The benefits of crawling for young children (and adults), and how practitioners can support this activity. By Dr Lala Manners

Crawling (on hands and knees) is an unusual movement skill as children very rarely see us doing it and, once mastered, it doesn’t really continue to play a prominent role in their activities.

It also receives an extraordinary level of interest, despite the fact that not all children crawl in the conventional way, some cultures cannot afford opportunities to crawl due to safety and environmental reasons, and some children dislike this movement due to sensitivities in their ears and hands.

However, like rolling (see Nursery World, February 2021), crawling provides a uniquely powerful way to promote overall muscle strength, endurance, co-ordination, balance and agility.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here



Nursery World Jobs

Deputy Manager

South Hornchurch

Co Nursery Manager

Clapham, London (Greater)

Nursery Practitioner

Hammersmith and Fulham, London (Greater)