Help your baby learn to crawl and walk with these tips from an occupational therapist
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When it comes to motor skills, there are levels to understanding your child’s movements. In this week’s episode of In The Know: Milestones, occupational therapist Adam Griffin offers tips to help you support your little one move about their world.
“In general, you want to see the beginnings of crawling around about between six and nine months,” the father of two says. “But you’ll notice they’re ready to start because they’ll give you signs. You’ll see them doing the all-fours position, the bopping and rocking back and forth. “
Griffin says that there are three things to ask yourself when encouraging you baby’s motor activity, which he calls “Adam’s Laws of Motor Learning.” The questions are, “Is it fun?” “Is it clear?” and “Is it accessible?” After your child begins to understand how each stage works, they’ll do the rest.
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To help your child grasp movement, Griffin recommends a few toys to start them off. One of them is a sticky, but non-messy solution called Squigz.
“They’re great for little developing grasps,” Griffin says. Not only is the toy set loved by child professionals, but over 5,000 Amazon shoppers love it, too. The toy set has a 4.8 out of five-star rating.
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Additionally, pushing toys like this Wooden Push and Pull Learning Walker can help little ones move on their own. Plus, it comes with fun gadgets attached to the front to encourage baby motor skills as well.
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“There’s one other little toy I like as well; I have to mention it for crawling,” Griffin says. “It’s called the Skip and Hop Explore & More Follow Me Bee.” Griffin explains that the Bee is a light and sound toy.
“Light and sound toys are great for crawling because they’re very captivating” he explains. “So you move around, you see the child’s gaze, follow it. Because it moves side to side you can encourage your child to weight bear from side to side as well.”
Griffin adds that it is important for parents to create a safe environment for your child to do their own thing in their exploration.
“Don’t super encourage them,” Griffin states. “You’re not trying to do the activities for them. They’ll get there when they’re ready. You’re just making the fun along the way.”
If you liked this story, you might also enjoy what you should know about teething in babies, according to a pediatric dentist.
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