Playtime with your infant helps your baby develop both small motor and large motor movements. Small motor movements include grasping, holding and dropping objects, while large motor movements include sitting, rolling over and crawling. Engaging your little one in movement activities will also help develop his social and language skills as your baby learns to mimic your facial expressions and words.
Months One to Three
In the first few months, your infant's head will still be wobbly, but you can encourage your baby to strengthen her neck and shoulders muscles during "tummy time" under close supervision. Sit in front of your baby to encourage her to lift her head and look up at the toys you dangle. You can also sit away from your baby and talk to her to encourage her to turn her head and locate you. Your baby will not be able to reach out for objects yet, but you can give your baby objects of different textures to hold. Help your baby move by clapping your baby's hands together and peddling her legs in circles in the air.
Months Four to Seven
Beginning at four months, your baby should have better control of his head and begin to sit with support. Place objects just out of your baby's reach to encourage him to reach for the objects. Your infant may not be able to pick up the object yet, but you can place the object in his hand to reward his efforts. Your child isn't crawling yet, but you can encourage him to kick by placing a soft object just below his legs. If your baby doesn't automatically start kicking, move his legs for him and use the word, "kick" to show him how it's done. At around seven months, your baby may begin banging objects on the ground, so offer him a variety of noisemakers.
Months Eight to 12
Your baby really gets moving in months eight to 12. With your infant's better-developed fine-motor skills, you can place objects out of her reach and expect her to reach for them and successfully grasp them. Encourage crawling by placing your baby on her stomach on a soft surface that's just out of reach of her favorite object. You can help your baby move her hands to action songs, such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Pat-A-Cake." When you play Peek-A-Boo with a blanket, let your baby pull the blanket up and down to find you.
Considerations
Every baby is different, and your child will develop and move at his own pace. During playtime, you can watch for warnings signs of developmental delays. While your baby may not be quick to kick the stuffed animal at his feet, when he does kick, he should use both legs. Your baby may favor one hand over the other, but he should be able to hold objects in both hands. Each month, you should notice small improvements in your infant's movement. If your child stops improving, regresses or if you have any concerns about your baby's movements, you should contact your doctor.
References
- American Pregnancy Association: First Year Development: Infant Development
- President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition: Kids in Action
- KidsHealth.org: Learning, Play, and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old
- KidsHealth.org: Learning, Play, and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old
- KidsHealth.org: Learning, Play, and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old
