4 minute read
FOCUS ON: MOVEMENT
PLAY EXPERT AND CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST Emma Kenny EXPLAINS HOW TO NURTURE YOUR BABY ONCE SHE’S ON THE MOVE
Parents spend on average more than six hours a day holding their baby, so that incredible moment when your little bundle of joy begins to show a certain level of independence, whether that’s shu ing her bum along the floor or showing signs that she can travel by foot, marks huge milestones for both parent and child. Creating a happy environment for little ones to develop in is key, and allowing your baby to have fun within this environment is important, too.
One of the main anxieties parents face is whether their little one is reaching their developmental milestones at the right time. I often remind parents that it’s important to see your child as the individual that she is. Each baby has a mind of their own, and more often than not, babies who don’t progress as quickly ultimately catch up in their own time, meaning you may be worrying unnecessarily, rather than just enjoying being a parent.
Even if it turns out that your baby is experiencing some developmental delay, or health issues, you can’t let anxiety take hold. Instead, try to focus on positive strategies that will make you feel in control of your parenting and, more importantly, allow you to enjoy your baby for who she is. But from the first attempt at crawling, to those wobbles as she stands by herself, I’m a big believer in play being a crucial element of that development.
Toys are, of course, an essential part of playtime, and well designed, safe, ageappropriate toys can help baby along the way on so many levels. Play stimulates physical skills such as balance and coordination, and hand-eye coordination, and hones in on sensory skills, including perception of colours, form, movement and sound. And not forgetting the learning of social skills – interaction, taking turns, sharing and role play.
But how will your little one change and develop from the age of nine to 12 months, and how can you help? There are many things parents can do to encourage more movement. Play games that boost your little one’s strength; these can begin as soon as your baby can sit unaided. Why not try stacking games, or even doing something as simple as rolling a ball out of her reach, so she starts increasing her core strength as she reaches to grab it, or crawl towards it?
As soon as your baby starts pulling herself up, either using you or objects around her to stand with support, be sure to praise her. Lots of smiles and claps are great to encourage her to keep going. Babies love being rewarded and having lots of reinforcing stimuli such as musical sounds and peek-a-boo mirrors makes their playtime fun, while observing a whole host of positive developmental opportunities. A baby walker will give her a sense of independence, and this will also help to strengthen her leg muscles as she becomes more confident.
Be a support for your little one; walk with her by standing behind and gently holding her MARKING THOSE MONTHLY MILESTONES Here’s a guide to where your little one may find herself over the next few months (but remember, all babies are di erent!)
Month 9 • Using her good vision to see where she wants to go • Recognising familiar people • Independently choosing what she wants to play with
Month 10 • Understanding the meaning of basic words such as ‘no’ and ‘yes’ • Cruising around a room • Singling out her favourite toys for maximum fun
Month 11 • Standing independently • Taking her first step • Widening her speech and language
Month 12 • Chatting • Walking or cruising • Playing with some independence
Toy shopping trolley, £55, gltc.co.uk
Pull ’n’ Chatter lobster, £9.99, littletikes.co.uk
Leather desert boots, £36, poconido.com
underneath her arms, or by holding her hands. This way she will feel confi dent in taking those all-important fi rst steps.
When putting your baby down, make sure you place her in a standing position. This will encourage her to balance and give her the confi dence to start to try to walk. Once she seems to have found her feet, support her with one hand. This means she will feel safe but also in control of her steps.
As she begins to take her fi rst steps all on her own, give her a round of applause. Again, praise will encourage her confi dence as she gets set to explore the world. At this point, she will benefi t from toys that she can push around, and ones which have lots of sensory reinforcement as she goes on her very fi rst independent adventures.
As your baby approaches her fi rst birthday, it’s time for celebrations, not just for her, but for you, too – you’ve all come a long way! By now, it’s likely you have an active, inquisitive, chatty child with a wide range of abilities, and let’s face it, watching your baby squeal, laugh, grab, play and progress is a fabulous feeling for any parent.
Little Dutch baby walker, £44.95, scandiborn.co.uk
Sebra pull-along toy, £39.96, naturalbabyshower.co.uk
