Pediatric Orthopedist Explains How to Encourage Development of Children’s Motor Skills
Motor and cognitive development during the first year of life is intense and fascinating. In a short time, that newcomer to the world is able to roll over, sit down, support its own head and explore the world around it. Each child has a rhythm and each stage needs attention, as new risks may arise in the path of the little one.
Dr. Natasha Vogel, a pediatric orthopedist, recalls that between 7 and 10 months the baby can start crawling movements. “For this, the little arms and legs must be strong to support the torso and lift it off the ground”, she points out.
Tips to encourage baby to crawl
There are several ways to crawl: with 4 supports (hands and knees on the floor), on the butt with the help of the hands, sliding on the stomach, among others. “The most important thing is for the baby to be able to explore the environment and strengthen his muscles so he can learn to walk. It is very important that parents and caregivers encourage development children’s motor skills”, says the doctor.
Some children, however, do not like to crawl and try to skip this step that is so important for development. For these cases, Dr. Natasha gives some tips:
1.offer stimuli
Stimuli should be offered when the child is awake and calm.
2. Place the child face down
Place the child on their stomachs, but always with adult supervision. babieswith more than 6 months can stay 20 to 30 minutes in that position.
3. Use mirrors
Using mirrors can be fun. In addition, it can activate the child’s natural curiosity and encourage crawling.
4. Crawl with the baby
crawl with your baby can be encouraging and a good example for the little one.
5. Don’t overdo it in practice
The child may become irritable and cry if the parents overdo the stimuli. It’s okay if the play has to stop. It is important that he has positive associations during training.
6. Show objects
Show objects that arouse interestof the child and that they are not so close to him.
7. Put obstacles in the way
As the child develops skills, we can place small obstacles in the way (pillows, boxes, pillows).
8. Play with the baby
Getting involved in the game and hiding behind obstacles and playing “Found” can also be a good tip.
Increased attention to the baby
However, if the baby is already crawling, it is necessary to pay extra attention to the environment to prevent accidents. The baby must never be left without adult supervision, for example, the crib must have the mattress lowered. It is also necessary to place bars on stairs and at the door of dangerous rooms, such as the kitchen and backyard.
“It is also necessary to remove small objects from the floor to prevent the baby from putting them in the mouth. It is necessary to be careful with corners, sockets, loose wires and always keep the child away from places with water, because only 5 cm deep is enough for a drowning”, warns Dr. Natasha.
Source: Maxima
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