Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Learn How Gross Motor Activities For Infants Help Stimulate Skill Development

By Tammie Caldwell


During the busy first year, babies go through many developmental stages which transform them into active toddlers. Gross motor movements such as standing, crawling and walking are a major aspect of this growth. Moms and dads can ensure that their little ones get a good start in this area by spending time doing some gross motor activities for infants with them each day.

Control of the neck starts in the baby's first few months of life. The infant will move her head in response to a voice or something interesting in her field of vision. Often, the child will favor one side over the other, so it's best to purposefully stand on the other side to encourage uniform neck muscle development. Playing peek-a-boo, or using a wind-up musical toy, or shaking a rattle are all good ways to stimulate head movement.

During "tummy time" the baby is placed on his belly on a blanket on the floor, while mom or dad kneels close by and calls or sings to the infant or captures his attention with a colorful toy; this encourages him to lift his head, and eventually push up on his arms. At about 3 months of age, the parent can try placing a toy just out of the baby's reach to motivate him to try rolling over.

Strong legs are essential for taking those first steps. Mom and dad can help build leg strength early on by encouraging baby to kick by playing a toe-tickling game or pumping her legs in a cycling motion. Some babies can attempt to support their own weight with their legs around 6 or 7 months, with the parent holding them firmly under the arms and possibly adding some gentle bouncing for fun.

Don't overlook baby's arms either, since they must be strong for when he starts to crawl. Mom and dad can encourage him to reach by holding a toy over his head. He will also gladly learn to use his arms and hands for new actions like waving, clapping, or shaking a toy, if he is shown how. When his neck control is down pat, he can be pulled to a sitting position from his back with his arms.

Most babies can sit with support when they are about 4 months old. Stationary toys such as activity centers can be useful for motivating the child to sit up, since they were designed to be played with in an upright position. Reading to the baby from a colorful, sturdy book held at her eye level can also encourage sitting.

Between the ages of 6 and 9 months babies may begin to crawl or "scoot" around instead. Mobility can be promoted and practiced by a variety of activities. Baby may be inspired to crawl over to an object just beyond his reach. Rolling wheeled toys along, searching for hidden toys, playing peek-a-boo in a big box with flaps cut in it, and navigating his way through a pillow obstacle course can all be very enjoyable for these increasingly active tots.

Babies are individuals and reach these movement milestones when they are ready. Parents need not be worried as long as the baby is showing progress in his or her gross motor development every month. Through play, most babies can be encouraged to use all four limbs and turn to both sides, if this is not the case, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician or family doctor.




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