Watching your little one begin to move independently is one of the great joys of early parenthood. It’s that moment when their world starts to open up, when curiosity leads to movement, and movement opens the door to new discoveries. Most babies take to crawling on hands and knees, but some take a quirkier route: scooting along on their bottoms, also known as bum shuffling.
At first, it’s charming. There’s something undeniably cute about a baby scooting across the floor with determination and glee. But as adorable as it is, bum shuffling can sometimes be a signal that your baby may need a bit of extra support in their physical development.
Scooting vs. Crawling: What’s the Difference?
Bum shuffling looks just like it sounds, a baby sits upright and uses their legs (and sometimes arms) to push or pull themselves across the floor. Some use one leg to push while keeping the other bent in front; others involve hands in the process too. It’s inventive and effective, but it’s a far cry from the classic crawl.
Unlike crawling, scooting doesn’t engage the core, arms, and shoulders in the same way. And while every child develops on their own timeline, bum shuffling might mean your baby is skipping an important phase in their motor development.
Why Scooting Might Raise Concerns
It’s important to know: not all bum shufflers need intervention. Some simply prefer this mode of movement and go on to walk and run just fine. But in some cases, it may reflect underlying challenges that deserve attention.
One of the biggest concerns is that scooting often bypasses crawling, a milestone that supports upper body strength, bilateral coordination (using both sides of the body together), and even early visual processing and spatial awareness. Crawling plays a huge role in brain development, too, laying the groundwork for things like reading, writing, and balance later on.
Babies who scoot might also have lower muscle tone or underdeveloped core strength, which is why they avoid crawling altogether. In trying to find a path of least resistance, they may adopt patterns that aren’t optimal in the long run, like favouring one side of the body, which can lead to uneven muscle development.
And while walking will eventually happen for most children, bum shufflers tend to reach that milestone a bit lateroften around 18–24 months, compared to the typical 12–15.
So, How Can You Support Your Baby’s Development?
If your little one is a dedicated bum shuffler, the good news is that there’s so much you can do to help and most of it starts with time on the floor.
Encouraging tummy time is essential. It builds shoulder, neck, and core strength, the foundation for crawling and walking. Keep it fun and interactive with toys, mirrors, or even by lying on your back and letting your baby rest on your chest.
Limit time in baby gear like jumpers, walkers, or anything that keeps your baby upright without requiring effort. These can reinforce scooting habits instead of inspiring new movement.
On the floor, use toys and obstacles to create tiny adventures. Place favorite objects just out of reach, use a rolled-up towel to gently guide baby into crawling position, or build a soft tunnel to crawl through. These setups not only entertain but also strengthen muscles and coordination.
Let your child explore different positions: tummy, side-lying, kneeling. Diversity in movement gives the brain and body more to work with and can encourage those crucial pre-walking skills.
When to Seek Extra Support
If your baby is older than 10 months and still mostly scooting, especially if they’re not showing interest in crawling, pulling to stand, or cruising along furniture, it may be time to speak with a professional.
A pediatric physiotherapist can assess muscle tone, coordination, and motor patterns, and work with you to build strength in the right areas.
A pediatric chiropractor can also be helpful, particularly if your baby experienced a tough birth or seems stiff in certain directions. Chiropractic adjustments (when done by someone trained in infant care) are incredibly gentle and may release physical tension that’s affecting movement.
At the end of the day, bum shuffling isn’t always a red flag. But as with so many aspects of parenting, it’s about paying attention, staying curious, and making sure your little one gets the best support as they explore the world in their own way.
