10 ways to promote crawling over scooting

Encouraging crawling over scooting involves creating an environment that stimulates a baby's curiosity and motivates them to explore through crawling movements. Here are some tips to promote crawling:
1. Interactive Crawling Tunnels:

• Set up soft, baby-friendly crawling tunnels. Place toys at the end of the tunnel to entice your baby to crawl through. This creates an engaging and stimulating environment for movement.

2. Crawling Races:

• Create a fun crawling race by placing toys or desirable objects a short distance away. Encourage your baby to crawl towards these items, turning it into a playful and motivating activity.

3. Encourage Cross-Crawling Movements:

• Support your baby in a crawling position and encourage them to move one arm and the opposite leg simultaneously. This cross-crawling movement helps develop coordination and balance.

4. Incorporate Music:

• Play lively music and move to the beat with your baby. The rhythmic sounds can motivate them to crawl and explore the space around them.

5. Crawl Together:

• Get down on the floor and crawl alongside your baby. Having you as a crawling companion can inspire them to imitate your movements and encourage independent crawling.

6. Use Textured Mats:

• Place textured mats or blankets on the floor. The tactile stimulation can encourage babies to explore and move around, promoting crawling over sitting.

7. Crawling Through Limbo:

• Set up a makeshift limbo bar using a soft object such as a scarf or a cushion. Encourage your baby to crawl under the bar, adding an element of challenge and excitement.

8. Rolling Ball Play:

• Roll a soft ball just out of your baby's reach and encourage them to crawl towards it. The visual and tactile appeal of the ball can motivate crawling movements.

9.  Practice Stairs

• With close supervision, let your baby explore climbing stairs.  It is not possible to scoot upstairs and climbing stairs mimics crawling on the floor.

10.  Mirror Crawling Play:

• Place a large, baby-safe mirror horizontally on the floor. This encourages your baby to crawl towards their reflection, combining visual stimulation with the desire for exploration