Children crawl to move around and explore their environment. While most babies crawl on their hands and knees, it's okay for a baby to crawl in different ways. Commando crawling and bum shuffling are also common movements.
Early childhood educators can support young babies in learning to crawl - tummy time is a great start. They can also help children who love to crawl. Moving around improves gross motor abilities and provides so many opportunities for discovery!
EYLF Learning Outcomes
Crawling is a major part of a baby's development and aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework. Crawling supports children to become strong in their physical learning and wellbeing (3.2), become independent (1.2), and gain learning dispositions such as curiosity, confidence, commitment, enthusiasm, and persistence (4.1).
Learning experiences
Explore different surfaces
Babies can explore different surfaces by crawling over them.
- Inside: carpet, wooden floors, linoleum and tiles.
- Soft surfaces: shaggy rugs, soft blankets, pillows, soft play, and puzzle floor mats.
- Outside: grass, crunchy leaves and sand.
Explore the environment
Educators can encourage spacial awareness by having crawling babies:
- crawl through tunnels
- chase after rolling balls
- crawl towards their favourite toy
- follow a path of cushions and pillows
- and crawl under and over obstacles.
Move things around
Support children's balance and coordination by providing them with objects they can hold and move while crawling. These may be soft silk scarfs, a “letter” to deliver, or push and pull toys on wheels.