International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

What age is generally associated with the development of both crawling and rolling over?

1. 4 months

2. 6 months

3. 9 months

4. 12 months

The correct answer is: 9 months

The age generally associated with the development of both crawling and rolling over is 9 months. By this age, most infants have gained sufficient motor skills and coordination to perform these movements. Rolling over typically begins around 4 to 6 months, as babies develop the ability to shift their weight and move from their back to their tummy and vice versa. By 9 months, many infants not only have mastered rolling but also start to crawl, which involves using the arms and legs to propel themselves forward, showing significant advancement in their gross motor skills. This period is crucial for physical development as babies become more mobile, allowing them to explore their environment more effectively. The crawling movement at this stage supports further development of muscle strength and coordination, which is foundational for future physical activities. At 6 months, while some infants may begin creeping or showing signs of initiating movement, the developmental milestone of effective crawling typically solidifies around the 9-month mark. By 12 months, many infants are not only crawling but are often pulling themselves up to stand and may even start taking their first steps. Therefore, 9 months is a key age when both rolling over and crawling are typically observed together in the developmental timeline.