The best toys to help baby learn to crawl.
Watching your baby reach new milestones is one of the delights of parenting. It’s no wonder that parents want to do everything they can to help their babies reach these momentous steps.
If you have a baby who is just on the brink of crawling, or even one who isn’t that interested yet, there are some amazing products that clever people have designed to lure your baby into a full crawl.
We’ve searched high and low to find the best toys to help your baby crawl. Some of these products will help strengthen muscles to get baby prepared for crawling, and others have movement, lights and music that will have your little one scrambling to catch up.
Read on to find the top 10 toys to help your baby crawl.
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The Top 10 Crawling Toys for Babies
Skip Hop Explore Follow Me Yellow Bee Crawling Toy
Babies will adore the motorized Follow Me Yellow Bee toy. It includes an easy to hold bee rattle that can be used with or without the motorized cloud. The toy can be used in three stages: 1) For pre-crawlers without using the motorized element. 2) For beginning crawlers with a setting that causes the cloud to only go in a circle and 3) For advanced crawlers with the cloud moving in random patterns for baby to “chase.”
Pros
- Versatile: Three different stages mean it will entertain baby for longer
- Includes colorful lights and music that reward baby when they reach the bee
- Has volume control
- Sensor keeps it from hitting other objects and/or getting stuck
Cons
- Parents will have to return the bee to the cloud to get it moving again (until baby has learned this cause and effect)
- Wheels on the bottom could pinch or hurt the baby if they pick up the cloud
Bright Starts Floor Mirror
This simple toy will entertain your baby and help them develop the neck and arm strength needed for crawling. The mirror can be placed on the floor for tummy time or when baby is learning to “plank.”
Pros
- Easy to fold up and travel with
- Babies LOVE to look at themselves in the mirror and are incentivized to push up
- Crinkly leaf in the corner adds a fun textural element
- Lightweight so that babies can hold it by themselves
Cons
- Can easily fall over
PlanToys Roller
This small Montessori type toy has classic craftsmanship and delightful simplicity. A wooden ball is at the center of the wooden rolling rattle. When baby rolls it, a nice “clacking” sound will encourage them to follow and roll it again!
Pros
- Made of sustainable materials (rubberwood) and free from formaldehyde glues
- Pleasant pastel colors made from organic pigments and water based dyes
- Sturdy
- Smaller size makes it easy for baby to pick up and play with
- Perfect for travel
Cons
- May not keep baby entertained for very long
Hide and Side Ball Pit, Play Tent and Tunnels
Once your baby can crawl, a tunnel is an excellent way to encourage and reward their crawling! This crawling tunnel set can be easily folded down flat for storage.
Pros
Colorful
A fun way for bigger kids/adults to interact and encourage crawling
Easy to store
Can be wiped clean with a cloth
Great for indoor or outdoor use (just make sure it isn’t too windy!)
Cons
Works best for moderate to advanced crawlers
Fisher-Price Crawl Along Monkey
Fisher-Price’s crawling toy can be used for tummy time, when baby is sitting up and will move across the floor when baby is crawling. This adorable monkey toy has fun lights, music and monkey sounds to keep your little one’s attention.
Pros
- Versatile: Three different stages mean it will entertain baby for longer
- Catchy music and lights
- Includes a mirror
Cons
- Heavier, so it is possible a baby could get hurt by throwing or dropping it
- Not good for travel
ZONICE Green Crawling Crab Baby Toy
We can’t get over how adorable this crawling toy is! Turn it on and the legs make it crawl back and forth just like a crab.
Your baby will love chasing the crab!
Pros
- Can be used by crawlers and non-crawlers alike
Cons
It could be difficult for some babies to keep up with the crab
VTech Light and Move Learning Ball
With over 50 songs, melodies, sounds and phrases, the VTech Light and move learning ball is all about the “bells and whistles.” The ball’s movement, sounds and lights will encourage your baby to crawl and catch this fun toy.
Pros
- Has educational and catchy songs and phrases
- Extra elements include three animal keys for sliding, twisting and turning and three shape buttons to introduct shapes and colors
- Colorful and bright
- Built sturdy to handle baby’s curiousity
Cons
- Heavy for babies to pick up and loud when dropped on the floor
- Not good for travel
Fisher-Price Poppity Pop Turtle
Babies will love this adorable ball popping turtle. When pushed, popping multi color beads inside as it moves. A simple design that babies will love.
Pros
Colorful
Simple to use
Easy to transport
Will entertain babies, toddlers and preschoolers too!
Cons
Only works on smooth floors
CUKU Tummy Time Water Play Mat
This inflatable mat can be filled with water creating a space for baby to sit, crawl and manipulate the floating shapes inside.
Pros
- Easy to store and travel with
- Cooling for warmer days
- Will encourage baby to sit up and plank
Cons
May not keep baby’s attention for long term
Hoovy Infant Crawling Toy
Another inflatable toy, the Hoovy Crawling toy is a cylinder that does double duty as a rolling toy and a ball drop. The cylinder is divided into two levels with a small hole in between. Two rattle balls and an LED light ball not only provide entertainment when the cylinder is rolling along, but also will fall through the hole when baby picks the cylinder up.
Pros
- Easy to inflate, deflate and store
- Rattle balls and light ball add noise and interest
- Dual purpose (crawling toy and ball drop) means this toy will entertain your baby for longer
- Made of heavy duty and durable PVC
Cons
- LED Light battery can’t be replaced (because it is inside the inflatable toy)
- Can pop
Why You Need crawling toys for Your Toddler
Ask any parent who has spent hours on the floor trying to entice their baby to crawl if a crawling toy is worth it. The resounding answer is YES! Purchasing a toy to help encourage your baby to crawl will keep your baby happy and free up some time (and your sore back!).
Since babies need to be entertained it makes sense to choose a toy that will also help them with developmental milestones. These top 10 crawling toys will get your baby strong and ready to conquer the living room!
How Babies Learn to Crawl
Half of all babies learn to crawl around 8 months old, but the “normal” window for crawling can be anywhere from 6-13 months. Babies usually follow a typical path as they learn to crawl starting with:
- Tummy time: As babies strengthen their neck and arm muscles their bodies are getting primed for movement
- Scooting: Babies will pull their body forward (or backward) using only their arms
- Planking: Baby will start to go onto their knees or feet while their hands are on the ground
- Rocking: Sturdily on all fours now, babies will begin to mimic the movement of crawling by rocking back and forth while in crawling position
- Beginning crawling: Sometimes, the crawling motion sends them maddeningly backward instead of towards the toy they are trying to get to! Other times, they will make several small crawling movements before tumbling to the ground.
- Crawling: By George, he’s got it! Baby will begin to crawl more than rolling (or scooting). Get the house baby proofed, stat!
Tips On How to Help Baby Learn to Crawl
If you want to help encourage your baby in their pursuit of crawling, there are some things you can do to help, including:
- Tummy Time: Pediatricians stress this for a reason. Tummy time (even if your baby hates it!) will strengthen important muscles for sitting up and crawling. Set a reminder on your phone and do a little bit of tummy time each day. You can also have an older sibling help with this!
- Help Less: If you have a beginning crawler, you might be tempted to “save” them by scooting toys closer. Try to resist and let your baby work to get to their reward. Make sure and get both parents and older siblings on board with the importance of not handing everything to the baby immediately.
- Create a safe and inviting space: Clear the floor of anything dangerous, and place toys (and people she loves!) all around the baby. When there is a safe space for crawling and appealing toys nearby, she will be more likely to stay happy and engaged.
4 Benefits Of Using A Crawling Toy
Toys created specifically to encourage crawling have many benefits for babies including:
- Strengthens neck, arm and core muscles
- Entertaining
- Increases independent play abilities
- Frees up mom and dad’s time
4 Things To Look For In A Good Crawling Toy
When looking for a good crawling toy, here are some features to consider:
- Size: If you want a toy that is easy to store or travel with, choose a smaller crawling toy.
- Length of Use: Some toys have entertaining features that will work for babies and preschoolers. If you are on a budget, try to find a crawling toy that will be fun for a longer period of time.
- Easy to Clean: As babies explore with their mouths and as toys roll along the floor there will likely be slobber and other unmentionables on the crawling toy. Choose one that is easy to wipe off (without lots of nooks and crannies).
- Noise Level: As toy manufacturers vie for babies’ attention, they naturally add more noises, lights and songs. If you are sensitive to noise and/or are looking for a quieter option, pay attention to how loud the crawling toy is before purchasing.
The Final Word on Toys To Help Baby Crawl
Although you might quickly question why you were so eager for your baby to be mobile, crawling is an essential milestone that you’ll want to encourage. Purchasing a toy that will help your baby crawl will not only give them incentive to move, but also sneakily strengthen the muscles and increase the coordination needed for crawling.
Our top pick for crawling toys for babies goes to the Skip Hop Explore Follow Me Yellow Bee Crawling Toy. Not only does this toy work for babies at various stages of crawling, it is also seriously cute.
If you are looking for a more simple and quiet toy, we highly recommend the Hide and Side Ball Pit, Play Tent and Tunnels.
Your baby will love the novelty of crawling through a smaller space and it is a super fun way to interact with your little one. As a bonus, this crawling toy will last all the way through elementary school!