Summary
Basic principles
Stimulation activities
Basic concepts
The next two videos show two ways of positioning the baby for active play. The baby will remain calmer with a toy in hand. You can also attach toys or small objects to your wrist or to a child safety bracelet to avoid having to pick up!
Holding the baby in your arms
- Hold the baby with one hand under his bottom for support and one hand around his chest for proper posture.
- Hold the baby’s legs flexed so that he can concentrate on the activity at hand.
- Roll the baby’s shoulders slightly forward so he can hold an object more easily.
- Protect your own back by contracting your abdominal muscles and using your lower arms.
Holding the baby seated
- Bring the baby’s bottom all the way back so she’s sitting properly and not resting on her lower back. Readjust when needed.
- Use your arm and the palm of your hand to support the baby.
- Avoid holding the baby tightly with your fingertips, as the baby might find it uncomfortable.
Stimulation Activities
Before you begin
- Loosen the baby’s diaper for comfort.
- Dress the baby in comfortable clothing for freedom of movement.
- Position the baby according to basic principles.
basic stretches – baby on back
- In supine position, the baby’s back muscles can relax, as well as those at the backs of his legs.
- If the baby looks away, bring his attention back by putting your face or a toy in front of him, and move it until the baby’s head is where you would like it to be.
- Use your free hand for play.
Baby on the side for play
- When lying on the side, the baby has ready access to toys or other objects. The surface provides support and your hand provides stability.
- Turn the baby occasionally, so that the baby gets equal time on both sides and gets used to using both hands equally.
- If the baby starts rolling forward or backward, adjust her position. Use your hand to hold her steady.
- When the baby’s back is straight, you know the position is right. See video for further information.
Bringing baby’s attention forward
As babies learn to control their muscles, they interact more and stay awake longer. Be patient! Notice how your baby changes from one day to the next.
Three ways to focus the baby’s attention forward, if she arches her back:
- Place your hand over the baby’s eyes like a cap visor; this forces her gaze downward.
- Place toys at the level of the baby’s tummy to catch her attention.
- Put gentle pressure on the baby’s chest, for better posture control.
Rolling over
- Before you begin, make sure the baby’s supporting arm is properly positioned.
- Attract the baby’s attention in the direction you want him to move, with either your face or a toy.
- Keep the supporting leg straight; bend the other leg at the hip and knee.
- Give the baby enough time to roll over.
Encouraging tummy time
- Hold the baby’s bottom down to help her lift her upper body.
- Secure the baby’s bottom, back, and shoulders all at the same time, using your lower arms.
- Once the baby feels more comfortable in this position, you can hold her with only your hands on the bottom.
- Leaning on her elbows, the baby can hold her position and move her head and hands.
Playing peek-a-boo
- When holding the baby’s legs flexed, avoid putting pressure on the knees.
- Place two fingers on the baby’s thigh above the knee and two below the knee, so that you do not press on the kneecap.
Curling around a toy
- Place an object, such as a small beach ball or a teddy bear, on your baby’s tummy so that she curls up around it with both hands and feet in the air.
- Press gently so the baby contracts her abdominal muscles.
- Slowly remove your hands and see if the baby can hold the position on her own.
Sitting with support and playing on the floor
- In sitting position, the baby has a wider range of vision and arm movement, and therefore, heightened interest in play.
- Hold the baby against you, with your thighs supporting the baby’s hips and your hands holding the abdominal muscles.
- Have a second person sit in front of the baby and play.
Playing on the back – fine motor skills
- In supine position, the baby’s back can relax, as it no longer has to support his weight.
- The baby can then concentrate on the use of his arms and hands to reach an object.Soft toys can be gripped more easily.
- Babies this age can hold lightweight toys and wave them in the air.
- To help your baby open his hands at will, bend the wrist gently or stroke the hand from wrist to fingertip
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