TinyStepper
Toddler mid-throw tossing a soft ball toward a laundry basket indoors

Indoor Commando Crawl Race

String a blanket between two chairs at knee height and race your child to crawl under it commando-style.

Activity details

19m–4y10 minshighindoorBlanketsCushions

Instructions

Tiny Steps

Get ready
  • Drape a blanket between two chairs, keeping it about 30cm off the ground.
  • Create a 'course' — crawl under the blanket, around a cushion, under the table.
  1. Drape a blanket between two chairs, keeping it about 30cm off the ground.
  2. Create a 'course' — crawl under the blanket, around a cushion, under the table.
  3. Demonstrate: get on your belly and crawl through, exaggerating the effort.
  4. Your child follows: 'On your tummy! Wiggle through!'
  5. Race side by side if space allows — let them win.
  6. Add obstacles: a pillow to crawl over while staying low, a cushion to push through.
  7. Time them: 'Can you beat 10 seconds? Ready, go!'
  8. After 5-6 rounds, collapse on the floor together — natural cool-down.

Parent tip

Set out blankets and cushions before inviting your toddler in so the first minute feels smooth.

Child smiling on a cushion after active play with a ball and scattered cushions nearby

What success looks like

Flushed cheeks, big smiles, and a calmer child afterwards. If they want to do it again, you’ve found a winner.

Drape a blanket between two chairs to create a low tunnel your child must crawl under. No standing allowed — belly on the floor, army-crawl style. The low crawling provides intense proprioceptive input through the whole body, burns significant energy, and is hilarious when a parent does it too.

Why it helps

Commando crawling activates every major muscle group simultaneously — arms pull, legs push, core stabilises, and the vestibular system processes the low body position. This full-body exertion provides the deep proprioceptive input that helps regulate the sensory system, making it excellent for children who are overstimulated, restless, or struggling to settle. NHS guidelines for under-fives highlight active play as essential for building strong bones, healthy muscles, and confident movers.

Variations

  • Add a torch and dim the lights for a 'cave crawl' adventure — combines with imaginative play.
  • String multiple blankets at different heights — some to crawl under, some to step over.
  • Play 'the floor is lava' but you can only move by crawling — no standing allowed.

Safety tips

  • Clear the crawling path of sharp objects, small toys, or anything that could dig into knees and elbows.
  • Ensure chairs are stable and will not tip — weight them down or use heavy furniture as anchors.
  • Watch for head bumps — the blanket should be visible enough that children can gauge the height.