As a supplier of baby and toddler products, I’ve spent years chatting with new parents who share the same mix of excitement and anxiety when it comes to their little one’s milestones. Crawling is a big one—signaling they’re building strength, coordination, and that curiosity that’ll lead to all kinds of new adventures (from reaching for their favorite teether to chasing a runaway sock). I’ve heard so many versions of “is my baby supposed to be crawling by now?” or “how do I get them off the couch cushion they’ve been napping on for three weeks?” so today I’m breaking down evidence-based, gentle ways to encourage crawling, plus a few products we’ve designed to make this phase easier for both babies and parents. Baby and Toddler Products
First, let’s get one thing straight: there’s no “one size fits all” timeline for crawling. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) notes that most babies start crawling between 6 and 10 months, and some skip crawling entirely to scoot on their bottoms, roll, or even pull themselves along while standing. That said, if your baby is sitting unassisted, pushing up on their hands, and showing interest in moving, these tips will help nurture their crawling instinct without pushing too hard.
Start with the foundation: strength and tummy time. I know, tummy time is a controversial topic for many parents—some babies hate it, some parents feel guilty when they can’t get their little one to stay on their tummy for more than two minutes. But it’s non-negotiable for crawling. When a baby is on their tummy, they build the arm, shoulder, and core strength they need to lift their chest, prop themselves up on hands, and eventually shift their weight to move forward.
If your baby resists tummy time, start small. Even 2 to 3 minutes a few times a day adds up. We’ve had so many customers tell us that our soft, padded tummy time mats made a huge difference—they’re thick enough to cushion their elbows and knees, with a slight incline that makes lifting their chest less work. Pair it with a high-contrast teether or a soft crinkle toy placed just out of their reach; the goal isn’t to torture them, it’s to give them a reason to practice pushing up. Pro tip: lay down with them, get on their level, and do a silly stretch or make a silly noise. Babies mirror what they see, and if they see you having fun, they’ll be more willing to join.
Next, create a safe, open space to explore. Cribs, playpens, and couches are all great for napping, but they don’t give babies the room to build the confidence to move. Once your baby is sitting unassisted, clear a corner of your living room or bedroom—no sharp edges, no small objects they can choke on, just a wide, flat space where they can stretch out. We recommend our flexible play barriers for this; they’re lightweight, easy to set up, and soft enough that if your baby falls while they’re learning to stand, they won’t get hurt. Avoid putting them on soft couches or thick blankets where their legs can sink in—they need a firm surface to push off from. That’s another reason those play mats work so well; they’re firm enough for traction, but soft enough for comfort.
Now, the fun part: tempting them to move. Babies are motivated by two things: food (in the form of their favorite snacks) and the attention of the people they love. I’ve seen so many parents make the mistake of leaning over and grabbing their baby to move them, which takes away the effort of moving themselves. Instead, get down on the floor, a few feet in front of them, and hold up a toy they go crazy for. It could be a stuffed animal, a rattle, or even a half-eaten teething biscuit (we won’t tell). If your baby reaches out for it, that’s the hook. If they’re still hesitant, you can make a silly noise, clap, or even crawl a little yourself—babies are wired to copy, so seeing you move will make it feel like a game, not a chore.
Another trick: the “obstacle course” with low, soft barriers. I’ve had customers tell us that our soft foam building blocks are perfect for this. Set up a few blocks a small distance apart, so your baby has to crawl around, over, or through them to get to their favorite toy. The obstacles add a little challenge without being scary, and they give baby a chance to practice shifting their weight, which is key for crawling. Just don’t make the course too hard—if they get frustrated, they’ll give up before they try.
Wait, what about if they’re only scooting on their bottom? That’s totally normal! Some babies do that for weeks before switching to crawling. You can encourage them to use their arms and legs by placing a small, lightweight toy under their bottom, so they have to lift themselves up to get it. Or, gently hold their legs up a little while they’re on their tummy—this takes some of the weight off their lower body and helps them feel how to push forward.
Of course, every baby is different, so there are a few things to avoid. Don’t force crawling by holding their hands and “walking” them forward—this can make them feel unsteady and anxious, and it skips the important step of them learning to balance on their own. Don’t compare your baby to others either; I’ve heard so many parents stress because their neighbor’s baby crawled at 7 months and theirs is 10 months. As long as they’re building strength and showing interest in moving, they’re right on track.
Now, a quick note on products that make this phase easier for parents. As a baby and toddler products supplier, we design everything we make with both baby development and parent convenience in mind. Our play mats are BPA-free, easy to wipe clean, and large enough to give babies plenty of space to move. Our play barriers are lightweight enough to carry from room to room, so you can set up a safe space wherever you are. We also have a line of soft, flexible toys that are perfect for tummy time and crawling temptations—they’re small enough for little hands to hold, and they’re easy to clean if they get dropped on the floor.
When it comes to milestones, the best thing you can do is be patient. Crawling is just one step in a long journey, and every baby takes it at their own pace. If you have questions about what products work best for your little one, or if you’re a retailer interested in partnering with us to stock baby and toddler essentials for your customers, we’d love to hear from you.
Baby and Toddler Products References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Developmental Milestones: Birth to 5 Years.
Blanche, E. I., & Pirie, J. (2021). Motor Development in Infants: A Review of Tummy Time and Early Movement. Journal of Pediatric Physical Therapy.
International Association of Infant Massage. (2022). Supporting Crawling and Gross Motor Skills in Babies.
Zhongshan Jingao Trading Co., Ltd.
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