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Baby's Gotta Move!
How Movement Affects Baby's Brain Development
By Rae Pica, Children's Movement Specialist
Splish-splash: When Baby is able to sit unassisted, make him comfortable on an old vinyl tablecloth or large piece of plastic you've placed on the floor. Put warm water in a large, unbreakable bowl in front of him and encourage him to touch and splash the water! This is a great activity for eye-hand coordination and upper torso exercise.
Cruising: Hurrying skills like standing or walking is never a good idea. Babies will get to these skills when they're developmentally ready, but they do need to be given opportunities. Toward that end you can be sure your baby has chances to pull herself up on sturdy furniture, like a sofa or heavy coffee table. If you notice she's trying to pull herself up with something that's not sturdy, you can simply pick her up and put her someplace more appropriate. (Be aware, however, that once she's up, she may need your help getting back down!) Eventually she'll begin to "walk," using the furniture for support. Once she's walking unassisted, Baby will enjoy pushing, pulling and carrying objects while walking. Not only do these activities provide practice with this important locomotor skill, but they also help develop understanding of cause and effect.
While all of the above activities offer much in terms of your baby's growth and development, you don't have to understand exactly how. You don't have to know the science behind Baby's need to move; you just have to know that he needs to! Mother Nature has a pretty good plan for motor and brain development. Giving your baby the time, space and opportunity to move helps her fulfill it!
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