Delayed Crawling

Helping Babies Crawl with Confidence & Strength

Is your baby not crawling yet, crawling backward, or moving in an asymmetrical pattern? Crawling is a critical developmental milestone that builds strength, coordination, and balance— essentials for walking. If your baby is delayed in crawling or showing unusual movement patterns, pediatric physical therapy can help!

At Twin Hearts Physical Therapy, we work with babies and toddlers to develop the motor skills, strength, and coordination needed for proper crawling and overall mobility.

What Is Considered Delayed Crawling?

Most babies start crawling between 6-10 months. If your baby is not crawling by 11-12 months or showing unusual crawling patterns, they may benefit from pediatric physical therapy.

Signs of Delayed Crawling:

  • Not attempting to crawl by 9-11 months

  • Only moving by rolling or scooting on their bottom

  • Crawling backward instead of forward

  • Using one side of their body more than the other (asymmetrical crawling)

  • Avoiding weight-bearing on hands and knees

baby delayed crawling

Why Is Crawling So Important?

Crawling isn’t just about movement—it helps babies develop critical skills for future mobility and learning!

  • Builds strength in arms, legs, and core

  • Improves coordination between the left and right sides of the body

  • Develops balance and weight shifting for standing and walking

  • Strengthens the visual system for reading and learning

  • Encourages problem-solving and spatial awareness

If a baby skips crawling or has difficulty moving symmetrically, they may experience delayed motor skills later on. Early intervention helps babies build a strong foundation for walking and beyond!

Signs Your Baby May Benefit from Physical Therapy

  • Not crawling by 10-12 months

  • Using one side of the body more than the other

  • Army crawling on the belly for longer than a month

  • Crawling backward instead of forward

  • Avoiding tummy time or weight-bearing

  • Skipping crawling and trying to walk too soon

If your baby is experiencing any of these signs, early intervention can make a difference!

Common Causes of Delayed Crawling

1. Low Muscle Tone (Hypotonia)

  • Babies with low tone may struggle to bear weight on their hands and knees, making crawling difficult.

2. Torticollis (Tight Neck Muscles)

  • A baby with torticollis may have a head tilt, leading to one-sided movement and asymmetrical crawling.

3. Weak Core & Upper Body Strength

  • Crawling requires strong arm, shoulder, and trunk muscles to support body movement.

4. Sensory Processing Challenges

  • Babies who dislike tummy time or avoid certain textures (like carpet) may resist crawling.

5. Prematurity or Developmental Delays

Some babies take longer to develop crawling skills due to prematurity or neurological conditions.

How Twin Hearts PT Helps with Delayed Crawling

At Twin Hearts Physical Therapy, we create a fun, engaging therapy plan to help babies develop strength, coordination, and confidence to crawl properly on hands and knees.

Tummy Time & Core Strengthening

  • Exercises to encourage weight-bearing on hands and knees

  • Strength-building activities for arms, shoulders, hips, and core

Balance & Coordination Training

  • Helping babies shift weight properly for smooth crawling movements

  • Encouraging left-right coordination for symmetrical movement

Gait & Postural Training

  • Addressing asymmetrical crawling patterns

  • Improving balance and posture for easier transitions into walking

Parent Education & Home Exercises

  • Teaching parents how to encourage crawling at home

  • Fun activities to boost mobility and confidence

Why Choose Twin Hearts Physical Therapy for Delayed Crawling?

  • Experienced Pediatric Therapists – Specialists in early motor development

  • Fun, Baby-Friendly Therapy Sessions – Encouraging babies through play-based activities

  • Customized Treatment Plans – Designed for each baby’s unique needs

  • Parent Education & Support – Guidance on how to help your baby at home

  • Serving Glenpool, Tulsa, Bixby, Jenks, Okmulgee, Mounds, Kiefer & Surrounding Areas

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)




  • If your baby isn’t attempting to crawl by 11 months or is showing asymmetrical movement patterns, or is not progressing to hands and knees and only crawls on his/her belly a physical therapy evaluation may be beneficial.

  • Some babies skip crawling and go straight to walking. However, crawling helps build strength, coordination, and sensory processing—important for later motor skills.

  • Therapy helps babies develop the strength and coordination needed for proper crawling. We use fun, engaging exercises to encourage movement.

  • Backward crawling can be a sign of muscle weakness or coordination challenges. Therapy helps babies learn to move forward using the correct muscles.

Schedule an Assessment for Delayed Crawling Today!

Is crawling delayed or skipped? Our team is here to help your baby get moving—schedule a consultation now.