Understanding Army Crawling in 10-Month-Olds: What Parents Should Know
If your 10-month-old is still army crawling—moving by pulling themselves forward with their arms while keeping their belly on the floor—you might wonder whether this is typical or a sign of delayed development. Rest assured, this style of movement is not only common but also a natural part of many babies’ journeys toward independent mobility. Let’s explore why some infants prefer army crawling, how it supports their growth, and when to consider next steps if you have concerns.
Why Do Some Babies Army Crawl?
Army crawling, also called “commando crawling,” is a practical way for babies to explore their environment before mastering more complex movements. Unlike traditional crawling (on hands and knees), army crawling relies heavily on upper body strength. For some infants, this method feels more stable or efficient, especially if they:
– Have strong arm muscles from frequent tummy time or play.
– Prefer speed over coordination—army crawling lets them move quickly without balancing on their knees.
– Find it comfortable due to their body proportions or muscle tone.
While most babies transition to hands-and-knees crawling by 10 months, developmental timelines vary widely. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that crawling styles and timelines are less important than overall progress in movement.
The Benefits of Army Crawling
Parents often worry their child is “behind” if they aren’t meeting textbook milestones. However, army crawling offers unique advantages:
1. Upper Body Development: Dragging themselves strengthens shoulders, arms, and core muscles, which are critical for future skills like climbing or throwing.
2. Problem-Solving Skills: Babies learn to navigate obstacles, adjust their path, and experiment with movement.
3. Confidence Building: Mastering a self-chosen method of mobility fosters independence and curiosity.
A 2020 study in Infant Behavior & Development found that crawling style has little impact on long-term motor skills. What matters most is that babies are actively exploring and learning to coordinate their bodies.
Encouraging New Movement Patterns
If you’d like to gently nudge your little one toward hands-and-knees crawling or standing, try these playful, stress-free activities:
– Create Tempting Obstacles: Place pillows or soft toys in their path to encourage lifting the belly off the ground.
– Demonstrate Crawling: Get on the floor and mimic hands-and-knees movements. Babies often imitate caregivers.
– Use Toys Strategically: Hold a favorite toy slightly above floor level to motivate them to push up onto knees.
– Strengthen Core Muscles: Play games that involve sitting unsupported, like rolling a ball back and forth.
Avoid forcing your baby into positions they resist. Pressure can create frustration, while a supportive environment fosters natural progress.
When to Seek Guidance
While army crawling alone isn’t a red flag, consult your pediatrician if your 10-month-old:
– Shows no interest in moving independently (e.g., rolling, scooting, or crawling).
– Struggles to bear weight on their legs when held upright.
– Has significant difficulty with coordination on one side of the body.
– Isn’t meeting other social or communication milestones, like babbling or responding to their name.
These signs don’t necessarily indicate a problem but warrant a checkup to rule out issues like low muscle tone or developmental delays.
Embracing Your Baby’s Unique Journey
It’s easy to compare your child to others, but remember: milestones are guidelines, not deadlines. Some babies skip crawling entirely and go straight to walking, while others experiment with rolling or “bear crawling” (walking on hands and feet). What’s most important is that your little one is curious, engaged, and making progress at their own pace.
As pediatric occupational therapist Rachel Coley notes, “Movement diversity—experiencing different ways to get from point A to B—is actually beneficial for sensory and motor development.” So, unless there are clear signs of delay, trust that your baby’s army crawling phase is a healthy step in their unique developmental story.
Final Thoughts
A 10-month-old still army crawling is typically exploring the world in a way that feels safe and effective for them. Celebrate their ingenuity, provide opportunities to practice new skills, and stay in touch with your pediatrician to address any concerns. Before you know it, they’ll be onto their next big adventure—whether that’s cruising along furniture, climbing stairs, or taking their first independent steps.
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