(661) 282-8584 contactus@ariptcare.com Fax: (661) 727-0005 Español
Book an Appointment

Patient Questions  /  Babies who skip crawling

Kids & Babies

Is It OK If My Baby Skips Crawling?

Usually, yes. Many healthy babies skip crawling on hands and knees and still walk on time, which is why the CDC's milestone checklists don't include crawling. What matters more is that your baby moves around in some way, uses both sides of the body, and keeps reaching other milestones like sitting and pulling up to stand.

Request an Evaluation

When skipping crawling is usually fine

It is usually nothing to worry about if your baby:

  • Gets around another way, such as scooting on their bottom, rolling or army crawling.
  • Uses both arms and both legs.
  • Sits without support by about 9 months.
  • Pulls up to stand by about 12 months.
  • Keeps learning new skills over time.

Why hands-and-knees play still helps

Time on hands and knees builds strength in the shoulders, hands, hips and trunk, and helps both sides of the body work together. Even if your baby skips crawling, you can still offer this kind of play:

  • Crawling over couch cushions or through a play tunnel.
  • Reaching for a toy while on all fours.
  • Climbing up a low step with you right behind them.

Plenty of tummy time and floor time gives your baby the most chances to practice. Time in seats, swings and walkers does not.

When to see a doctor

Talk with your pediatrician if your baby:

  • Isn't sitting without support by about 9 months
  • Isn't pulling up to stand by about 12 months, or walking on their own by 18 months
  • Scoots or crawls using only one side, or drags one leg
  • Feels very stiff or very floppy
  • Loses a skill they used to have

How physical therapy at ARI can help

If you're unsure whether your baby's way of moving is OK, a pediatric physical therapist can check strength, balance and how both sides of the body work together. Visits are one-on-one and play-based, you take part, and you leave with simple activities for home. We coordinate with your pediatrician.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Gross motor delays →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026