It can be tough for mums to let their kids grow up, and crawling is the first stage that will challenge your ability to let go.
Here are 10 things to note about this adorable next milestone...
When will they start crawling?
Like with most things, all babies develop in their own sweet time, but generally speaking, they begin to crawl between six and 12 months of age.
They might not crawl at all
Believe it or not, some babies skip the crawling stage entirely, going from sitting to standing and then taking their first wobbly steps. Each to their own!
There's no real crawling etiquette
Crawling doesn't have to mean hands and knees. From bum-shuffling to backwards crawling, there are plenty of different styles for your baby to choose from. They might even go for a combo of them all!
There are physical benefits of crawling
Not only does crawling give your baby's motor skills a workout, it also benefits their coordination, balance and hand-eye coordination.
Feel free to help them out
Sure, it's good to let your child find their own feet (literally), but it's also good to give them a bit of encouragement. One way to do this is to let them spend lots of time on their tummy, as this strengthens their head and neck muscles in preparation for crawling.
Crawling improves their sight and self-confidence
Amazingly, crawling also helps to train your child's eyes to switch between the distance and foreground! As it also increases their independence, it also helps boost their self-confidence in the world.
You'll have to vacuum more often
From food spillages to insects, your little explorer will want to taste-test everything they find. With that in mind, it's a good idea to keep your carpets and floors pristine.
You'll have to babyproof everything
While it's great to see them reach this milestone, crawling babies are more likely to get into trouble than stationary ones. Things you'll likely need to invest in include: safety gates, electrical socket plugs, and those funky cupboard latches.
And play more games
Once they're on the move, your baby will want to have even more fun than before. Use cushions to create obstacle courses or cardboard box tunnels, and your baby will be in their element.
