Teaming Up

Fitness, Fun and Friends through Play Groups

By Lisa A. Goldstein

(McGraw-Hill, 2003). "Babies spend nearly 40 percent of their waking time doing things like kicking, bouncing and waving their arms," says Pica. "And while it may appear all this activity is just for the sake of moving, it's important to realize that a baby is never 'just moving' or 'just playing.' Every action impacts the child's development in some way."

Although their movement capabilities are extremely limited, even when compared to those of a toddler, movement experiences may be more important for infants than for children of any other age group, says Pica. In addition to increasing motor development, early movement experiences are helpful to optimal brain development. And of course, this will decrease your child's likelihood of becoming obese.

Taking a gym class, such as Gymkhana or Gymboree, or a music and movement class such as Kindermusik, is one way in which to do this. Creating an obstacle course, playing Ring Around the Rosy or blowing bubbles for babies to chase are other activities Pica recommends.

Kiki Folger, a mother of three children from Elon, N.C., has some more suggestions. The pediatric physical therapist who is now a stay-at-home mom with her third child meets friends for group play indoors and out. "Sometimes you can have moms bring a favorite ride-on toy for their child, or turn the sprinkler on or bring out the sand toys for the sandbox or a small baby pool," she says.

For indoor play, take cushions from an old couch and put them on the floor. The babies also enjoy crawling on the couch – which was lowered by taking the cushions off – and scrambling around the cushions. Musical instruments or even pots and pans can make for a fun parade around the house, she suggests.

Want to see more?

• Purposeful Play: Memory, Learning and Your Baby
• Read! Sing! Bond!: How You Can Spend Quality Time With Your Child
• Baby Daily
• Talk about it!