How to Transition Your Baby from Play Mat to Crawling
Watching your baby grow is one of the most exciting parts of parenthood – especially those first big milestones like rolling over, sitting up, and eventually, crawling. If your little one has been enjoying plenty of play time on their mat but hasn't quite worked out how to move forward just yet, you're probably wondering how to help them take that next step.
Don’t stress – every baby moves at their own pace, but there are some easy and fun ways to encourage crawling. Here’s a relaxed, Marmalade Lion guide to transitioning your baby from lying around on their play mat to becoming a curious little crawler.
Tummy Time is Key
Let’s start with the big one – tummy time. If you've heard this term a million times already, it's for good reason. Tummy time helps build the muscles your baby needs in their neck, shoulders, arms, and back – all essential for crawling.
Start small and gradually increase the time as bub gets stronger and more comfortable. You might begin with a few minutes a few times a day, working up to longer sessions. Lay down with them, get face-to-face, and chat or sing to keep them engaged. A few silly faces go a long way too!
If your baby really hates tummy time at first, try using a rolled-up towel or a small tummy time pillow under their chest to prop them up a bit. It gives them a better view of the world and makes the experience a bit more fun.
Make the Play Mat Exciting
While tummy time is a great start, the play mat itself can be a fantastic tool for encouraging movement. Position toys just out of reach to spark your baby’s curiosity. This little challenge can motivate them to reach, scoot, or eventually crawl towards the prize.
Mix it up with different textures, colours, and toys that make noise or light up. Babies are naturally curious, and giving them a reason to move will often do the trick.
If you’re using a soft, foam play mat, you’ve already got a great surface for learning to crawl. It’s gentle on their knees and gives them enough grip to push up and move around safely.
Limit Time in Bouncers and Swings
Bouncers, rockers and swings are absolute lifesavers when you need five minutes to make a cuppa or have a quick shower. But when it comes to helping bub learn to crawl, too much time in these can slow things down.
When your baby is awake and alert, give them as much floor time as possible. Free movement helps them explore their own body and build the coordination they'll need for crawling.
It’s all about balance – a bit of everything is fine, but don’t rely on equipment for all their awake time.
Get Down on the Floor with Them
Babies love company – and they learn best from watching others. So, get down on the floor and play! Show them how to crawl by getting on all fours yourself (yes, you might feel a bit silly, but they’ll love it).
You can also encourage them by placing a favourite toy a short distance away, and gently coaxing them forward. Clap, cheer, and celebrate every little effort – even if they just rock back and forth or manage to shuffle a tiny bit.
Sometimes just having you nearby can give them the confidence they need to try something new.
Use Mirrors and Toys as Motivation
Mirrors are magical to babies. They love looking at their own reflection – and it can be a great motivator for movement. Place a baby-safe mirror on the floor next to their play area and watch them become fascinated by the ‘other baby’ staring back.
The same goes for interactive toys – anything that lights up, plays music, or rolls away can encourage crawling. A rolling toy or soft ball is a classic trick: it moves just out of reach and gets them chasing after it.
Don’t Rush It
This is probably the most important point: every baby develops at their own pace. Some bubs start crawling as early as 6 months, while others wait until 10 months or more. Some skip crawling altogether and go straight to pulling up and cruising along furniture.
Try not to compare your baby to others (easier said than done, we know). Just keep offering opportunities, keep playing, and let them find their way when they’re ready.
If you’re ever concerned about their development, have a chat with your child health nurse or GP – they’ll be able to give you personalised advice and reassurance.
Celebrate Every Little Win
Crawling doesn’t happen in one big leap – it’s a series of small, gradual changes. First comes pushing up on arms, then rocking back and forth, maybe a bit of backward shuffling (which can be hilarious to watch), and finally forward motion.
Each of these mini-milestones is worth celebrating. Take a video, snap a photo, cheer them on. Your excitement will fuel theirs, and turn crawling practice into a game rather than a chore.
Safety First
As your baby starts to move, it’s a good time to think about baby-proofing your space. Sharp corners, loose cords, and small objects on the floor suddenly become much more interesting when crawling begins.
Get down to their level and see the world from their perspective. You’ll be amazed at what they can find! Put away breakables, cover power points, and make sure any furniture is secure.
Transitioning from play mat to crawling isn’t a switch that flicks overnight – it’s a gentle, natural progression that’s best supported with patience, play, and lots of floor time. With a bit of encouragement and a safe, stimulating environment, your little one will be zooming across the floor before you know it.
So roll out the mat, get comfy, and enjoy this exciting stage – because once they’re crawling, you’ll be chasing them all over the house!
