Mobility – How a baby learns to crawl and walk and discovers the world
Already in the womb, babies move a lot: They curl up, feel around and kick
so wildly that expectant parents can clearly feel it. Once they are born, the laws of gravity initially restrict them in their urge to move. They must now first learn what it means to keep their balance and to consciously control their own body. The first big step towards mobility is rolling.
When do babies start to roll over?
The development of a baby's mobility varies greatly, so it's difficult to name an exact time when a baby consciously rolls from tummy to back and back again. About half of babies manage this by six months; the rest need a little longer.
Especially curious children generally roll a bit earlier and are eager to become more mobile to imitate other children. Other babies skip rolling and go straight to sitting or crawling. It's easier to roll once the arm, back, and neck muscles have been somewhat strengthened.
Rolling, scooting and discovering new perspectives
After the first six months, babies become more mobile almost every day: they happily roll on their playmats from left to right, move their arms and legs in a coordinated direction and increasingly try to reach and grab toys. Eventually the playmat is no longer enough: the little ones want to explore the whole room and begin to pull themselves forward, often very wobbly and uneven. Each child has its own technique. It also happens that babies start crawling right away. Driven by their natural curiosity, they are motivated to discover more and expand their mobility.
Step by step to becoming a world explorer
Other babies, on the other hand, skip crawling and want to walk right away. But that involves a lot: standing securely, balancing the body and finally shifting weight — all these steps require a lot of practice and patience. Toddlers are tireless in this! At around 15 months they take their first steps and soon run joyfully through the world. And again: each child learns to walk at their own pace and completely individually.
How rolling, crawling and walking can be encouraged
Promoting mobility with activity gyms and play arches
A softly padded playmat is the ideal surface to master the first roll. Colorful play elements on the playmat or activity gym stimulate the urge for mobility even more.
Encouraging mobility with soft toys
The cute crawling rolls make babies mobile almost on their own: The air-filled rolls with many play elements are rolled around the room and offer plenty of opportunity to discover, be amazed and play.
Promoting mobility with push walkers
When learning to walk, sturdy push walkers with colorful details that invite discovery and play. With extra storage for favorite toys, the walker quickly becomes the favorite companion!
