04/13/2026
Is your little one crawling or nearly crawling?!
Crawling typically starts around 6-10 months and comes in many forms. Each of the variations of crawling can tell us about a child’s strengths, asymmetries, and areas for further development 🙌🏼.
One fun variation includes the “commando” or otherwise known as “army” crawl. This involves the child propelling themselves forward using primarily their hands and/or forearms, while their belly remains on the floor.
Commando crawling can start just before the more typical, hands-and-knees crawling. However, if your child continues to only commando crawl, it can be due to a few reasons, including:
✨ Shoulder/arm weakness (it takes stability and strength to push onto hands via straight arms)
✨ Poor trunk control (unable to lift belly off of the ground)
✨ Inability to shift weight backwards (to get onto knees)
Some activities your therapist might suggest:
✨ Create a safe space & allow your child to explore and experiment with their movements
✨ Pushing your hands against their feet to encourage use
of legs
✨ Placing obstacles (toys, pillows, your leg) in their path
✨ Playing in a kneeling position with hands on an elevated surface
✨ ... and more!
Children develop and achieve milestones at their own pace (and often in their own order) - always consult with a pediatric specialist if you have any concerns!
If you have a little one who is almost crawling, has been commando crawling for an extended for period of time, or you just have questions and want to know more about their motor development, give us a call at 236.471.5354 (South Surrey) or 604.498.1044 (North Surrey).
milestones, motor milestones, motor development, crawling, commando crawling, pediatrics, physio for kids, kids physio, baby play ideas
JustForKids SpecializedForKids BabySkills BabyPlay ParentsAndTots
