Watching your little one start crawling is exciting. But what happens when they don’t crawl the “normal” way?

Many parents worry when their baby scoots on their bottom, uses only one leg, or crawls sideways instead of forward. Not all unusual crawling patterns spell trouble. Some babies just prefer their own style as they build strength and confidence.

However, understanding when asymmetrical crawling needs attention can help your child’s healthy development.

This blog post will explain what asymmetrical crawling really means, why it happens, and when you should talk to your doctor. You’ll learn to spot the difference between harmless quirks and patterns that may need support.

What is Asymmetrical Crawling and is it Normal or a Concern?

It means babies don’t use both sides of their body equally when moving around. Instead of the classic hands-and-knees pattern, they might drag one leg behind them or rely heavily on one arm.

Some babies scoot on their bottom or crawl sideways like a crab. This type of movement typically shows up between 6 to 10 months when babies first start becoming mobile.

Most babies who crawl differently are simply exploring their own movement style. Their muscles are still developing, and they’re figuring out what works best for them. This is usually normal.

However, red flags include babies who consistently refuse to use one side of their body, show significant muscle weakness, or continue asymmetrical patterns for months without improvement.

Pediatricians and physical therapists agree that short-term, unusual crawling is common.

But if parents notice their baby avoiding certain movements or showing other developmental delays, it’s time to consult their doctor for evaluation.

Why Does Asymmetrical Crawling Happen?

Several factors can cause babies to crawl unevenly:

• Muscle issues – One side may be weaker or tighter than the other, making balanced movement difficult
  Birth conditions – Torticollis (neck muscle tightness) or hip dysplasia can affect how babies position themselves while crawling
• Limited floor time – Babies who spend too much time in carriers or seats may not develop equal strength on both sides
• Neurological factors – Rarely, conditions like cerebral palsy or developmental delays can impact coordinated movement
• Comfort preferences – Some babies simply find certain positions more comfortable and stick with what works for them

Types of Asymmetrical Crawling

Babies develop a range of creative crawling styles as they learn to move independently, often adapting their movements to their unique strengths and preferences.

Bottom Scooting

Babies sit upright and use their arms to pull themselves forward while staying seated. They might also push with their legs or rock side to side for momentum.

This method allows them to keep their hands free for playing with toys while moving.

Many babies prefer this because it feels stable and secure, though it doesn’t build the same core and arm strength as traditional crawling patterns.

Club Crawling (One-Legged)

In this pattern, babies tuck one leg under their body while using the other leg to push forward, creating an uneven movement.

The tucked leg often drags behind or stays bent to one side throughout the crawling motion.

This style typically develops when one leg feels stronger, more comfortable, or when babies experience some muscle tightness on one side of their body.

Bear Walking

Babies keep their knees straight and walk on their hands and feet with their bottom high in the air.

This creates a triangle shape with their body as they move forward. While it looks unusual, bear walking actually requires good strength and coordination.

Some babies prefer this method because it keeps their knees off the ground, especially if floor surfaces feel uncomfortable or cold.

Crab Crawling

Instead of moving forward, babies crawl sideways or backwards using primarily their arms for propulsion. They might face one direction while moving in another, similar to how crabs move along the beach.

This pattern often develops when babies discover they can move more efficiently in these directions, or when they want to keep watching something while still getting around the room.

Commando Crawling

Babies pull themselves forward on their belly using their arms while their legs drag behind. This military-style movement keeps their torso close to the ground throughout the motion.

It’s often the first crawling method babies try before developing enough core strength for hands-and-knees crawling.

Some continue this pattern because it requires less coordination than lifting their body weight up.

How Asymmetrical Crawling Shapes a Baby’s Development

Balanced crawling supports healthy development. While most babies self-correct, persistent asymmetry can impact walking, balance, posture, and core strength, highlighting the importance of early observation and support.

• Self-correction: Most babies naturally fix uneven crawling within 2–3 months as their muscles strengthen and coordination improves.
• Walking and balance: Persistent asymmetry can cause muscle imbalances, leading to favoring one side, balance issues, and uneven strength when learning to walk.
• Coordination: Early one-sided movement may affect skills that require both sides of the body, like throwing, climbing, or using stairs.
• Posture: Extended asymmetrical crawling can contribute to spine or hip alignment issues, affecting posture as the child grows.
• Core strength: Unbalanced patterns may limit core muscle development, impacting sitting, posture, and foundational strength for future activities.

Helping Your Baby Crawl Evenly

Encourage your baby to crawl more evenly by offering supervised tummy and floor time, placing toys just out of reach on both sides, and creating playful obstacles to promote balanced muscle development and coordination.

1. Give babies plenty of supervised floor time on their tummy and back to strengthen both sides of their body equally through natural movement and play.

2. Place favorite toys slightly out of reach on both sides to encourage babies to move in different directions and use both arms and legs.

3. Limit time in bouncers, walkers, and carriers that restrict natural movement, allowing babies to develop muscle strength through free exploration instead.

4. Practice cross-body movements by helping babies reach across their body with one hand while supporting themselves with the other during play.

5. Create obstacle courses with pillows or soft toys that require babies to crawl around, over, and through different positions to build balanced coordination.

When to Seek Professional Help

Monitoring these milestones helps caregivers and professionals identify potential delays early, ensuring children receive timely support for optimal development.

• Seek help if your child misses key developmental milestones, such as not rolling over, crawling, walking, or speaking simple words at the expected ages, or if there are noticeable delays in physical, cognitive, or social-emotional skills.
• Red flags to watch for include loss of previously acquired skills, lack of response to sounds or visual stimuli, persistent limpness or stiffness, or difficulties with feeding and swallowing.
• Pediatricians play a central role by conducting regular wellness checkups, monitoring growth and development, performing developmental screenings, and providing guidance on typical milestones.
• They identify developmental delays early and coordinate interventions, including referrals to physical therapists or other specialists when needed, ensuring timely support and treatment.
• Physical therapists are involved when motor delays or movement difficulties are identified, providing targeted therapies to help children achieve age-appropriate motor skills and improve overall functional abilities.

To Conclude

Every baby develops at their own pace, and crawling styles are just one part of that unique process.

Parents should celebrate each small step forward, whether it’s a baby trying both hands or moving a few extra inches.

Most crawling concerns resolve naturally as babies grow stronger and more confident. Trust your instincts as a parent. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your pediatrician.

Professional guidance can provide peace of mind and helpful strategies when needed.

Remember, supporting your baby’s movement development is about patience, encouragement, and creating safe spaces for them to grow.