Friday, May 15, 2015

Learn How Gross Motor Activities For Infants Help Stimulate Skill Development

By Tammie Caldwell


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.

One of the earliest advances a baby makes in her physical development is controlled neck movement. This is first seen when the child responds to a voice or object by turning her head. Parents can further encourage this by using a rattle or musical toy, or by playing peek-a-boo an equal amount of times on both sides, since some babies prefer one in particular.

Lying the baby on his belly on a blanket placed on the floor, also known as "tummy time" is a good opportunity to interact with him in a way that will help encourage him to raise his head, and when he's ready, push up using his arms. Simply the sound of his parent's voice, or a brightly colored toy can inspire him to focus by moving his head towards it and later roll over in its direction.

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.

It's important for parents to understand that each baby is unique and he or she will accomplish these milestones when ready. Steady progress in movement each month is totally acceptable. If something seems off, it may be best to visit a pediatrician or family physician.




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