Even though your toddler may have moved on to the world of walking and no longer needs to crawl, it is still a good idea to encourage crawling during play. Basically, crawling is one of the most important things a baby learns to do the first year. 

Here’s why:

• Crawling works all the trunk muscles hard…that means a stronger core!
• Crawling involves a complex sequence of steps using both sides of the body. This motor sequencing helps build pathways and make connections in the brain!
• With each movement forward, the center of gravity shifts. This means the body has to balance four different ways with each crawling sequence. That really helps improve the baby’s sense of balance in preparation for walking.
• Crawling is heavy work!  Because crawling uses muscles and work the joints so rigorously, “organizing stimulation” occurs in the brain.  

Here are some great activities to make the body strong and lead to learning how to crawl:

• Encourage your toddler to play with trucks, balls and building blocks.  These all require reaching and moving on the floor.
• Have your toddler crawl off your lap, chair or pillows head first so the arms have to “walk” onto the floor. Toddlers usually find this very entertaining! (Make sure the arms are strong enough to do this).
• Rolling across the room  
• Scooting is a good first step.  
• When sitting, encourage reaching to the sides…place early form board pieces off to the side to encourage reaching.
• If your toddler gets into a crawling position but has trouble coordinating the crawling sequence, have him play with moving toys so he has to move with the toy while in this “four point” position. 

Next: "W" sitting and toddlers - Why it isn't a good idea

By Jill Mays, author of Your Child's Motor Development Story - Understanding and enhancing development from birth to their first sport.Jill has worked with children for more than 30 years. A mother of three children, she has juggled motherhood with her work in a private occupational therapy practice and consulting where she helps parents and educators understand the complex concepts of sensorimotor development.