crawling

Crawling or quadrupedal movement is a method of human locomotion that makes use of all four limbs. It is one of the earliest gaits learned by human infants, and has similar features to four-limbed movement in other primates and in non-primate quadrupeds. When crawls are used Crawling is used mainly: When a person cannot yet walk because of being an infant When a person cannot walk due to disability, being wounded, sick, or drunk In very low places (caves, under a table, in a mine, etc.). Sometimes underground miners need to crawl long distances during their work When searching for something on the ground To get down to the ground in gardening, for maintenance or other work-related purposes which require a good reach on the ground For stealth (camouflage and quietness) To avoid being hit by gunfire To lower the field of vision As an exercise As a token of submission For fun or comical purposes To reduce the risk of smoke inhalation during a fire In infants Infants sometimes "crawl" with their stomachs on the ground as early as 3 months, but this crawling is infrequent with the baby remaining stationary most of the time. True crawling with the stomach off the ground and the baby frequently on the move usually develops between 7 and 11 months of age and lasts anywhere from a week to 4 months before the child switches to walking. Even after taking their first unaided steps, most babies still crawl part of the time until they have mastered walking. While crawling, infants gradually practice standing, at first by using people or objects for support and, later, without support. Crawling babies are notorious for getting into trouble, so parents are often advised to childproof their house before a baby reaches crawling age.