crawling
Quick Summary
Crawling is a form of locomotion where the body moves close to the ground, often with the abdomen in contact with the surface. This is a significant milestone in infant development, enabling exploration and interaction with the environment.1
Invertebrates use peristaltic or contract-anchor-extend movements to crawl. Limbless vertebrates, such as snakes, employ four main patterns: serpentine, rectilinear, concertina, and sidewinding. Serpentine is common, while rectilinear is used by large snakes and burrowing animals. Concertina and sidewinding are primarily seen in snakes, especially on surfaces lacking sufficient friction. Sidewinding involves the snake arching its body forward, with only parts touching the ground, allowing it to roll forward over loose surfaces like sand.23
Crawling development in infants is influenced by practice and environmental factors, not just neuromuscular maturation. The onset of crawling is linked to psychological changes, including wariness of heights and improved object searching.1
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