when should a baby crawl

Babies generally start crawling between 6 and 12 months of age, with the average range being around 7 to 10 months. Crawling can begin once a baby has developed head control, the ability to roll over, and sitting independently. However, crawling is not considered a strict milestone, and some babies may skip crawling entirely and go directly to standing and walking. There are various styles of crawling, including classic hands-and-knees, commando crawl (on the belly), scooting, and others. Parents should look for readiness signs like good head and neck control and sitting without support. Encouraging tummy time and providing a safe environment for exploration helps babies develop the muscles needed for crawling. Each baby develops at their own pace, so variations in timing and style are normal.