Steps to teach your baby how to crawl

Most babies learn to crawl between 6 months and 10 months of age. However, if your baby is older than that and hasn't begun to crawl yet, there's no need to worry. Some babies who are heavier learn to crawl later because they have more trouble supporting their bodies, while some other babies skip the crawling phase entirely and move on straight to walking.

But if you do want to teach your baby to crawl, you have to make sure he's ready, and shows signs like being able to support his head, roll over, and even sit.

The following steps will help you to teach your baby:

• Give your baby lots of tummy time.
• Limit the time your baby spends in walkers, car seats, or high chairs.
• Help your baby develop strength in his back - the more tummy time your baby has, the sooner he'll be able to sit. You can also encourage your baby to look up by waving colorful toys above his head. This will help your baby strengthen his back, neck, and shoulder muscles. Once your baby can lunge forward and balance on his arms, he may be ready to crawl.
• Find a comfortable place. Your baby should learn how to crawl in a place that is comfortable and soft, but not so soft and comfortable that it is difficult for your baby to move. A blanket placed over an ordinary carpet or just a comfortable carpet will do just fine.
• Place your baby's favorite toy just out of his reach. You can talk to your baby and encourage him to get the toy, or say something like, "Come on, come get your toy..." to help your baby move forward. Your baby should start rocking back and forth, should start scooting his body toward the toy, or should just start to move closer to the object. Just make sure that this doesn't frustrate your baby or make him angry that he doesn't have his toy.
• Have your baby crawl toward you. You can also walk a few inches away from baby, go down to baby's level, and say, "Come here! Come to mommy/daddy!"
• Crawl beside your baby. Instead of having your baby crawl toward you, you can also crawl alongside your baby. You and your baby can both move toward the toy, the mirror, or another parent.

It goes without saying that, if your baby was crawling toward a toy, you should give it to him at the end of the exercise, even if he wasn't able to reach it himself.

Make photos of your lessons and upload to the App. Add some words about the process and your little one's progress.