Month 9: Making safe places and things to do for crawling exploration

Around nine months, babies really start to move around and want to see what's around them. Crawling is one of the main ways they get around and learn new things. As their world gets bigger, it's important to make safe places and fun activities that let them explore in a healthy way while keeping risks low. Babies may try out different ways of crawling, such as the classic hands-and-knees crawl, the commando crawl (dragging their belly), or the scooting crawl. Some kids might even start to pull themselves up to get ready to stand and cruise. You want to give them lots of chances to explore while keeping an eye on them to make sure they're safe.

Why Safe Spaces Are Important

A "yes space" is a place for babies to play where they can explore without being told what they can't touch or worry about getting hurt. Experts in child development say that a well-planned play area lets babies safely try new things without putting themselves in serious danger. If your baby crawls around places that are meant for older kids or adults, they are more likely to run into dangerous things like sharp edges, furniture that tips over, or electrical outlets. Safety planning isn't about stopping exploration; it's about directing it.

How to Make a Safe Place for Crawling

To make your home a good place for babies to explore, follow these steps:

1. Baby-proof the surroundings

• Make your home safe for babies by covering electrical outlets, hiding cords, and attaching furniture to walls. 
• Put corner guards on tables, get rid of small things that could choke you, and lock cabinets.
• Make sure to put baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs and keep rooms that aren't safe off-limits. Also, keep the floors clean and dry.

2. Create a "yes space":

A special play area helps your baby learn about limits, so you don't have to say "no" as often. You can use gates, playpens, or make rooms with soft floors and walls.

3. Give babies different textures to feel:

Crawling on different surfaces like carpet, foam, hardwood, or rugs can help them get used to things and improve their balance.

4. Toy Rotation:

Change up the toys to keep things interesting. Too many toys can be too much. A few interesting toys that are changed out often can spark interest and keep kids focused.

5. Always keep an eye on them: 

Babies can push the limits even in a safe place. Stay close by and step in when you need to.

Things to do and think about when crawling

Babies can move around and solve problems when they are nine months old. Here are some fun things to do:

• Obstacle Paths or Mini Courses: Create a path for crawling by putting pillows, soft cushions, or low boxes so that babies can crawl over or around them. This helps them find their way around and get stronger.
• Peek-a-Boo with Toys: Place a favorite toy under a covering cloth or behind an obstacle so your baby will crawl to retrieve it. This promotes object permanence and movement. 
• Cause-and-effect Toys: Responding toys—blocks falling into buckets, pop-up toys, promote reaching and crawling to get feedback. 
• Encourage Pull-to-Stand Attempts: Put sturdy low surfaces or furniture within reach so your baby can try to pull themselves up. This will help them move from crawling to cruising.
• Parental Modeling & Engagement: You can join your baby in this process. Crawl next to your baby to help them move forward. Babies love to copy how things move.

Helpful Tips and Things to Remember

• Be patient; some babies crawl sooner or later than others. The time frame for crawling is pretty wide.
• Don't let your child use walkers and other equipment too much, as this can slow down their natural crawling development.
• Be on the lookout for any unevenness. If your baby always drags one side while crawling, you might want to see a doctor.
• Provide "floor time" each day in supervised sessions to allow your baby to move.
• Always clear away small objects, cords, and dangers from the path of crawling.

Your little one is hitting the exciting milestone of moving around in their ninth month! It’s such a joyful time for them. You can support their healthy growth while nurturing their curiosity. Set up safe play areas, give them different surfaces to explore, and provide some gentle, fun activities. Pay attention to what your baby is trying to express. Offer lots of praise and support. Just enjoy watching them learn about their new world.