Crawling (on hands and knees) is an unusual movement skill as children very rarely see us doing it and, once mastered, it doesn’t really continue to play a prominent role in their activities.
It also receives an extraordinary level of interest, despite the fact that not all children crawl in the conventional way, some cultures cannot afford opportunities to crawl due to safety and environmental reasons, and some children dislike this movement due to sensitivities in their ears and hands.
However, like rolling (see Nursery World, February 2021), crawling provides a uniquely powerful way to promote overall muscle strength, endurance, co-ordination, balance and agility.
Development
Before children get to hands and knees crawling, many ‘seal crawl’ (on their tummies with feet together) or ‘worm crawl’ (without using hands and feet at all)! ‘Commando-crawling’ (on their fronts moving forwards just using elbows and knees) may also occur. Whatever form children choose, consider it all as useful preparation for hands and knees crawling.
Be aware that some children will crawl after they walk, some miss out this stage altogether, while others will only scoot or bottom shuffle or just go backwards.
Importance
It is well worth allowing children of all ages to revisit conventional crawling whenever possible, as:
- Crawling is very demanding – the body has to be completely balanced before moving; arms and legs must retain the correct position; feet must be strong enough to help push forwards; hands must be flat and spread wide to provide proper support; core muscles must be strong enough to maintain the optimum position to move; and neck muscles must hold the head in the right position so visual skills can also be supported.
- Crawling aligns and stabilises the shoulder and pelvic girdles in preparation for later writing and walking. It also encourages the journey from an immature C shape to more mature S shape of the spine.
- It is a rhythmical, economical movement that ensures all muscles are used equally, and it supports the strength and endurance needed for more challenging movement patterns.
- For very young children, crawling provides a safe and effective preparation for the standing and falling stage before walking. Getting used to the floor and different terrains builds confidence in their body’s ability to manage whatever movement opportunities arise.
Supporting very young children
- All you need is a safe, clean space for them to practise endlessly – they will cover a lot of ground if allowed.
- Very young children will enjoy crawling into and out of small spaces and suitcases, over soft cushions, under a table or chair and through a short tunnel, as well as under your tummy or between your legs.
- Crawling up and down gentle slopes inside and outdoors is challenging and enjoyable.
- It prepares children for climbing – proficient crawlers will be up the stairs pretty quickly!
- Supporting older children
- There are many ways to make the basic crawling movement more challenging and interesting, so try the following ideas sometimes:
- Encourage children to practise going forwards at different speeds. It is a difficult movement to do very fast or slow, so see how fast they can go without falling over as they follow a track around tables and chairs.
- Now try crawling backwards as fast as possible (much easier).
- Explore different types of crawling, such as ‘crab-crawl’ (on hands and feet with tummies facing up); ‘bear crawl’ (on hands and feet); and ‘beetle crawl’ (on elbows and knees).
- Add a crawling element to any obstacle course you construct.
- Add apparatus – for example, invite the children to pat rolled-up socks or scrunched-up paper bags as they crawl around the floor, and introduce a ‘goal’.
- Invite children to try walking on their knees only, backwards, forwards and sideways.
How we may also benefit
- Movements based on early crawling may help ease or avert backache:
- Start with your hands and knees hip width apart on the floor.
- Gently wiggle your hips from side to side, then your head.
- Now slowly lower your hips backwards to your heels and gently lift and lower your head.
- Start to lift and lower your hips – and remember to open your mouth and breathe.
- Slowly sit back again on your heels, place your arms either side of you with palms upwards and choose a comfortable place for your head.
- Rest for a few moments and repeat the sequence.
ABOUT THIS SERIES
This is the second in a four-part series on essential physical skills and how to support them in children from birth to three. Dr Lala Manners is a physical development trainer and director of Active Matters
