Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

At what age is Emma expected to start crawling?

1. 9 months

2. 2 months

3. 12 months

4. 4 months

The correct answer is: 9 months

The appropriate age at which Emma is expected to start crawling is often around 9 months. This developmental milestone is analyzed through typical patterns observed in infants. Generally, by this age, many babies develop the necessary muscle strength, coordination, and motor skills that facilitate crawling. At about 9 months, infants typically have increased upper body strength from activities such as sitting up and playing in prone positions. They begin to understand their environment more actively, leading them to want to explore their surroundings, which crawling enables. It is crucial for their physical development, coordination, and cognitive abilities as they start to gain independence. While some children may begin crawling a little earlier around 7 to 8 months or later than 9 months, 9 months is the average age often referenced by pediatric guidelines. The other ages listed do not typically align with this milestone; for instance, 2 months is too early for crawling, as infants are generally just beginning to gain head control at that age. Similarly, at 4 months, while infants may begin to demonstrate early signs of motor skills, true crawling has not usually developed yet. By 12 months, many infants are either crawling proficiently or may be moving directly to standing or walking without traditional crawling. Thus, the