An infant does a lot of changing and growing during the first year in all areas, including physical, cognitive and emotional. It may seem that your baby is learning new physical tasks nearly every day, which can make you wonder what to expect and how to encourage development. Babycenter states that babies learn best through play, so providing your infant with certain play activities can boost his physical development.
Birth to 3 Months
From birth to 3 months of age, an infant's physical development is fairly limited. According to the American Pregnancy Association, she will be able to lift her head for short periods of time, bear some weight on her legs and follow moving objects with her eyes. As she approaches 3 months, she may be able to grasp some objects that are placed in her hand. To stimulate her physical development during this stage, engage her senses as much as possible. Walk her around from room to room so she can see different objects and observe lighting changes. Let her touch different objects that are rough, smooth, soft and furry in order to let her feel different textures. You can also hold her up and allow her to put some weight on her legs while pushing against your chest or on the floor.
4 to 6 Months
An infant age 4 to 6 months is beginning to develop more body control. He may be able to sit with support, control his head and roll over. He can also reach for objects. Try blowing bubbles in his direction so he can practice reaching for them and turning his head to watch them. Babycenter mentions the importance of tummy time at all ages, which allows him to strengthen his neck muscles and eventually learn to push up, sit up and crawl. During this age, tummy time can be especially effective and fun for him. Keep him company while he lies on his stomach and provide a lot of toys or books for him to look at and reach for.
7 to 9 Months
From 7 to 9 months of age, an infant may be able to sit without support, bounce, bear her full weight on her legs and pass objects from one hand to another. She will enjoy banging two objects together, and may be able to crawl and pull herself to a standing position. Give her plenty of objects to practice banging together that are varying shapes and sizes. Provide interest objects such as bowls or hollow containers. You can help strengthen her legs by helping her stand up, and challenge her physical development by making an obstacle course of furniture and pillows for her to crawl through.
10 to 12 Months
From 10 to 12 months, an infant's physical development is rapidly changing. He will be able to shift positions, wave, roll a ball, manipulate objects, stand alone and turn pages in a book. He may also walk by himself or while holding on to furniture. To encourage his physical development at this stage, give him a ball to roll back and forth and help him practice walking by holding onto his hands. Give him a container of toys that he can empty and fill, and provide sturdy board books so he can practice turning the pages.
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