How to Help Your Baby Learn to Crawl By Maria Cummings At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

If you're like me, and most other parents, one of the most exciting times for you is when your baby learns to crawl. It's a big milestone that most of us try our best to capture on camera. But is there a way that you can help your baby learn to crawl? The answer is yes-in fact, there are several ways you can accomplish this.

You can start before your child actually is close to crawling, and even before she rolls over. Many babies will show a definite preference for a certain toy. If your child has a toy she prefers, it can help you out a lot. You might want to buy a duplicate of this toy to have on hand, because it's going to get a lot of use! Moving the toy back and forth above your child will get her to follow it with her eyes and head, and then roll over to get it. This doesn't seem like it would really help with crawling, but the point is to get the baby used to going after the toy.

Once your child begins to sit up, take her favorite toy and set it in front of her. Look at how she tries to reach it. As she becomes more comfortable with sitting up, she'll probably go forward onto her hands to get closer to her toy. The better she gets at this, the farther away you can set her toy. Once it's far enough away from her, it will require getting on all fours, and finally crawling to reach it.

This won't work for all babies, but the toy can still be used. If your child will get on all fours but not move towards the toy when it's just stationary on the floor, try using it in a different way. For instance, your child might make a rocking motion backwards and forwards when on all fours. If she does, make a game out of it. Take the toy and get on all fours in front of her. As she rocks backwards, you should rock towards her with the toy. When she rocks forwards towards you, rock backwards a bit with the toy. Eventually you can rock farther backwards, which will encourage your child to crawl towards you.

Whichever method works best for you and your child, remember to always be positive. All babies learn on their own schedules, so don't get frustrated if you have a late crawler. As long as your pediatrician isn't concerned about when your child is crawling, you shouldn't be, either. Be sure to praise your child whenever she reaches the toy, and also when she doesn't reach the toy but tries. Lots of clapping and smiling will encourage her and give her the confidence to try again. Also be sure to let her reach the toy from time to time, so she doesn't get discouraged and so she'll stay interested. Pay attention to her mood and don't force her to play the game if she doesn't want to. With a little practice, you'll have that magical first crawling moment to put on tape to cherish always!

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