Babies undergo remarkable developments during their first year, changing from tiny, helpless newborns into active toddlers. Although your baby will learn a great deal simply by observing his own movements and the world around him, physical development activities can boost his motor skills and add excitement to your parent-and-baby interactions.
Tummy Time
The National Institute for Child and Human Development notes that it is safest for babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). When they are awake, however, giving babies supervised time on their tummies allows them to strengthen their muscles and practice holding up their heads. Over time, they learn to push up on their arms, roll over and begin crawling from this position.
Spread a blanket on the floor and gently set your baby down on her tummy with her arms up near her head. Place toys around her to look at or reach for. Give your newborn three to five minutes on her tummy at a time and after she begins to hold up her head, you’ll find she will tolerate—even enjoy—longer and more frequent periods of this activity.
Toy Exploration
Reaching and grasping are skills that take practice. Once your baby can hold an object—by about 3 months—place a rattle in his hand and over time he will discover that his movements are causing the rattling sound. Dangle toys in front of your baby when he is in an infant seat or on his back so he can bat at them, grab them and bring them to his mouth.
MayoClinic.com reports that by 9 months, your baby will transfer toys from one hand to the other, and by 1 year he will be able to stack blocks and bang objects together. Give him a variety of toys to manipulate and chew on. Even household items like measuring spoons or a shoebox can engage a baby practicing a wide range of motor skills.
Interactive Games
Your baby will also develop her motor skills by interacting with you. By 3 months, according to MayoClinic.com, she will be able to smile socially at you and grasp your finger. She will learn different facial expressions by watching you, and by 10 to 12 months of age, she will enjoy imitating your gestures.
To encourage this learning, play simple, interactive games with your baby. Play peek-a-boo with her. Raise your eyebrows and make funny faces or exaggerated expressions. Wave bye-bye. Shake your head when you say no, and nod when you say yes. As your child tries new movements, make encouraging sounds and smile at her to provide positive reinforcement.
Sitting and Standing
Once your baby can hold up his head, you can help him practice sitting or standing on your lap while supporting him under his arms. As his muscles grow stronger and he gains more balance and control of his movements, he’ll be able to sit and stand for longer periods of time. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that by 3 to 4 months your baby will be able to straighten and push down on his legs when held up in a standing position. Around 5 to 7 months he’ll begin to sit on his own for short periods while supporting himself with his arms and by about 8 months he’ll be able to sit without support.
Mobility
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your baby will likely be able to move herself around by rolling, scooting and perhaps crawling by 8 months of age. Walking her first steps while you help her balance will follow not long after. Your most important job in supporting your child’s physical development at this stage is keeping your baby’s environment safe. As she learns and grows by exploring her surroundings, be sure to childproof your home including installing gates at the top and bottom of stairs, blocking off electrical outlets and securing or removing furniture that could tip over onto her.
References
- Healthy Child Care America: Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play
- "Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5"; American Academy of Pediatrics, Steven P. Shelov, Ed.; 2005
- Healthy Children: Baby, 0-12 Months
- MayoClinic.com: Infant and Toddler Health
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Childproofing Your Home
