The Benefits of Crawling
Benefits of Crawling
When it comes to developmental milestones, the ones that parents most often recall are the “big” ones, like rolling over for the first time, taking their first step, and even saying their first word. Crawling, however, seems to be largely overlooked and underappreciated as there are many whole body-brain benefits from doing so! Benefits from crawling may include:
Uses both sides of the brain together, which is essential for brain-body development. When a baby crawls on hands and knees, they use a crisscross pattern (ie: left leg, right arm or right leg, left arm), also known as cross lateral movements, to move forward. Use of these cross lateral movements help to activate both sides of the brain’s hemispheres and all four brain lobes. When these hemispheres and lobes are equally activated and available for use, benefits include improved cognition, ability to learn new information, emotional regulation, attention, and more.
Improves trunk, shoulder, and head/neck strength. When a baby crawls on hands and knees, they improve strength in their trunk, shoulder, and head/neck muscles. The strength of these muscles further support development of gross motor and fine motor development, emotional regulation (ie: consider deep breathing techniques with poor trunk strength), balance, and even posture.
Develops hand arches for fine motor developmental. When a baby crawls on hands and knees, they bear weight through their arms and hands, which helps to develop the arches in their hands. The development of these hand arches then leads to separation of the two sides of the hand. When a child has separation of the hand, they can use their thumb, index, and middle finger in unison (ie: hold a pencil or eating utensil) while keeping the remaining fingers tucked into their palm. When this separation occurs, more precise and meaningful fine motor tasks can be completed.
Improves visual scanning and visual perceptual skills. When a baby crawls on hands and knees, they frequently change head positions while looking down at their hands, up at their environment, and strengthen head movements from side to side. Making these constant head changes helps to improve their neck and eye strength, which further supports visual scanning and visual perceptual skills.
Integrates primary reflexes. When a baby crawls on hands and knees, they actively assume various positions and movements that integrate primary reflexes. The coordinated movements of right/left and top/bottom of the body are powerful organizers to the nervous system. Your baby is making amazing connections of the visual, auditory, communication, and movement systems with every crawl they make.
Improves motor planning and body awareness. When a baby crawls on hands and knees, they bear weight their arms and legs. This weight bearing helps to activate the baby’s proprioceptive system, which tells the baby where they’re at in time and space. With this improved body awareness, the ability to plan purposeful and intentional movements improves as well.
Enjoy crawling and playing with your baby as you help them develop their motor and cognitive skills. Have any questions about your baby’s motor development? ProActive Pediatric Therapy is here to help!