December 25, 2025
There's something truly magical about watching your baby discover movement. One day, they're lying on their back, gazing at the world around them, and seemingly overnight, they're rocking on all fours, ready to explore every corner of your home. As parents, we often find ourselves equal parts excited and anxious about these developmental milestones—wondering if our little ones are "on track" and how we can best support them.
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we've had the privilege of supporting over 1,200 families from more than 35 countries since 1993, and we've learned that every child's journey to crawling is beautifully unique. This article will help you understand the typical progression toward crawling, recognize what you might observe in your own child, and discover practical ways to support their physical development through our child-centered approach.
Whether your baby is just beginning to lift their head or is already scooting across the floor in their own creative way, this guide is for you. Remember: you are the expert on your own child, and your loving presence is the most important factor in their development.
Before babies crawl, they go through several important developmental stages. Understanding these stages can help you appreciate the incredible work your baby is doing, even when it doesn't look like much is happening on the surface.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and child development research, babies typically develop physical skills in a predictable sequence, though the timing varies significantly from child to child. Here's what this progression often looks like:
It's important to note that these age ranges are general guidelines. Research from the World Health Organization's Multicentre Growth Reference Study found that the age at which babies achieve motor milestones can vary by several months and still be within the normal range. Some babies skip crawling altogether and move directly to pulling up and walking—and that's perfectly normal too.
One of the delightful surprises of early childhood development is discovering how creative babies can be in their approach to mobility. You might observe:
At Runningbrook, we celebrate all of these movement styles. Our multicultural environment has taught us that development looks different for every child, and our play-based learning approach supports each child wherever they are in their journey.
The best news? Supporting your baby's physical development doesn't require expensive equipment or complicated exercises. What matters most is creating opportunities for movement, providing a safe environment for exploration, and following your child's lead. Here are five practical strategies you can implement today:
Tummy time is foundational for developing the strength needed for crawling. However, many babies protest when placed on their tummies—and that's okay! Here are some ways to make tummy time more enjoyable:
In our Growing Steps program for babies 6 months to 2 years, our dedicated educators create inviting floor spaces with age-appropriate materials that naturally encourage tummy time and floor play. We've found that babies are much more willing to spend time on their tummies when they're engaged and curious!
Babies need room to move and safe surfaces to practice on. Consider:
At Runningbrook, our extensive indoor and outdoor play spaces are designed with early childhood development in mind. We understand that babies learn best when they feel safe enough to take risks and explore freely.
While swings, bouncy seats, and exersaucers can be helpful tools, babies develop best when they have plenty of floor time. These "container" devices restrict the natural movements that build strength and coordination. Try to think of them as occasional conveniences rather than extended play spaces.
When your baby is awake and alert, prioritize floor time where they can move freely. This doesn't mean you can never use a bouncy seat—balance is key, and you know your family's needs best.
Our child-centered approach at Runningbrook emphasizes observing and responding to each child's interests and abilities. You can do this at home by:
Play-based learning is at the heart of physical development. When movement is fun and connected to their natural curiosity, babies are motivated to keep trying.
Perhaps the most important strategy is to trust your baby and the developmental process. Babies are hardwired to develop motor skills, and given the opportunity, they will progress at their own pace. Avoid comparing your child to others or feeling pressure about milestone charts.
If you have concerns about your baby's physical development, trust your instincts and speak with your pediatrician. Early intervention, when needed, can be very helpful—but remember that the range of "normal" is much wider than many parents realize.
As a bilingual education center that has welcomed families from more than 35 countries, we've learned that cultural factors can influence both the pace of physical development and parenting practices around it. In some cultures, babies spend more time being carried or held, while in others, floor time is emphasized from an early age. Research suggests that while these different practices may affect the timing of certain milestones, healthy children generally catch up to their peers regardless of cultural practices.
There is no single "right" way to support your baby's physical development. What matters is that your baby feels loved, safe, and has opportunities to move and explore in ways that feel right for your family.
While this article focuses primarily on the pre-crawling and crawling stages (typically our Growing Steps program for children 6 months to 2 years), the principles of supporting physical development apply across all age groups:
At every stage, our approach remains consistent: provide a safe, stimulating environment, follow each child's lead, and celebrate their unique developmental journey.
As we conclude, we want to remind you of something important: you are your child's most important teacher and advocate. You know your baby better than anyone else, and your loving presence is the foundation upon which all development—physical, cognitive, emotional, and social—is built.
The journey to crawling is just one small part of your child's incredible developmental story. Whether your baby is an early crawler, a creative scooter, or someone who skips straight to walking, trust that they are developing exactly as they should. Your job isn't to push or rush development, but to create a nurturing environment where your child feels safe to explore, take risks, and grow at their own pace.
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we're honored to partner with families in supporting children's development. Our child-centered approach, play-based learning philosophy, and multicultural environment create a space where every child is celebrated for who they are. If you'd like to learn more about how we support physical development and all areas of early childhood development, we'd love to welcome you to visit our center.
Remember: every wiggle, every roll, every attempt to move forward is your baby working hard to explore their world. Celebrate these moments, trust the process, and enjoy the journey. Before you know it, you'll be chasing a crawler—and then a walker—around your home!