The four-legged in baby, how does it work?

The four-legged: a step towards autonomy for baby

Before being able to crawl, the child must have consolidated the sitting position, during which he discovers lateral mobility. Trying to catch the objects around him, he trains himself to rotate his pelvis, a movement which will then be very useful for him to move forward with his legs bent. But he must also be able to roll over and move from his back to his stomach, which he does on average at the age of 8 months. Leaning on his arms, it is by combining tone and balance that he can then take off. Through this complete activity, he also demonstrates coordination: both between the top and the bottom of his body, but also between his left and his right. Movements that require both cerebral and motor maturity. To take off, the baby needs an engine. Indeed, it is his curiosity and his desire to move forward that will motivate him.. But the four-legged is above all the first mode of autonomous movement. He finally offers her the possibility of exploring the world freely, without needing anyone, or even her mother. This is his first independent experience, his first step towards the outside world.

The four-legged: a good base for walking

The four-legged position is a good starting point for the transition to a standing position. Thus, a baby on all fours will have an easier time going into the so-called “knight” position, with one foot on the ground, and to stand up by hoisting himself up, for example to a chair. It is also a station which makes him aware of his supports and improves his perception of his body and his weight. At last, this mode of exploration, head first, familiarizes him with the first dangers such as the first falls…

However, not all babies go through the four-legged stage. Some will go directly from sitting to standing or develop other means of movement: this does not mean that their psychomotor development will be penalized. According to some specialists, babies crawl less and less because of the recommendation to put them on their backs. In this position, the baby becomes less aware of the potential of his body and is less used to being on his stomach. Furthermore, the size of the baby is also taken into account. Chubby babies, therefore a little heavier, turn out to be a little less mobile than others. Often more contemplative and more meticulous, their sense of observation sometimes takes precedence over their motor advances. Finally, some children do not crawl for the simple reason that they have found another way to get around. They will move forward, for example, by remaining seated, one leg folded under them, and pulled by the other leg.

Crawling: ideas to stimulate baby

If it is not an obligatory passage, of course, the four-legged remains a very enriching movement for the child. So how do you motivate a baby to take the plunge? First, it is essential that he familiarizes himself with the prone position. Also, do not hesitate to put it on its stomach, on its awakening mat from the first months. No need to insist heavily if he is not comfortable at first, he will gradually develop a liking for it. Once he gets used to it, the baby can then be placed on his back, so that he can pass on his tummy on his own. To stimulate his curiosity and his desire to move, toys should be placed around him, at different distances. Its pedestrian support can be favored using inclined planes. By putting it in the direction of the climb, he becomes aware of his lower body and works the muscles of his legs.

When baby crawls: safety and vigilance!

As soon as the child manages to roll over, it is necessary to secure the house and to be very attentive. Stairs must be sealed off with a barrier and electrical outlets protected by socket covers. Cleaning products, toxic and dangerous, as well as drugs, if they are stored in low cupboards, must be moved or locked up. In general, all risky objects – small, sharp, fragile, etc. – should not be left at a low height. 

Do you want to talk about it between parents? To give your opinion, to bring your testimony? We meet on https://forum.parents.fr.