Children are born to move. At first reflexively, but as they have more experiences moving their body freely, they gain control over their movements and the movements become purposeful. a reflexive hand brushing the bell that hangs above him, soon becomes a meaningful reaching any batting at the bell to repeat the cause and effect. Your baby is learning that his movements impact his environment; his first experiences of his ability to control and manipulate his environment.
How can you support your child’s efforts to move?
- Offer meaningful and interesting experiences to move toward
- toys that roll: balls, rolling rattles, a Happy Apple
- baskets of interesting object at a distance from one another around the house: a whisk, a plastic container, a wooden spoon
- allow time for him to lay flat on the floor and move freely
- a soft mat or quilt on the floor makes for a comfortable space
- a mirror next to this space supports his growing knowledge of how his body moves
- Dress your baby for free movement
- Dress him in clothes that do not restrict his movement such as short trousers with elastic waists or play suits without fitted feet
- Lightweight fabrics are better than coarse fabrics like denim and make it easier for him to move his body.