How will your baby learn to crawl

Your baby may start learning to crawl when she's between six and nine months old. She's then likely to be crawling well by the time she's a year old (NHS nd, Sheridan 2008).Bear in mind some babies never crawl and get around by bottom-shuffling instead. Some babies move directly to pulling up, standing and walking (NHS nd). It's getting mobile that's important, no matter how your baby does it.

Six months to seven months

Your baby will learn to crawl after having spent time on her tummy to strengthen her muscles. By the time she is about six months old, she will be able to do mini push-ups. She will lie on her tummy and lift her head and chest up, using her arms for support.Your baby may start with commando-crawling, pulling herself along on her tummy using her forearms. She may then get up on all fours and rock backwards and forwards, with her arms straight and her body parallel to the floor.

Eight months to 10 months

By the time your baby is about eight months old, she may be able to sit well without support (NHS nd, Sheridan 2008). She may then try to move from sitting onto her hands and knees. Her arm, leg, and back muscles should be strong enough to keep her from falling on the floor.Your baby will then work out that pushing off with her knees gives her just the boost she needs to get mobile. At first she may go backwards before she learns to go forwards, getting further away from the toy she has her eye on. Soon she'll learn to go from a crawling position back into a sitting position.Your baby may also learn to cross-crawl, moving one arm and the opposite leg together, to go forwards.

One year

Practice makes perfect and your baby is likely to be crawling confidently by the time she's a year old (Sheridan 2008). She'll be keen to tackle any challenge, including the stairs.