Should I Be Worried If My 10 Month Old Isn’t Crawling? Understanding Motor Skills Development in Infants
- thriveinfantwellbe
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
As your baby approaches the 10-month mark, one of the milestones you may be looking forward to is crawling. If your little one is not yet crawling or showing any signs of developing this skill, it is understandable that you may be wondering if there’s cause for concern. In this article, we’ll explore gross motor skills in infants, what crawling milestones to expect, and when it might be a good idea to seek professional advice.
Understanding Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills are the abilities required for large movements and actions that involve the entire body, particularly the torso and the arms and legs. These skills develop gradually in the first year of life, beginning with simple reflexes and progressing to sitting, standing, and eventually crawling.
During the first few months, infants typically start to gain control over their head and upper bodies, which forms the foundation for rolling and sitting as well as supporting themselves during tummy time. Around the10 month mark, babies are often working towards independent mobility, which can include crawling, pulling up to stand, and some, even cruising along furniture.
Crawling Milestones
Most babies begin crawling anywhere from 6 to 10 months, but many will take a little longer to perfect the skill and this is okay! Some infants may take off on all fours, others may prefer to scoot, roll, or even crawl backward...this is also okay!
Here is a rough timeline of what you might typically expect:
6 Months: Rolling over and pushing up on hands.
8 Months: Starting to crawl or move in some way (e.g., scooting).
10 Months: Most babies start to show clear crawling patterns, but some may still be perfecting other forms of movement.
If your baby is still not crawling at 10 months, it’s important to remember that each infant develops at their own pace.
Reasons for Delay in Crawling
Several factors can contribute to a delay in crawling. Some of these are completely normal variations in development and nothing to worry about.
Physical Factors
Some babies may simply prefer not to crawl. They might find it easier to roll or scoot, or they may simply be more interested in standing. If your baby has struggled with tummy time in the past- they may not like being on their front to practice the skill of crawling.
Environmental Factors
Your baby's environment plays a crucial role in motor skill development. If a baby is not given ample opportunity to practice moving, they may not crawl as early. Tummy time, for instance, is vital for developing the muscles needed for crawling. Limiting exposure and opportunity can cause delays.
Individual Variation
Every baby is unique. While milestones provide a guideline, some infants naturally take longer to reach certain developmental stages. Genetic factors and individual disposition can influence how quickly a child hits these milestones.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
If you have concerns about your baby not crawling, consider the following to decide whether your baby needs and onward referral:
Significant Lack of Movement: If your baby shows minimal interest in moving or exploring their environment. If they are not yet able to roll at 10 months or struggling to reach forward to toys beyond their reach.
Pain: if you suspect that the reason why your baby is not crawling is due to pain, then they need to be reviewed by a medical professional
Asymmetry in limb movement: If you notice that your baby is not moving their arms and legs equally, if they have unequal leg creases on the insides of their thighs, if you are worried about their hips or have a family history of hip issues.
Poor Muscle Tone: If you notice that your baby's muscles seem excessively floppy or stiff. If they struggle to keep their posture when sitting or bend their knees/elbows.
Other Developmental Delays: If your child is not meeting other key milestones, not only related to motor skills. If their development is delayed overall- this may be a good time to consult a professional
Your Health Visitor can evaluate your child’s overall development and may suggest onward referral if indicated.
Encouraging Crawling at Home
While waiting for your little one to begin crawling, you can actively encourage their gross motor skills. Here are some activities that may help:
Tummy Time
Encouraging tummy time from an early age is one of the best things you can do. It helps strengthen the neck, back, and shoulder muscles.
Create a Safe Environment
Make a safe play area where your baby can explore freely. Use soft mats and remove any obstacles that might hinder their movement.
Encourage Reaching and Grabbing
Place toys just out of reach to encourage your baby to move toward them. This helps build motivation for crawling.
Demonstrate the skill
Crawl when playing with your baby and show them what to do! Help them by positioning them into the crawl position and helping them to move their arms and legs to move forward.
Other Forms of Mobility
Crawling is just one way that your baby can move around, rest assured that some babies may begin to pull themselves up, stand, or cruise around furniture before they ever crawl and some may never actually complete the "crawling phase".
Conclusion
If your 10-month-old isn’t crawling yet, it’s crucial to remember that every child develops at their own pace. While it’s natural to have concerns, delays in crawling can often be attributed to factors that are not cause for alarm.
Keep observing your baby’s overall development, engage them in activities that promote movement, and consult your Health Visitor or GP if you have any worries.
Know that you are doing amazing!
Shami :)
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