During the busy first year, babies go through many developmental stages which transform them into active toddlers. Gross motor movements such as standing, crawling and walking are a major aspect of this growth. Moms and dads can ensure that their little ones get a good start in this area by spending time doing some gross motor activities for infants with them each day.
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.
The arms also need their fair share of attention. This can be achieved by dangling a favorite toy over baby's arms when he is on his back, encouraging him to reach for it. Through imitation, babies can also pick up activities such as clapping, waving, and shaking toys, if mom or dad demonstrates how it's done. Once baby has good neck control, his arms can be used to gently pull him from a lying to sitting position.
Most babies can sit with support when they are about 4 months old. Stationary toys such as activity centers can be useful for motivating the child to sit up, since they were designed to be played with in an upright position. Reading to the baby from a colorful, sturdy book held at her eye level can also encourage sitting.
Between the ages of 6 and 9 months babies may begin to crawl or "scoot" around instead. Mobility can be promoted and practiced by a variety of activities. Baby may be inspired to crawl over to an object just beyond his reach. Rolling wheeled toys along, searching for hidden toys, playing peek-a-boo in a big box with flaps cut in it, and navigating his way through a pillow obstacle course can all be very enjoyable for these increasingly active tots.
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.
The arms also need their fair share of attention. This can be achieved by dangling a favorite toy over baby's arms when he is on his back, encouraging him to reach for it. Through imitation, babies can also pick up activities such as clapping, waving, and shaking toys, if mom or dad demonstrates how it's done. Once baby has good neck control, his arms can be used to gently pull him from a lying to sitting position.
Most babies can sit with support when they are about 4 months old. Stationary toys such as activity centers can be useful for motivating the child to sit up, since they were designed to be played with in an upright position. Reading to the baby from a colorful, sturdy book held at her eye level can also encourage sitting.
Between the ages of 6 and 9 months babies may begin to crawl or "scoot" around instead. Mobility can be promoted and practiced by a variety of activities. Baby may be inspired to crawl over to an object just beyond his reach. Rolling wheeled toys along, searching for hidden toys, playing peek-a-boo in a big box with flaps cut in it, and navigating his way through a pillow obstacle course can all be very enjoyable for these increasingly active tots.
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:
You can visit playtimetools.com for more helpful information about Learn How Gross Motor Activities For Infants Help Stimulate Skill Development.
إرسال تعليق