Seeing your baby crawl for the first time is priceless, even though her attempt may not be perfect! Sometimes babies crawl backward before crawling forward, which is absolutely normal. With time, she will discover a way to propel herself forward by learning how to balance, and by maintaining a coordination of her legs and arms.
Crawling backwards does not right away suggest any disorder (such as autism). As along as your little one can move across the floor with each leg and arm, you do not have to worry. Indeed, it can take a little time to get any thing to get good, and crawling is not an exception. MomJunction tells you why ‘babies crawling backward’ is not a cause of worry.
Why Does A Baby Crawls Backwards?
Crawling is part of an infant’s gross motor development, which refers to big muscle movements such as the ability to sit, walk, and run. Though seemingly simple, these gross motor skills require nerves, muscles, and bones to work in tandem and well.
When your little one begins to crawl, usually between six and nine months, she may choose the easiest and the most efficient way such as the commando crawl, in which she shuffles around her tummy. If the little one finds it easy to crawl back, she may opt for it for many reasons.
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- If the baby feels stronger on arms than on legs, she will push herself back and crawl backward or scoot backward.
- The upper bodies of babies are more developed than the lower ones, which is another reason for babies crawling backward.
- Babies who push more on arms tend to push themselves back.
When her legs get stronger, the little one begins to crawl forward. Even if she skips to crawl forward or skips crawling altogether, it is completely normal. It does not mean that she has missed a milestone. Note that preterm babies may take more time than their peers to reach such milestones. Sometimes, infants who are above the normal weight may take more time to crawl, than other healthy ones.
How To Encourage My Baby To Crawl Forward?
Your angel will learn to crawl forward on her own. If you wish to stop your little one from crawling backwards, indulge in a few activities to encourage her.
- Put her favorite toy a little out of reach in front of her and encourage to crawl towards it. She may struggle but do not jump out for rescue. Let her try. As she tries, the muscles required for crawling forward get strong.
- Get yourself down on the floor and show her how to crawl forward. You could be funny as you do that.
- Once your baby comes to a crawling position, gently propel her forward by placing your hand on her bottom.
- Try moving her legs and arms to get the feeling of moving forward.
- Entice your little one forward with her favorite food.
- Use tummy time mats for your baby to practice crawling.
- Your little one needs loads of praises and encouragement from you to learn something new. Shower them and see the difference.
However, remember not to force the baby. It should be fun for your baby to learn to walk and crawl. Also, do not compare your little one with other babies of her age. She may be slightly ahead or behind them. You should let her grow at her own pace. Bear in mind that backward crawling or whatever will be a matter of past after a few months as your little angel will be walking and running around then!
