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Parents often hear that tummy time is important for babies but research supports that floor play is actually very important for every stage of baby’s motor development. That’s why we’re passionate about our “The Floor Builds the Core™” concept which states that a baby gets stronger and masters motor skills by learning how to move in and out of positions while they’re on the floor.
More info here on the movement science behind our “The Floor Builds the Core™” framework.
Did you know that sitting is only functional if you can do something there - like reach or watch something? Well, being placed in sitting but not being able to do anything, reach for anything, play, or get in and out of the position isn’t very functional for baby. And you know we’re all about functional play around here! Below you’ll find ways to play with your babe throughout the progression of learning to sit .
So you read our post on avoiding baby containers and now you’re wondering how you’ll get through a busy day while still sneaking in a shower or making dinner without using all of the baby contraptions like a swing, bouncer, exersauser, jumper, or Bumbo? We’ve got you covered!
Rolling is one of baby’s first forms of mobility. It allows baby to start the process of seeing something and actually going to get and explore it. Rolling is a complicated movement that requires the two sides of the body to do opposite movements. This is important for the brain- body connection (i.e., how the body learns to respond appropriately when the brain says “reach”), to build neuronal maps (i.e., how baby will learn to move in 3D space), to strengthen bilateral coordination skills (i.e., to use both sides of the body), and is preparing baby to develop more complex movements.
Although you may jump right to thinking about baby’s first word when you think of communication development in the first year, there is so much that needs to develop in baby’s brain before we can expect to hear that first precious “mama” or “dada.” We use the term communication to encompass many aspects of speech and language development, including vocabulary (i.e., how many words a child says), articulation (i.e., how words are formed in the mouth), language expression (i.e., what a child says) and comprehension (i.e., what a child understands), gesture use (e.g., waving), and social skills (e.g., eye contact, turn-taking).
You’re likely already spending time each day talking, reading, and playing with your baby. Engaging and bonding with your baby with these three activities when you can throughout the day are likely all he/she will need to develop communication skills on time. But not all interactions are created equal when it comes to enhancing speech and language development. All children will develop at their own pace, but making a few small changes to how you talk to your baby can make a big impact on your child’s ability to both understand and use language when he/she is ready.
One of my most commonly asked questions from parents is, “How do I teach my baby to walk? He seems close!” Without seeing your child, it’s hard to say exactly why he isn’t walking yet, but it is most often because he needs to do a little more strength and endurance work before he is really ready to take those first dynamic steps unsupported- it is a ton of work!
The tummy time position is important because it helps baby to strengthen the neck, back, and shoulder muscles. This strength allows baby to pick up his/her head and look around at the world. It strengthens the back muscles (those that run down the sides of the spine) so that the trunk (body) can eventually support the head and neck when moved into an upright or sitting position. Tummy time is important for all babies starting at birth to six months and beyond.
