My Baby Crawls Backwards
The short answer
Many babies crawl backwards before they figure out how to go forward - it's actually easier to push with your arms than to pull with them. This is a completely normal phase of learning to crawl. As your baby's arm muscles get stronger and they figure out the coordination, they'll start moving forward. Most babies master forward crawling within a few weeks of going backwards.
By Age
What to expect by age
This is a common age for backwards crawling to appear. Your baby might get up on hands and knees and push themselves backwards, sometimes right away from the toy they're trying to reach. This can be frustrating for them (and funny for you), but it's actually a sign that they're building the strength they need. The pushing motion engages the arm muscles, which will soon be strong enough to pull the body forward.
By this age, most babies who started crawling backwards have figured out how to go forward too. If your baby is still only going backwards and seems frustrated or isn't exploring their environment much, you can help by placing toys just slightly out of reach in front of them and giving gentle encouragement. You can also demonstrate crawling yourself - babies love to imitate.
If your baby is still only crawling backwards at this age and doesn't seem interested in moving forward or finding other ways to get around (like scooting or cruising furniture), mention it to your pediatrician. It could just be that your baby is very happy with backwards crawling and will skip forward crawling entirely to start walking. Or it might be worth checking in to make sure there are no muscle tone or coordination issues.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 10 months and has recently started crawling backwards as their first form of independent mobility.
- Your baby doesn't seem distressed by going backwards and is happily exploring, even if it's in reverse.
- You can see your baby trying to go forward sometimes, even if they haven't quite figured it out yet.
- Your baby is also working on other motor skills like pulling to stand or cruising along furniture.
- Your baby is over 11 months, only crawls backwards, and shows no interest in other forms of movement like cruising or attempting to walk.
- Backwards crawling seems to be related to one side of the body being weaker - for example, one arm pushes much harder than the other.
- Your baby seems very frustrated by backwards movement but can't figure out how to go forward despite lots of practice.
- Your baby was crawling forward and has suddenly started only going backwards - regression in motor skills needs prompt evaluation.
- Backwards crawling is accompanied by signs of pain, weakness, or your baby avoiding using one limb.
Sources
Related Resources
Related Physical Concerns
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.
My Baby Curls Their Toes
Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.
My Baby Favors One Leg
Babies should use both legs roughly equally when kicking, crawling, and eventually walking. If your baby consistently favors one leg or seems to avoid using the other, it is worth having your pediatrician take a look. The cause is often something simple and treatable, like a minor hip or muscle issue, but early evaluation helps ensure the best outcome.
My Baby Gets Hiccups a Lot
Hiccups are extremely common in babies, especially newborns, and are almost always completely harmless. They happen because your baby's diaphragm is still developing and gets a little jumpy when their tiny stomach fills up or air gets swallowed. Most babies outgrow frequent hiccupping by 6-9 months.
My Baby Has Jerky Movements
Newborns and young babies often have jerky, uncoordinated movements because their nervous systems are still developing. What looks like random flailing is actually your baby learning how their body works. These movements typically become smoother and more controlled by 3-4 months as motor skills mature.
Baby Not Bearing Weight on Arms
Bearing weight on the arms is a gradual skill that develops during the first 6 months. Babies first prop up on their forearms around 2 to 4 months, then progress to pushing up on extended arms by 5 to 6 months. Regular tummy time is the best way to build this strength, even if your baby protests at first.