Your baby’s main goal in the first year is learning to move, and you can help.
Most adults don't notice how complex movement is, but babies need to learn coordination from scratch. During every movement, hundreds of muscles are at work.
To control body movements, the brain areas for motor activity need to mature. These areas develop in a specific order, which are part of developmental milestones. So, you can’t teach a baby to walk before they are ready [1].
Why are exercises needed if development is predetermined?
Babies learn at different rates. Some find movements easy; others need more help. Exercises build proper movement skills, which are key for healthy bones and muscles.
Where do we start?
At three months, babies learn to turn onto their side, using their pelvis and neck muscles. Your help is crucial. Practice this every time you pick up your baby with this simple technique.
Step 1: Lay your baby on their back. Hold their chest with your left hand and place your right hand behind their right shoulder.
Step 2: Slowly turn the baby's torso to the left side. Hold for two to three seconds to let them get used to the new position.
Step 3: Place the baby on your left arm, resting your right arm on their shoulder.
Step 4: Lift the baby with their back to you, feet at your navel level. Your left hand should hold their chest, while your right hand supports their legs and pelvis from below [2].
Another exercise for training side turning
Step 1: Sit on the floor and place your baby on your legs, with their feet resting on your stomach and their head on your knees.
Step 2: Lower one knee slowly, then the other. This will help your baby turn their head while still feeling supported. Do this move twice or three times on each side.
Step 3: Work with your baby's hands. Open their palms and lift their thumb up straight [2].
Are there any harmful exercises?
Yes. For example, some people try to teach a baby to roll over by grabbing their leg and pushing it over. This is not helpful as the turn is too fast and doesn't teach the baby anything. It's important for the baby to move their pelvis to the side on their own, so their legs must be free [2].
What habits are helpful for supporting baby’s development?
Once your baby is strong enough, avoid always supporting their head when picking them up. This allows for more independent movement.
Limit swaddling to give your baby time to practice moving their arms and legs. Only swaddle when necessary, like when it's difficult for your baby to fall asleep [2].
Photo: shutterstock
