How can a caregiver encourage an eight month old to crawl?

Babies can be encouraged to crawl in a number of ways.

A baby can reach all developmental milestones but still be slow to learn how to crawl. Sometimes they just need a few cues to get started.

If baby can put up on its knees, you're half-way there. But many babies belly-push a long time before they figure out how to get their knees under their bodies.

Here are some ideas if they are already pushing onto their knees.

Place a quilt or soft blanket on the floor. Place baby in the center and sit in front of them with an interesting toy or one with a nice sound. Start off just a foot or so in front, and over time move back further. Talk to baby, play, encourage reaching. Babies often lurch-- right onto their faces! So be prepared to protect and to soothe after scary bumps, but don't go overboard and make baby too afraid to try again.

Again, place a quilt or soft blanket on the floor. Place baby in the center and in a half circle, place some colorful age-appropriate toys in a half circle within the baby's line of sight. Let baby squirm and wiggle to get to the toy-- 1. babies have to build leg and arm muscles in order to get moving, 2. babies do figure out crawling eventually. Be sure to stay nearby in case baby rolls over hard and bumps his head, or to watch for other hazards.

Babies do get bored. Switch out age appropriate toys with a few different ones. Use lots of interactive play, like peek-a-boo. Always make play time fun.

If you are concerned about your child not meeting certain milestones, consult your pediatrician.