 months. While some babies may skip crawling altogether, encouraging this stage of development has a host of benefits.

Here’s a look at the natural crawling progression:

🔄Pivoting in Circles (6–8 months)

Your baby may start by pivoting in place while on their tummy—turning in circles as they reach for toys and explore their surroundings. This builds trunk control, visual tracking, and upper body strength.

🪖Army Crawling (8–10 months)

Next comes army crawling, where your baby pulls themselves forward on their belly using their arms, while their legs assist with pushing. This movement is fantastic for strengthening the core, shoulders, and arms—and it's completely normal if they stay in this stage for a while.

🧍‍♂️Quadruped Crawling (9–11 months)

Hands-and-knees crawling introduces a rhythmic, cross-body motion that connects both sides of the brain and improves balance, coordination, and body awareness. It’s also great for developing visual tracking and depth perception.

Even if your baby doesn’t follow this exact path, each movement phase plays a role in strengthening their muscles, wiring their brain, and helping them gain independence.

The Truth About Toys: Keep It Simple

In a world full of flashy, noisy, battery-powered toys, it’s easy to feel like your baby needs the latest gadget to thrive. But here’s the truth:

Babies don’t need fancy toys to learn.

What they really need is:

• A safe, open space to move and explore

• A responsive caregiver who smiles, talks, and encourages

• Time to try, fail, and try again as they build strength and confidence

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Simple floor play supports your baby’s development in the most natural and impactful way. While lights and sounds might be entertaining, they can often distract from the kind of meaningful exploration your baby really needs.

How to Support Your Baby’s Milestones

Whether your baby is just learning to roll or starting to scoot across the room, you can support their development with a combination of:

• Intentional floor time

• Guided movement and play

• Encouragement and interaction from a trusted caregiver

  
  

If you’re unsure whether your baby is on track—or you’d love expert support in guiding their progress—a pediatric movement class can make all the difference.

Join Us for “Time to Move” – Baby Movement Classes in San Diego

At Time to Move, our baby-and-me style class is led by a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in pediatrics. We focus on:

• Rolling, sitting, crawling, and other motor milestones

• Guided floor play with hands-on support

• Parent education and confidence-building

• A welcoming, playful environment where every baby is celebrated

  
  

📅 Fridays @ 9–10am

📍 Abilities Pediatric Physical Therapy – La Mesa, San Diego

🎉 First class FREE! 

👉 Email us to learn more: info@abilitiespediatrictherapy.com, or sign up here.

Final Thoughts

Every baby develops in their own time, but how they move matters. Crawling, simple play, and intentional movement lay the foundation for strength, coordination, and cognitive development.

So before you rush to buy the next blinking, beeping toy—know that what your baby needs most is time, space, and your loving support. And if you'd like help along the way, we're here for you.