Crawling in Babies
CRAWLING IN BABIES : IMPORTANT OR NOT?
“My doctor mentioned crawling isn’t important”
“He is too lazy to crawl. He just loves to stand! I think he is excited to walk!”
“My so so so relative’s grandchild never crawled and she’s fine”
These are just a few things I hear in my day to day practice from parents regarding crawling in babies. I get it!
Crawling is hard for babies, it takes a lot out of them especially for those who disliked tummy time.
I spent every day, multiple times of the day (thanks to maternity leave), for over a month; working on crawling on hands and knees for my little one (who was content with creeping), till she finally did it!
You Know Why????
because…
“CRAWLING IS HIGHLY IMPORTANT!”
Particularly for lifelong skills that are essential YEARS down the line..
SCHOOL, SPORTS, ACCEPTANCE OF MOVEMENT WHEN GROWN UP.
- CRAWLING develops stability around the wrist, elbow, shoulder complex muscles along with hip, knee and pelvic muscles which can barely be second by any other milestone in this way. This stability is extremely important for support, protection and precision during growing sport related activities and to protect from impeding injuries.
2. rawling stretches hand, fingers and wrist muscles allowing advanced grasp of objects that vary in size and shape. For e.g. colour with a chalk, open a doorknob, cut with scissor.
3. Crawling for months before a baby starts walking functionally (freely in whole room) strengthens, builds co- activation and develops proprioceptive feedback to such intensity that without it, links to poor handwriting skills, clumsiness and lack of coordination necessary for advanced sports play.
4. Crawling enhances visual development which leads to better reading and focusing skills e.g. catching a ball, kicking and dodging a football in field, copying down notes from classroom board.
- Crawling develops ability to use all 4 limbs with a synchronous pattern and adds to strong upright posture. I have seen kids who have never crawled showing clumsinessàpredisposing them to INJURY.
I am reaching out to all the parents to kindly encourage crawling in all your babies and let them reap its huge benefits. In case of concerns or any delay noticed, reach out to us to screen your baby.
Written by: Shivangi Trivedi (Pediatric Physiotherapist)
BPTh, C/NDT, CMP
Book an Appointment to have your Child evaluated with me at this Downtown Toronto Clinic
MATRIX PHYSIOTHERAPY TORONTO