My Baby Crawls Backwards
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, Zero to Three guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about crawls backwards, here is what you need to know.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Your baby is under 10 months and has recently started crawling backwards as their first form of independent mobility.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby was crawling forward and has suddenly started only going backwards - regression in motor skills needs prompt evaluation.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Supervised tummy time is recommended daily from the time the baby comes home from the hospital to help prevent flat head syndrome and to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC, Zero to Three guidelines, 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. At 6-8 months, 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. It is generally considered normal when your baby is under 10 months and has recently started crawling backwards as their first form of independent mobility. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby was crawling forward and has suddenly started only going backwards - regression in motor skills needs prompt evaluation.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-8 months
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.
9-10 months
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.
11-12 months
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 to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed crawls backwards and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is over 11 months, only crawls backwards, and shows no interest in other forms of movement like cruising or attempting to walk.
- Mention if backwards crawling seems to be related to one side of the body being weaker - for example, one arm pushes much harder than the other.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
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.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice crawls backwards — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby is under 10 months and has recently started crawling backwards as their first form of independent mobility — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-8 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby was crawling forward and has suddenly started only going backwards - regression in motor skills needs prompt evaluation.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is crawls backwards normal?
When should I call the doctor about crawls backwards?
When is crawls backwards normal?
What causes crawls backwards?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about crawls backwards?
Is crawls backwards normal at 6-8 months?
Is crawls backwards normal at 9-10 months?
Should I go to the ER for crawls backwards?
Does crawls backwards go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics - Movement Milestones: 8 to 12 Months AAP
- [2]CDC - Important Milestones: Crawling and Movement CDC
- [3]Zero to Three - Your Baby's Development: Crawling Variations Zero to Three
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Crawls Backwards.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed crawls backwards and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is over 11 months, only crawls backwards, and shows no interest in other forms of movement like cruising or attempting to walk.
- Mention if backwards crawling seems to be related to one side of the body being weaker - for example, one arm pushes much harder than the other.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- 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.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- 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.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of crawls backwards are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby was crawling forward and has suddenly started only going backwards - regression in motor skills needs prompt evaluation.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
Was this page helpful?
Related Physical Concerns
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
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 Only Army Crawls
Army crawling (also called commando crawling) is a completely valid and normal way for babies to move. Many babies army crawl for weeks or even months before transitioning to hands-and-knees crawling, and some skip hands-and-knees crawling entirely. What matters is that your baby is independently mobile and exploring their environment.
One Side of My Baby's Body Moves Differently
Babies should generally use both sides of their body equally. If one side consistently moves differently, is weaker, stiffer, or less coordinated, this warrants evaluation. Asymmetric movement can indicate hemiplegia (cerebral palsy affecting one side), brachial plexus injury, or other neurological conditions that benefit from early therapy.
My Baby Crawls Unevenly
While some variation in crawling patterns is normal, consistently favoring one side or dragging one limb while crawling warrants attention. Babies should use both arms and both legs relatively equally when crawling. Persistent asymmetry could indicate muscle tone differences, hip issues, or neurological concerns that benefit from early evaluation.