.avif)
Crawling is a crucial stage in the development of babies, usually between 6 and 10 months of age.
Although some parents may be anxious to see their little ones walk, it's vital to understand that crawling not only prepares a child for walking, but also plays an essential role in their long-term neurological, motor and postural development.
From birth, babies have primitive reflexes that are critical to their survival and early development. These reflexes are automatic movements that, over time, must be integrated into the nervous system and disappear to give way to more controlled and coordinated movements, such as crawling.
Some of the most important primitive reflexes related to the development of crawling are:
The correct integration of these reflexes is essential for the baby to develop a coordinated and functional movement pattern.
If any of these reflexes persist beyond the first few months of life, they can interfere with the development of crawling, posture and coordination, underlining the importance of monitoring and supporting the baby's neurological development.
Functional crawling follows a pattern known as a “cross crawl”, in which the baby simultaneously moves his right hand with his left leg and vice versa. This pattern is essential because it connects both hemispheres of the brain, strengthening interhemispheric communication through the corpus callosum.
This not only improves motor coordination, but it also has a positive impact on cognitive development, including memory, attention and the ability to perform complex tasks.
In addition, crawling is essential for the development of deep core muscles, which includes the abdominal and lower back muscles. These muscles are responsible for maintaining body stability and balance.
A strong core is the foundation for good posture and the prevention of back pain throughout life.
Chiropractic can play a critical role in supporting infants' neurological and motor development, including the crawling stage. Chiropractors specializing in pediatrics are trained to evaluate the baby's nervous system, detecting possible interferences that may affect the normal development of primitive reflexes and movement patterns.
Neurological evaluation and primitive reflexes:
A comprehensive neurological evaluation is performed by a pediatric chiropractor, including a review of the baby's primitive reflexes. This is important because any persistence or lack of integration of these reflexes can interfere with the development of crawling.
For example, a non-integrated Galant reflex could prevent a baby from developing adequate posture while crawling, affecting coordination and the symmetry of their movements.
Chiropractic Adjustment:
If interferences are detected in the nervous system, as chiropractors we can make gentle and specific adjustments to correct them. These adjustments are designed to improve nervous system function, allowing the baby's body to function more efficiently.
By restoring proper communication between the brain and body, chiropractic adjustments can help a baby develop a functional and healthy crawling pattern.
Chiropractic not only supports motor development, but it can also prevent future postural and coordination problems that could arise if crawling doesn't develop properly. In addition, by optimizing neurological function, chiropractic can contribute to the baby's general well-being, promoting integral growth and development.
There are several forms of crawling that are not functional and may indicate problems with the baby's neurological or motor development:
These non-functional forms of crawling may have long-term repercussions if not corrected in time.
In addition to problems with balance, coordination and motor skills, the lack of adequate deep core development during crawling can lead to poor posture and chronic back pain in adult life.
The lack of adequate development of the cross crawl pattern and deep core during crawling can have significant implications for adult life. People who don't develop this pattern well may have difficulties with tasks that require motor and cognitive coordination, such as driving or sports. In addition, they can develop postural problems, increasing the risk of back pain and muscle injury.
Deficiency in deep core development results in a lack of support for the spine, which can lead to chronic back pain and poor posture.
These problems can affect quality of life, limiting mobility and the ability to perform physical activities in comfort.
Crawling is much more than just a milestone in infants' motor development; it's a crucial process for neurological, cognitive, motor and postural development.
A correct cross crawl pattern strengthens the connection between the cerebral hemispheres, integrates primitive reflexes and develops deep core muscles, laying the foundation for correct posture and the prevention of back pain in adult life.
Chiropractic plays an essential role in this process, evaluating and adjusting the baby's nervous system to ensure that the baby can develop a functional and healthy crawling pattern.
Detecting and correcting non-functional forms of crawling in time, with the support of chiropractic, is key to ensuring comprehensive and healthy development.
Providing the baby with an environment that allows and encourages crawling, along with appropriate chiropractic follow-up, is critical to their future well-being, promoting not only their motor development, but also their success in adult life.
