The short answer
Yes. Not crawling at seven to nine months may be part of normal developmental variation. Classic crawling is not on the CDC’s nine-month milestone checklist; independent sitting and getting into a sitting position are among the skills monitored. Speak with your pediatrician if your baby loses skills, moves very unevenly or you have other developmental concerns.
In this guide · 11 sections
Keep in mind
- Not crawling in the traditional way by nine months is not, by itself, a diagnosis of developmental delay.
- Babies may move by belly crawling, rolling or bottom shuffling.
- Consider sitting, getting into a sitting position and using both sides of the body together.
- Discuss lost skills or noticeably uneven movement with a doctor promptly.
Is not crawling really a problem?
Your baby is nearing nine months and still isn't moving forwards on hands and knees. You may hear people ask, “Shouldn't they be crawling by now?” Yet crawling is not a compulsory step that every baby reaches in the same month or in the same way. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explains that some babies move in different ways, and some skip classic crawling altogether.
It matters that crawling is not on the CDC's nine-month milestone checklist. That does not mean other movement skills should go unchecked. Looking at your baby's development as a whole is more useful than focusing on any one movement.
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?”
The CDC's nine-month milestones include getting into a sitting position independently, sitting without support, and moving an object from one hand to the other. These are not tests to administer at home. They're age-related examples that can help you describe your observations to a healthcare professional.
Does army 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 healthcare professional. 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?
Skipping classic crawling does not automatically mean a baby will have difficulty walking later. The AAP notes that some babies progress through movement stages without using traditional crawling. Even so, no one can predict an individual baby's future walking abilities from that fact alone.
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 favorite 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 walker 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 pediatrician?
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.
The CDC advises parents to talk to a doctor rather than wait when they have developmental concerns, and to ask about developmental screening if needed. Not crawling is not a diagnosis on its own, but other changes you notice may be valuable clues for an assessment.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Loss of a movement or other developmental skill your baby previously had
- Using or dragging one arm or leg noticeably less than the other
- Concerns about unsupported sitting or getting into sitting around nine months
- Very limited movement overall or apparent lack of new skills
Sources used for this guide
- CDC — Milestones by 9 Months
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — Developmental Milestones: 7 Months
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren – Movement Milestones in Babies 8 to 12 Months Old
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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