The first year of a baby's life is one of great development in many areas, one of which is physical movement. There are several fun ways that parents can help their ensure that their baby is primed to start moving by spending time together doing some gross motor activities for infants.
One of the earliest advances a baby makes in her physical development is controlled neck movement. This is first seen when the child responds to a voice or object by turning her head. Parents can further encourage this by using a rattle or musical toy, or by playing peek-a-boo an equal amount of times on both sides, since some babies prefer one in particular.
"Tummy time" further encourages strengthening and development of the baby's neck muscles, and later the ability to roll over or push up with his arms. Baby lies on his belly on a blanket on the floor, with the parent kneeling nearby providing some form of entertainment such as singing, or waving a colorful toy. The infant will try to lift his head for a better look, and push up with his arms eventually. From the age of 3 months, a toy placed close by can act as an incentive to get the baby to roll over.
Strong legs are essential for taking those first steps. Mom and dad can help build leg strength early on by encouraging baby to kick by playing a toe-tickling game or pumping her legs in a cycling motion. Some babies can attempt to support their own weight with their legs around 6 or 7 months, with the parent holding them firmly under the arms and possibly adding some gentle bouncing for fun.
Don't overlook baby's arms either, since they must be strong for when he starts to crawl. Mom and dad can encourage him to reach by holding a toy over his head. He will also gladly learn to use his arms and hands for new actions like waving, clapping, or shaking a toy, if he is shown how. When his neck control is down pat, he can be pulled to a sitting position from his back with his arms.
Most babies can sit with support when they are about 4 months old. Stationary toys such as activity centers can be useful for motivating the child to sit up, since they were designed to be played with in an upright position. Reading to the baby from a colorful, sturdy book held at her eye level can also encourage sitting.
At 6 to 9 months of age, most babies have begun to crawl or "scoot" around. The baby is motivated to move if a desired object is placed just out of his reach. He may also have fun with a pillow obstacle course, playing peek-a-boo with a large boxes with holes cut in it, rolling toys across the floor, or hunting for a hidden toy.
It's important for parents to understand that each baby is unique and he or she will accomplish these milestones when ready. Steady progress in movement each month is totally acceptable. If something seems off, it may be best to visit a pediatrician or family physician.
One of the earliest advances a baby makes in her physical development is controlled neck movement. This is first seen when the child responds to a voice or object by turning her head. Parents can further encourage this by using a rattle or musical toy, or by playing peek-a-boo an equal amount of times on both sides, since some babies prefer one in particular.
"Tummy time" further encourages strengthening and development of the baby's neck muscles, and later the ability to roll over or push up with his arms. Baby lies on his belly on a blanket on the floor, with the parent kneeling nearby providing some form of entertainment such as singing, or waving a colorful toy. The infant will try to lift his head for a better look, and push up with his arms eventually. From the age of 3 months, a toy placed close by can act as an incentive to get the baby to roll over.
Strong legs are essential for taking those first steps. Mom and dad can help build leg strength early on by encouraging baby to kick by playing a toe-tickling game or pumping her legs in a cycling motion. Some babies can attempt to support their own weight with their legs around 6 or 7 months, with the parent holding them firmly under the arms and possibly adding some gentle bouncing for fun.
Don't overlook baby's arms either, since they must be strong for when he starts to crawl. Mom and dad can encourage him to reach by holding a toy over his head. He will also gladly learn to use his arms and hands for new actions like waving, clapping, or shaking a toy, if he is shown how. When his neck control is down pat, he can be pulled to a sitting position from his back with his arms.
Most babies can sit with support when they are about 4 months old. Stationary toys such as activity centers can be useful for motivating the child to sit up, since they were designed to be played with in an upright position. Reading to the baby from a colorful, sturdy book held at her eye level can also encourage sitting.
At 6 to 9 months of age, most babies have begun to crawl or "scoot" around. The baby is motivated to move if a desired object is placed just out of his reach. He may also have fun with a pillow obstacle course, playing peek-a-boo with a large boxes with holes cut in it, rolling toys across the floor, or hunting for a hidden toy.
It's important for parents to understand that each baby is unique and he or she will accomplish these milestones when ready. Steady progress in movement each month is totally acceptable. If something seems off, it may be best to visit a pediatrician or family physician.
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