If you’ve ever wished that newborns came with a manual then you’ll want to keep reading. As your gross motor bestie, a pediatric physical therapist, and a mom, I’ve got the top two ways to help your new baby build those gross motor skills. And, they even go hand-in-hand. You want to focus on variety and floor time…specifically variety in floor time activities.
Here’s some ideas to help you add floor time to your daily routine without making it boring for you or baby!
Back Play: This can be on a playmat where baby can reach up with their hands or feet to play with hanging toys. Or, just on a blanket where you can read a book, make silly faces, massage your baby, and practice bringing their feet to their hands and mouth. The happy baby (hands to feet position) is a very important position to help strengthen the front of their body in preparation for rolling back to tummy. Y'all, it doesn't have to be fancy!Side Play: This too can be done on a large mat, blanket, or play mat. Place your leg, a rolled-up blanket, a large pillow, or bolster behind your child while they play on their side. Then, put toys, books, or mirrors at eye level and encourage them to reach out and bring their hands together. Be sure to play on both sides, as this will help redistribute the force on their head and maintain a rounded skull. And, here’s a pro tip: if you find one side is preferred over the other, it could indicate muscle tightness or tension, and you might want to check with a local physical therapist.
Tummy Time: I will let you in on a secret - there is no magic number of tummy time sessions required in order for your baby to meet milestones. Instead, focus on quality over quantity. Short intervals of quality tummy time provide FAR more benefits than longer, unhappy tummy time adventures. Tummy time should be a fun, tear-free zone! This can be done on large mats, blankets, play mats, wedge mats, a therapy ball, and even in your lap or on your chest. The KEY to tummy time is making sure your child is weight bearing through their arms and shoulders. Being on an incline can especially make tummy time easier, allowing your child to build strength and endurance. I like to use my chest, a boppy pillow, a firm wedge if you have one, or even a rolled-up blanket to create an incline. Be sure to place engaging toys, mirrors, water mats, books, or even your face at eye level - this will increase active participation and improve overall strength. Another pro tip: roll your baby in and out of tummy time. You can also get more tummy time ideas at our Lil' Movers & Groovers class on select Tuesdays.
Vertical Play: Vertical play is essentially any play done with your baby in the upright position, such as being held in a seated position, facing out over your shoulder, or facing out on your chest. This helps your little one develop head control against gravity. Holding your little one upright in front of a mirror, looking at pictures on the wall, or placing suction cup toys at eye level when held are great ways to incorporate vertical play.
Those first few months with a baby can be overwhelming and hard, but working on their gross motor skills doesn’t need to be fancy! In fact, it's quite the opposite! Doing a variety of simple floor time activities with varied positions is all you need to encourage your newborn to achieve symmetrical motor development as they work toward those milestones. And, if you ever need activity ideas or tips, check out our Instagram, attend a Lil' Movers & Groovers class, or book a one-on-one session with us. We're here to help!
