plazení

Plazení is a Czech word that translates to "crawling" in English. It refers to a method of locomotion where an individual moves along a surface using their hands and knees or elbows and knees. This form of movement is commonly observed in infants as they develop motor skills, typically beginning between six and ten months of age.

In the context of child development, crawling is a significant milestone. It allows babies to explore their environment, develop muscle strength in their arms, legs, and core, and practice coordination. There are several variations of crawling, including the classic hands-and-knees crawl, the bear crawl (on hands and feet), the commando crawl (using the belly), and the crab crawl (moving backward or sideways on hands and feet). While the hands-and-knees method is most common, any form of self-initiated movement that involves propelling oneself across a surface is generally considered crawling.

Beyond infancy, "plazení" can also describe the act of crawling in adults or older children, often in situations requiring stealth, navigating confined spaces, or as a form of exercise. In certain sports or military training, specific crawling techniques are employed for tactical advantage or physical conditioning. The word can also be used metaphorically to describe slow, gradual progress or movement.