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 .
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