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When do babies crawl?

Crawling isn't on any of the CDC's milestone checklists. The American Academy of Pediatrics says crawling is “usually mastered between seven and ten months,” and that a few children never crawl, scooting or slithering instead. What the CDC does list by 1 year is “Pulls up to stand” and “Walks, holding on to furniture.” Ask your pediatrician if you're worried.

Checked October 29, 2026.

What the CDC's checklists say

Milestones from the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklists, word for word
ByThe CDC's milestoneMonth page
9 monthsSits without supportYour baby at 9 months
1 yearPulls up to standYour baby at 12 months
1 yearWalks, holding on to furnitureYour baby at 12 months

Each row is from the CDC's checklist for that age (9 months, 1 year), checked October 29, 2026.

What “by 1 year” means

Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. The CDC puts each milestone at the age by which at least 75% of children would be expected to do it, so that even one missing milestone leads to a conversation with the doctor instead of “wait and see”. So “by 1 year” isn't an average. Many children do it sooner, and the checklists don't list everything a child learns.

“A few children never crawl. Instead, they use alternative methods, such as scooting on their bottoms or slithering on their stomachs.”

What it can look like

Rocking on hands and knees, going backward first, then forward. Some babies scoot on their bottoms or slither on their tummies instead.

What helps

  • Put an interesting toy just out of reach on the floor and let your baby work out how to get it.
  • Make a low hill of cushions to crawl over, and stay right beside them.
  • Get down on the floor and crawl too, and see if your baby follows you.

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your baby isn't pulling up to stand or walking while holding on to furniture by 1 year (the CDC's 1-year list), doesn't use both arms and both legs as they move about, has lost a skill, or you're worried for any reason.

You know your child best. Don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.

If you or the doctor are still concerned, the CDC says to ask for a referral to a specialist, and to call your state's early intervention program (find the number on the CDC's list). You do not need to wait for a doctor's referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call. If your child is younger than 3 years old, contact your local early intervention system.

More from the CDC: Concerned about your child's development? If your child seems unwell, call your pediatrician, or 911 in an emergency.

Sources