It is so exciting when our babies start moving and grooving.
We love to see our babies crawl!
Some babies prefer to move forward with one side of their body while using the other side minimally or not at all. This means they rely more on one arm and one leg to propel themselves forward, while the opposite side remains stationary or less active. This is referred to as “unequal crawling” or “asymmetrical crawling”.
Babies develop at their own pace, and for most babies, unequal crawling is part of their natural progression towards independent movement.
Why do some babies crawl unequally?
- Muscle Strength and Dominance: Just like adults, babies may have a dominant side, which means they have stronger muscles on one side of their body, making it more comfortable for them to use that side for crawling.
- Movement Coordination: As babies’ brains continue to develop, they gradually learn to coordinate their movements. During this phase, they may experiment with different ways of crawling, including the uneven approach.
- Preference for Exploration: Babies are curious explorers. It may be more efficient to use one side for crawling, especially when they are focused on reaching a specific toy.
In most cases, unequal crawling is a normal part of the developmental process and nothing to worry about. However, if you have concerns about your child’s crawling patterns or any other aspect of their development, check in with your pediatrician.
Continue to encourage your baby to move and explore – that is how babies learn and grow! Each child’s development is a unique journey. Unequal crawling is often a temporary stage that will naturally evolve as your baby gains more strength and coordination.
Call Our Family Help Line 1-800-932-4673: Have questions about your child’s development? Want more support and information? Call our FREE, statewide Family Help Line (1-800-932-4673) and talk to our Parent Coaches!