What is Bottom Shuffling??
A bottom shuffling baby is one that sits on their bottom and scoot forwards using their legs and sometimes their arms. There are many different variations of bottom shuffling, some will lean to the side and use one arm and one leg whilst some will use both! Little ones who start this will often use it as their main method of getting from A to B instead of crawling.
Causes of Bottom Shuffling
Bottom shuffling will typically occur for one of the following reasons:
- Hypermobility – increased mobility or joint laxity particularly around the hips can make is very difficult for you little one to stabilise themselves in a crawling position
- Muscle weakness/low tone – again this makes it very challenging for little ones to stabilise particularly around the hip and shoulder girdles
- Muscle tightness – this may be related to the position they have been in the womb, again predominantly affecting hip, shoulder or neck muscles
- Reduced tummy time – this can be for a variety of reasons but this may include reduced opportunity, those little ones that have spent lots of time in hospital at the early stages or…….you guessed it, those with reflux!!
Is It Ok if My Child Bottom Shuffled?
Ok so here is what we know…..
- Bottom shufflers are often associated with being a little delayed with their walking (typically 18-24 months)
- You CANNOT underestimate the importance of crawling (I will do a whole separate post on this!!!)
- However… Do Not Panic!
What Can I Do to Help??
It is never to late to start introducing crawling… even for the older child. For the older ones think obstacle courses, tunnels, climbing frames. For the younger ones think any activities in kneeling, on hands and knees, climbing (yep, you can thank me for that one later!)