The short answer
Not crawling on hands and knees at seven to nine months, by itself, does not show that a baby has a developmental delay. NHS guidance lists crawling as one possible way to move; babies may move in different ways. Discuss broader concerns with your health visitor or GP.
In this guide · 11 sections
Keep in mind
- Not crawling on hands and knees at nine months does not, on its own, diagnose a delay.
- Some babies move by commando crawling, rolling or bottom shuffling.
- Look at sitting, moving into sitting and use of both sides of the body together.
- Raise lost skills or noticeably uneven movement promptly with a healthcare professional.
Is not crawling really a problem?
Babies develop movement skills in different ways and may skip hands-and-knees crawling. The NHS describes crawling as one possible way babies move, not a required step.
There is no single date by which every baby must acquire this movement. NHS guidance describes milestones as a broad guide; discuss concerns about movement with your health visitor or GP.
Which movements matter at eight and nine months?
At eight months, your baby may reach for toys, change direction, find new positions on the floor, or sit without support. These are all different parts of exploring movement. Alongside “Are they crawling?”, you can ask, “How do they sit, reach and move?”
Looking at sitting, reaching and changes of position gives you a fuller picture than checking for crawling alone.
Does commando crawling or bottom shuffling count?
Some babies keep their tummy close to the floor and pull themselves along with their arms. Others shuffle on their bottom, while some roll towards where they want to go. These approaches differ from hands-and-knees crawling, but they may show that your baby is finding their own way to get around.
For example, your baby might turn in a circle to reach a toy, then slide backwards. Rather than looking only at the style of movement, notice how they use both sides of their body and whether they try new ways of moving over time.
What should I notice if my baby is not moving forwards?
A baby who isn't moving from place to place yet may still reach for toys, turn their trunk, or attempt to move between positions. However, very limited movement overall, consistently using one side less, or concerns in other areas of development deserve a different level of attention.
Instead of choosing a firm date by which your baby “must” crawl, write down a few specific examples of what they can do and discuss them with their health visitor or GP. Losing a movement they could previously do is especially important: that isn't an ordinary variation to simply wait out.
Will skipping crawling make walking harder?
Not using a classic crawl does not, by itself, tell you how or when your baby will walk later.
Choosing another way to move is not, by itself, a label or diagnosis. Developmental follow-up looks at sitting, trunk control, using both sides of the body, and acquiring new skills together.
What can you do today?
When your baby is awake and content, make room for free movement on a clean, secure, non-slip floor. Rather than handing over a favourite toy immediately, place it a little way off so they can try reaching, turning or moving towards it. Moving it closer if they struggle is a natural part of the game too.
You don't need to force your baby onto hands and knees, make them repeat movements while crying, or use a baby walking frame to speed up crawling. Let play be a comfortable time to explore with you nearby.
How is age assessed for premature babies?
If your baby was born early, corrected age may matter when looking at development. A premature baby who is nine months old by the calendar may need to be assessed with their gestational age at birth and medical history in mind. Comparing birth dates alone can therefore mislead.
The healthcare team following your baby can judge when to look for particular skills in light of their individual circumstances. You do not need to wait until a skill is definitely delayed before sharing what you've noticed.
When should you speak to your GP or health visitor?
Speak with your baby's doctor if they lose a movement they previously had, consistently use one side of their body less, or seem significantly restricted in how they move. Concerns about not sitting unsupported or not getting into sitting around nine months are also good reasons to discuss development.
If you seek advice, bring a few concrete examples of how your baby sits, reaches and changes position; these details can help your clinician discuss the wider movement pattern.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Losing a movement or developmental skill your baby previously had
- Consistently using or dragging one arm or leg noticeably less
- Concerns about sitting without support or getting into sitting around nine months
- Markedly restricted movement or an apparent halt in new skills
Sources used for this guide
- NHS / Bedfordshire and Luton Children’s Health — 9 months: child development milestones
- NHS — Baby moves: crawling and movement development
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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