When do infants generally start to cruise sideways?

Infants typically start to cruise sideways around 8 to 9 months of age. This developmental milestone is an important part of their gross motor skills progression, where they begin to pull themselves up to a standing position and move laterally while holding onto furniture or other support. This phase signifies that they are gaining strength and balance, allowing them to explore their environment more independently.

At this age, infants’ muscle coordination and strength have improved significantly, providing them the ability to stay upright while using one or both hands for support. They will often experiment with weight shifting and navigating around furniture, which sets the groundwork for later walking.

Understanding this timeline helps caregivers and educators anticipate and support infants' developmental needs, promoting a safe environment for exploration and mobility.