Tuesday means Gross Motor Skills! May 5, 2009

So, is your baby meeting all of his or her milestones? Here are some ideas for development across the ages from newborn to three!

Newborn-3 months: This is the time you are getting to know your baby and hopefully snuggling a lot! It is really important to make sure your baby is getting some belly time. This always needs to be done in a supervised setting and NEVER for sleep. Here is an idea: Lay on your couch and let your baby be on his belly. Talk or sing to your baby to encourage him to lift his head up and begin to work on his head control. Bonding and belly time in a perfect combo!

3-6 months: OK, so now your baby likes to play on his belly, right? If not, keep working on it. Place your baby on the floor with a Boppy pillow or a rice sock under his chest. Encourage him to prop on his elbows and lift his head to look at you or a toy. By 6 months, this should be a breeze and your baby should even be able to push up on straight arms and maybe even roll!

6-9 months: Sitting and playing is the name of the game. Encourage your baby to play in a sitting position for extended periods of time. Use pillows to the side and back to prevent injury if he falls over. Use bubbles to encourage your baby to sit and not think about it. Bubbles are the great distractor!

9-12 months: Mobility! Let's talk about hands and knees today! If your baby is having trouble figuring out this position, try and have him get into hands and knees over your leg. Arms on one side, belly being supported by your thigh and knees on the other side. This lets him play in this position without having to work too hard on maintaining it. Roll your leg in and out to help your baby "rock" in hands and knees.

12-18 months: Watch out world, I am walking! By 18 months, your baby should be walking. Here is an idea to encourage those first steps: Have him stand with his back against a wall and kneel facing him. Encourage him to lean forward towards you and maybe even take steps. If he is scared to take steps, just work on the leaning forward. This will help build up his confidence!

18-24 months: Take the couch cushions off and place them next to the couch. Have your baby work on climbing on and off of the couch. He will love climbing!

24-30 months: Practice jumping by pretending to be "popcorn" and jump up and down with your baby. Even if he is just bouncing up and down, he is getting the sequencing he needs for jumping.

30-36 months: Find a new playground! This is the time to challenge your baby with his motor planning. Can he navigate any slide anywhere? This is the goal. Of course, these need to be age appropriate height slides.

Enjoy your baby! Remember, if you have any concerns, discuss them with your pediatrician and know that you can always call the early intervention program for where you live.