Focus on the senses. The visual, auditory and tactile senses as well as the sense of movement are fairly good guidelines to follow when it comes to stimulating our little ones, as they are easy to remember and can be used at dressing, feeding and bathing time.
Baby Movement Stimulation
• Tummy lying: Remember to put your baby on his tummy as often as possible, as this position strengthens his neck and back muscles, and will prepare him for sitting later. Towards three months your baby will have better strength to push up and lift his head. At newborn stage, put a rolled-up towel under his chest, and gently push his pelvis down and backwards to help him lift his head. A mirror is also fun to use for baby to look into when in tummy-lying position.
• Back lying: It is also important to build up tummy muscle control. This will balance back muscle control which is essential for sitting later. Hold your baby under his shoulders and gradually pull him up slowly into sitting, encouraging him to bring his head forward. As he gets older, and develops more control, pull him up using his hands.
• Rolling: This usually begins from back to side at around three to four months. Play on the floor with your baby, lying next to him with toys on either side and gently nudge him to roll over. Rolling is important in the development of balancing skills that he will need when he is sitting and reaching.
• Moving!: Don’t forget to dance with your baby. Spinning, rocking and tipping all stimulate the vestibular system, important for later balance and sensory integration.
Toddler Movement Stimulation
• Rough-and-tumble play on the bed, on pillows and cushions, and using the body, all stimulates the movement receptors.
• Spin, turn, roll and dance together.
• Take your child to the park, and go on swings, slides and merry-go-rounds! Make sure that your child has plenty of opportunities for physical outdoor play.
• Dance to music together.
• Pretend to be a bear or a horse and carry your child on your back, or on your body so that he can feel your movements.
• Find a grassy slope and roll down it together!
Clamber Club runs Baby and Toddler stimulation classes, Sports for schools, a Playschool programme and Party entertainment for children. Franchises available. Visit the website to find a franchisee in your area, www.clamberclub.com.
Source: Occupational Therapist, Liz Senior, Clamber Club.