Crawling is a major step in your baby’s development. It’s their first real taste of independence, giving them the freedom to explore, discover, and move on their own terms. Most babies start crawling between 6 and 10 months - but every child is different, and reaching this milestone may look a little different for each one.
When Do Babies Start Crawling?
There’s a broad range of normal when it comes to crawling. Many babies begin:
✔ Turning and rolling between 4–6 months
✔ Sitting up unaided by 6–7 months
✔ Crawling between 6–10 months
Some may skip traditional crawling altogether, choosing to shuffle, slide or go straight to walking. That’s okay too - not every baby crawls, and that’s perfectly normal.
The Mechanics of Crawling
Crawling is complex and takes strength, coordination, and balance. Your baby needs to:
✔ Build strength in their neck, arms, back and legs
✔ Balance on their hands and knees
✔ Lift their chest and head
✔ Learn to push forward with their knees
When babies master cross-crawling - where opposite hand and knee move together - it marks a huge developmental leap. It also supports coordination between the left and right sides of the brain.
Encouraging Crawling at Home
You can support your baby’s motor skills with a few simple daily habits:
➤ Let your baby spend supervised time on their tummy from early on to strengthen upper body muscles
➤ Lie next to them to help them feel secure
➤ Place toys just out of reach to spark curiosity and encourage movement
➤ Create a soft and safe space where your baby can explore freely
✔ Encouragement is key - celebrate every attempt and offer support, but don’t worry if crawling takes time. If your baby shows no interest in crawling or becoming mobile by their first birthday, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your health visitor or GP.
Creating More Freedom to Move
Once your baby starts crawling, they’ll want to move all the time—including right before bed and as soon as they wake up. That’s where our Slumbersac sleeping bag with feet comes in.
✔ Offers more freedom to crawl, walk and play safely
✔ Keeps your baby warm without restricting movement
✔ Ideal for active toddlers who don’t want to stay still
✔ Perfect for morning play and evening wind-down routines
Your little one can crawl and explore in their sleepwear without getting cold—no need to change them until it’s time to get dressed.
Baby-Proofing Your Home for a Crawler
As your baby becomes mobile, it’s essential to make your home safe for curious little explorers.
➤ Safety tips for every room:
➤ Cover all accessible plug sockets with childproof covers
➤ Use stairgates to block stairs and steps
➤ Secure sharp edges on tables or cabinets with corner protectors
➤ Move small objects, cords and decorations out of reach
➤ Ensure windows and doors are properly secured
➤ Keep cleaning products and toiletries in locked cupboards
➤ Move breakables and hazardous items to high shelves or cabinets
➤ Use cupboard locks in the kitchen and allow access only to safe items like plastic bowls or wooden spoons
✔ Keep indoor plants out of reach—some can be toxic, and potting soil may contain fertilisers.
Crawling and Sleep: A New Routine
Your baby’s new mobility may impact their sleep routine. They may resist lying still, protest at bedtime, or wake early to crawl and explore.
✔ Sleeping bags with feet help ease this transition by keeping them warm while allowing movement
✔ You can dress your baby in their footed sleeping bag for playtime before bed or first thing in the morning
✔ It offers the perfect blend of snug sleepwear and daytime flexibility
Let your baby crawl, play, and wind down at their own pace—without the chill of cold floors or kicked-off covers.
Crawling is an exciting time for babies and parents alike. It signals growing independence, stronger muscles, and a developing brain. Whether your baby crawls early, late, or not at all, what matters most is that they’re encouraged, supported, and safe.
Explore the Slumbersac range of sleeping bags with feet - designed for little ones who love to move.
