Sometimes it is extremely difficult for young parents to understand a huge number of recommendations on the upbringing and development of the child. This is not surprising, because they are “influenced” from different sides by the experience of respectable mothers and grandmothers that inspire deep respect, the authoritative instructions of the pediatrician, the bold and creative proposals of new Internet friends, as well as the opinions of Aunt Masha from the 6th floor and a maternity friend which also cannot be ignored. And if about such important periods in the life of the crumbs as the first smile, the ability to hold the head or sit, all this trustworthy audience nevertheless comes to some compromise, then the stage when the child begins to crawl, mom and dad will have to cope on their own. What kind of disagreements can arise about these seemingly simple children's gestures? And the thing, in fact, is as follows. Many modern parents proudly declare that their child did not crawl at all, and thanks, for example, to walkers, immediately after learning to sit, went or even ran. In addition, statistics show that children who crawl for a long time and with pleasure, much later rise to their feet or even refuse to walk. But do not stop the crawling baby!
So crawl or not crawl? That's the question.
First of all, let's decide: when does the baby begin to crawl? On average, this occurs between the 5th and 6th month of a baby's life. By 7-8 months - the baby moves in this way already quite confidently. Moreover, each individual peanut has its own special style of crawling: backward, sideways, obliquely, in a plastubian way - there are a lot of variations. But what if your child at this age still prefers to lie in a crib or sit in a highchair? Why is the baby not crawling? I would like to immediately note that there is no reason for panic. Perhaps the baby’s muscular skeleton is still underdeveloped. Gymnastics and a special massage course will come to the rescue. And perhaps, an innate calm temperament disposes the crumb for less active occupations. In any case, consulting a competent specialist will not hurt.
Next, decide: will you specifically teach your baby to crawl? Of course, parents must make a decision. But, probably, the following facts will significantly tip the scales in the direction of “for”. Crawling is an ideal way to strengthen the muscular skeleton, harmoniously develop the shoulder girdle of the upper extremities. This means that the body of a baby who knows how to crawl will be much stronger and stronger. In addition, it is during this period that the development of certain parts of the brain occurs. That is, it is crawling that can eliminate small brain disorders associated with birth pathologies. Surprisingly, it is a fact: the school successes of your crumbs directly depend on the period when the child begins to crawl. Indeed, it is crawling that allows you to properly stretch the ligaments of the hands, which greatly contributes to the development of fine motor skills. This means that your child will not have any problems with calligraphy and drawing. Normal coordination of movements, orientation in space, the development of the vestibular apparatus and self-confidence are also positive results of crawling.
Thus, the stage of development, when the child begins to crawl, is extremely useful, and its beneficial effect is scientifically proven. To prepare the baby for this period, pediatricians advise as often as possible to lay the newborn on his stomach, and by 4 months to do certain exercises. For example, a mother can herself rearrange the arms and legs of a baby, supporting her under the breast with one hand. Another option is to hold the peanut so that its lower limbs do not touch the surface, and the upper ones are alternately rearranged so that they "go".
How to help the baby crawl? It is necessary to create suitable conditions: a moderately soft surface that protects the baby from injuries, a comfortable, clean, and most importantly, safe space for crawling and bright, attention-attracting toys that may well serve as an incentive for movement.
It is during this period that your daughter or son opens up completely new horizons for himself, which means that, like never before, you need your love, encouragement and support. Well, have you crawled?