CHILD DEVELOPMENT
CRAWL BEFORE YOU WALK
The Importance of Cross-Crawl Movement in Childhood Development
You’ ve got to crawl before you walk. This common colloquialism holds true in childhood development as much as it encourages someone not to get ahead of themself.
WHY IS CRAWLING IMPORTANT?
Crawling is absolutely essential for proper development of the physical body and the nervous system that controls it. Here is a basic breakdown of some of the systems that crawling helps develop in your infant:
Physical Musculoskeletal System( AKA Muscles & Bones)
Physically, baby is learning how to use their body. The body develops by interacting with its surroundings as baby explores the world around them. Muscles start to grow stronger and joints form based on the stresses put upon them. The natural curves of the spine progress with the new demands. Core stability and postural tone become ingrained.
Sensory System Development( AKA Brain Connection)
Perhaps even more substantial than the physical development is the impact of crawling on the nervous system. Cross-crawl pattern movement( described later) strongly influences the input and output pathways traveling to and from the brain. This complicated network is called the Sensory System. A strong sensory foundation allows for higher functioning neural pathways to be better laid as development continues. The two systems most impacted by crawling development are:
• Proprioceptive System: tells your brain where your body is in space.
• Vestibular System: considered the most important of the sensory systems because it has the most influence on all the other systems and on the ability to function in everyday life. This system works as the conductor of the orchestra, controlling the input, communication and volume of other signals traveling to and from the central nervous system.
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The Concerns: Why do the sensory systems matter? What’ s the big deal?
All over North America we are seeing a very scary rise in Neurodevelopmental Disorders( Autism Spectrum, AD / HD, Dyslexia, etc.). There are numerous aspects at play with these conditions, but early detection and intervention are often centered around milestone delays and dysfunction. Crawling is just one piece of this puzzle. However, it is one of the easiest ones to positively influence.
Short crawling time is linked to awkward running style and poor limb co-ordination.“ Early Walkers” demonstrate lower performance scores on preschool assessment tests. Movement and exploration through space allows child to make connections between the upper and lower limbs and the right and left sides. This is later connected to whole brain learning, related to reading, comprehension, math, and organizational skills. THAT’ S the Big Deal.
WHEN SHOULD IT HAPPEN?
Baby should start crawling around 8 months and be good at it by 9 or 10 months. Baby should regularly crawl for at least four months, preferably six. There will be overlap during this period when they are learning to walk( around 13 months), but crawling should remain the primary mode of transportation.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Normal crawling pattern involves forward movement of right arm with the left leg to a fixed position on the ground, followed by forward movement of the left arm and right leg in a symmetrical fashion. Common variations included scooching with one foot, crawling with same-side arm and leg, and the bear walk( on hands and feet with bum up in the air). Although they are often adorable, consistent variations may indicate a joint problem( such as congenital hip dysplasia or a motion restriction) or a motor control discrepancy. These variations are usually pretty easy to troubleshoot, but it is worth having things checked out by a professional who understands the growing neuromusculoskeletal system.
2013 Okanagan4Kids. com Baby & Toddler Guide