A baby's first year of life is full of major milestones in movement. Parents can help their babies develop these important skills by engaging them in some stimulating gross motor activities for infants which are a fun way for parent and child to spend time together.
Perhaps the first group of muscles the baby is aware of and is able to control are those of the neck. Some babies prefer one side to the other, parents can help promote equal involvement of both sides by standing on the side used less, and playing peek-a-boo, shaking a rattle, or using a musical toy to grab the baby's attention.
During "tummy time" the baby is placed on his belly on a blanket on the floor, while mom or dad kneels close by and calls or sings to the infant or captures his attention with a colorful toy; this encourages him to lift his head, and eventually push up on his arms. At about 3 months of age, the parent can try placing a toy just out of the baby's reach to motivate him to try rolling over.
Legs need strengthening to prepare them for standing and walking. Parents can start by encouraging baby to kick her legs, by moving them in a cycling motion or playing a toe-tickle game with her. At the age of 6 or 7 months, she may also be able to try supporting her own weight with her legs while be held under the arms and maybe bounced gently by mom or dad.
Arms also play an important role in early movements, particularly for crawling, so it's important to help him strengthen them. With the baby on his back, hold a favorite toy above him so he will be prompted to reach for it. They can also learn how to clap, wave, and shake a toy by copying a parent. When the baby has sufficient neck control, he can also be pulled into a sitting position from lying down using his arms.
Around the age of 4 months, most babies can sit if they are propped from behind. Sitting can be encouraged by the reading to the baby from a colorful board book held at eye level, or by providing her with fun activity centers which call for a seated position rather than lying down, if they are to be fully enjoyed.
Babies may start crawling or "scooting" around 6 to 9 months of age. There are lots of fun ways to encourage mobility during playtime. Placing objects just out of his reach, encourages crawling. Once the baby is moving about he may enjoy a pillow obstacle course to crawl over, large boxes with holes cut in them for hiding in, toys which roll along the floor, and searching for a hidden toy.
Every baby is unique and will reach these pivotal milestones when he or she is ready. If monthly progress in movement is noted, parents shouldn't worry or compare him or her to the next child. However if a baby persistently avoids the use of a limb, or does not turn in both directions, it may be best to consult a family doctor or pediatrician.
Perhaps the first group of muscles the baby is aware of and is able to control are those of the neck. Some babies prefer one side to the other, parents can help promote equal involvement of both sides by standing on the side used less, and playing peek-a-boo, shaking a rattle, or using a musical toy to grab the baby's attention.
During "tummy time" the baby is placed on his belly on a blanket on the floor, while mom or dad kneels close by and calls or sings to the infant or captures his attention with a colorful toy; this encourages him to lift his head, and eventually push up on his arms. At about 3 months of age, the parent can try placing a toy just out of the baby's reach to motivate him to try rolling over.
Legs need strengthening to prepare them for standing and walking. Parents can start by encouraging baby to kick her legs, by moving them in a cycling motion or playing a toe-tickle game with her. At the age of 6 or 7 months, she may also be able to try supporting her own weight with her legs while be held under the arms and maybe bounced gently by mom or dad.
Arms also play an important role in early movements, particularly for crawling, so it's important to help him strengthen them. With the baby on his back, hold a favorite toy above him so he will be prompted to reach for it. They can also learn how to clap, wave, and shake a toy by copying a parent. When the baby has sufficient neck control, he can also be pulled into a sitting position from lying down using his arms.
Around the age of 4 months, most babies can sit if they are propped from behind. Sitting can be encouraged by the reading to the baby from a colorful board book held at eye level, or by providing her with fun activity centers which call for a seated position rather than lying down, if they are to be fully enjoyed.
Babies may start crawling or "scooting" around 6 to 9 months of age. There are lots of fun ways to encourage mobility during playtime. Placing objects just out of his reach, encourages crawling. Once the baby is moving about he may enjoy a pillow obstacle course to crawl over, large boxes with holes cut in them for hiding in, toys which roll along the floor, and searching for a hidden toy.
Every baby is unique and will reach these pivotal milestones when he or she is ready. If monthly progress in movement is noted, parents shouldn't worry or compare him or her to the next child. However if a baby persistently avoids the use of a limb, or does not turn in both directions, it may be best to consult a family doctor or pediatrician.
About the Author:
Read more about Learn How Gross Motor Activities For Infants Help Stimulate Skill Development.
No comments :
Post a Comment