Helping Your Baby Move with Confidence

One of the most exciting stages of your baby’s development is watching them gain the strength and curiosity to move on their own. The journey from sitting upright to crawling is a major milestone—it marks your baby’s growing independence and physical confidence. But this stage doesn’t just happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that starts with tiny triumphs, like holding up their head, pushing up during tummy time, and eventually learning to sit without support.

Around 4 to 6 months, many babies begin sitting with assistance, using their hands to prop themselves up. By 6 to 8 months, they may sit unsupported and start rocking back and forth on hands and knees, which is often a prelude to crawling. These mini-movements are essential for building core strength and coordination. You can support this stage by giving your baby plenty of supervised floor time—especially on a soft mat or carpet—where they have the freedom to explore their body and environment without restraint.

Tummy time is one of the most effective and simple ways to encourage motor development. Even just a few minutes several times a day helps build the neck, shoulder, and arm muscles your baby needs for crawling. Toys placed just out of reach can motivate your baby to stretch, pivot, or scoot forward. Celebrate each effort, no matter how small. Your encouragement, presence, and patience create a safe environment for learning—and that confidence is just as important as physical skill.

Remember, every baby moves at their own pace. Some crawl earlier, some later, and a few skip crawling altogether and go straight to standing or walking. There’s no “right” timeline. What matters most is that your baby feels supported, seen, and celebrated. Helping your little one move with confidence isn’t just about physical development—it’s about cheering them on as they discover their strength, their will, and their world.