The first year of a baby's life is one of great development in many areas, one of which is physical movement. There are several fun ways that parents can help their ensure that their baby is primed to start moving by spending time together doing some gross motor activities for infants.
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.
"Tummy time" further encourages strengthening and development of the baby's neck muscles, and later the ability to roll over or push up with his arms. Baby lies on his belly on a blanket on the floor, with the parent kneeling nearby providing some form of entertainment such as singing, or waving a colorful toy. The infant will try to lift his head for a better look, and push up with his arms eventually. From the age of 3 months, a toy placed close by can act as an incentive to get the baby to roll over.
Leg development is important for those first steps. Young babies can be placed on their backs while the parent plays a toe-tickling game with them or moving the legs in a cycling motion. Around 6 or 7 months of age, hold baby under her arms and see if she is ready to support her own weight with her legs, and gently bounce her to make it fun.
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.
Beginning at about 4 months, many babies are able to sit with support from behind. They can be encouraged to sit up and stay in that position by providing them with a fun, interactive activity center which requires the child to be upright if it is to be used properly. Books can also be a great motivation for sitting, when held at baby's eye level.
At 6 to 9 months of age, most babies have begun to crawl or "scoot" around. The baby is motivated to move if a desired object is placed just out of his reach. He may also have fun with a pillow obstacle course, playing peek-a-boo with a large boxes with holes cut in it, rolling toys across the floor, or hunting 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.
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.
"Tummy time" further encourages strengthening and development of the baby's neck muscles, and later the ability to roll over or push up with his arms. Baby lies on his belly on a blanket on the floor, with the parent kneeling nearby providing some form of entertainment such as singing, or waving a colorful toy. The infant will try to lift his head for a better look, and push up with his arms eventually. From the age of 3 months, a toy placed close by can act as an incentive to get the baby to roll over.
Leg development is important for those first steps. Young babies can be placed on their backs while the parent plays a toe-tickling game with them or moving the legs in a cycling motion. Around 6 or 7 months of age, hold baby under her arms and see if she is ready to support her own weight with her legs, and gently bounce her to make it fun.
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.
Beginning at about 4 months, many babies are able to sit with support from behind. They can be encouraged to sit up and stay in that position by providing them with a fun, interactive activity center which requires the child to be upright if it is to be used properly. Books can also be a great motivation for sitting, when held at baby's eye level.
At 6 to 9 months of age, most babies have begun to crawl or "scoot" around. The baby is motivated to move if a desired object is placed just out of his reach. He may also have fun with a pillow obstacle course, playing peek-a-boo with a large boxes with holes cut in it, rolling toys across the floor, or hunting 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.
About the Author:
You can visit playtimetools.com for more helpful information about Learn How Gross Motor Activities For Infants Help Stimulate Skill Development.