Babies typically start crawling between 7 and 10 months old. The range can be broader, from as early as 6 months to as late as 12 months, with some babies even skipping crawling altogether and moving directly to standing or walking. Crawling styles vary and can include classic hands-and-knees crawling, commando crawl, bum shuffling, and others. Before crawling, babies usually develop skills like head and arm control, sitting up without support, rolling over, and holding weight on arms and legs. It's important to encourage movement through activities like tummy time and provide a safe environment for exploration. Parents should watch for signs of readiness such as rocking on hands and knees, sitting up, and rolling but understand the wide range of normal development.
