As the parent your own personal lifestyle choices and physical activity level, are laying the foundation for your growing baby. Whether you live a sedentary lifestyle or high activity level its always important to try to establish good healthy habits from the beginning for your baby. Of course everything is in moderation and ensuring that you are are meeting the intellect and physical needs of your baby is what matters most.
Today there are so many sophisticated activity centers, bounce chairs and other related gear for babies that are designed to develop motor skills. However, while many are costly and have age and weight limitations it seems that sometimes babies are missing out on some of the best activities that are more beneficial than any gadget offers. Quite simply: its the one on one individual attention based play that doesn't require anything but you and your baby.
Sometimes its about going back to the basics of parenting and playtime. Try to be creative during playtime and choose activities that are age appropriate, encourages physical development, yet equally fun. Below are some very basics but you can surely make up your own fun ones.
Physical Activities:
Some basic activities that you can try with your baby depending on the age and developmental stage you can try some of these:
Young infants ages zero to six months:
*Hold both hands and gently raise them up above the head, then slowly bring them back down
*Hold both hands and bring them towards the chest and criss cross them (as if she is giving herself a hug) and then extend them back out
*Hold both hands and slowly alternate the arms up and down simultaneously
*Hold both legs and gently push them towards the body and then slowly extend outward to fully straight position
Older infants ages six months to twelve months:
*Try pulling up from sitting to standing position by holding the hands and supporting your baby while allowing the large leg muscles to work
*While sitting up create a small space between you and your baby and roll a ball back and forth
*Babies love to mimic: try to see if she can copy you by doing these: clapping hands or blowing kisses
*Get a bottle of bubbles and blow some into the air, watch as she raises her arms and tries to catch them
Having Fun
Any activity that you engage with your baby should be enjoyable to her. While you are doing these physical activities you can sing and talk or play some fun music. Take the time to make eye contact with her and be sure that you watch body language and expressions. Since little ones have very short attention spans, try to limit your sessions to a few minutes. Take breaks and try not to over stimulate her with too much activity. Let your baby set the pace
Exploration
Safety is a rule of thumb, as well as the first and foremost the most important aspect of your baby's environment. When possible allow for safe exploration with freedom of movement as a great way for physical motor development. Babies need to "experience" their world through their senses: see, hear, touch, taste and smell ! Never leave your baby unattended
Try to limit the time spent in any particular place where they are restrained such as strollers/slings/infant seats and highchairs. While this baby gear are is intended to keep your baby safe, she may not like being strapped in too long and the feeling of being restricted.
Change positions frequently:
Just as you can become easily bored looking at the same thing, you should always constantly change the view of your baby's world. While its certainly something that "may or may not" be appreciated its a must.
A significant amount of time will be spent on the tummy during sleep, especially for newborns who will spend a large portion of their day doing so. Its important during the wakeful moments you place her on her back for a while.
As well, an infant that may be a little older will spend some time working on tummy time and trying to turn over. Place a thin blanket on the floor and get down on the floor with your baby and have some fun. You may find that your baby may enjoy tummy time or perhaps will protest this and become very unhappy. Try to limit this activity to a few minutes especially for very young infants/newborns that may not be able to hold their head up to avoid suffocation. Never leave your baby unattended
You can also place your baby on her side for some time by propping her with some blankets to fully support her back. There are some stores that sell infant position support wedges that can also safely do the task. So giving the right opportunities to your baby depending on the age and ability are beneficial. Try to alternate sides so there is even time spent on each side.
While on their back you baby will get lots of activity and movement with full range of motion from the use of arms and legs.
Most Important:
Every baby develops at their own pace and is unique in their achievements, and not to be compared to another. Its ideal to work with your baby on a consistent basis and help her to reach each milestone at her own pace based on ability.
If you have any questions about your baby's developmental progress or milestone achievement talk with your pediatrician for further professional recommendations.
No comments:
Post a Comment