A child starts crawling at?

IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Explanation

The period of 9 to 12 months is the typical age range when infants achieve hands-and-knees crawling, also known as creeping.
This milestone follows the development of sufficient trunk control and arm strength, which is achieved after an infant learns to sit independently (around 8 months).
According to pediatric development charts, creeping occurs around 10 months, and pulling to a stand occurs at 9 months, both falling within the 9-12 month window.
This stage of mobility is a crucial precursor to cruising (walking while holding furniture) and eventually walking independently.

Option A: At 4 to 6 months, infants are developing head control and the ability to roll over. They lack the core and upper body strength required for crawling.
Option B: While some infants may begin to move by dragging their belly on the floor ('combat crawl') around 8 months, this is not the typical hands-and-knees crawling. The primary milestone in this period is sitting without support.
Option D: If a child has not started any form of crawling or pulling to stand by 12 months, it may indicate a developmental delay. By this age, many infants are already cruising or taking their first steps.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Infant Gross Motor Development Milestones as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in developmental screening during well-child visits. Accurately identifying the age ranges for milestones like crawling helps in early detection of potential developmental delays.
It is crucial to educate parents that there is a wide range of normal development and some variations, like skipping crawling, are common and not necessarily a cause for concern as long as other milestones are being met.
What if? If a 12-month-old infant is not yet crawling, pulling to stand, or making any attempts at mobility, the nurse should recommend a comprehensive developmental evaluation by a pediatrician or specialist to rule out underlying neurological or musculoskeletal issues.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core of the question: it's asking for the typical age for a specific developmental milestone (crawling).
Recall the sequence of gross motor development in infants: Head control -> Rolling over -> Sitting -> Crawling/Creeping -> Pulling to stand -> Walking.
Place 'crawling' within this sequence. It comes after sitting (around 8 months) and before walking (around 12-15 months).
Evaluate the given options based on this sequence. The 9-12 month window is the logical period for the advanced mobility skills that precede walking.
Distinguish between different types of crawling if necessary. Recognize that 'creeping' (hands-and-knees) is a more advanced milestone that falls in the later part of the first year, making 9-12 months the best fit.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Infant Gross Motor Development Milestones
Stem keywords: child, crawling
Lead-in keywords: starts
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) pp. 24-26, 25-27