Why crawling enhances your baby's development:
. Your baby learns where he wants to go and moves by shuffling.
. Develops hand / eye co-ordination which is vital as he grows for reading,
writing and physical activities.
. Strengthens muscle tone in arms and hands, legs and feet.
. Hand grasp is developed which can enhance language development.
. Develops visual skills which allows the eyes to focus on items nearby and in
the distance.
. It stimulates the inner ear or vestibular movements which affect balance. Hundreds of touch and position messages flow to the brain.
. Crawling allows the left and right sides of the brain to work together.
. Communication between the left and right sides of the brain are strengthened as crawling is a cross-lateral excercise, which stimulates movement and thinking at the same time.
When does your baby crawl:
Most babies learn to crawl between 6 - 10 months. It typically occurs after your baby has been able to sit well without support, around 5 - 7 months. However some babies never crawl, instead opting for bottom shuffling, creeping on their stomachs, or developing a 'duck-waddle', which causes unnecessary strain on their lower back ligaments. Which is why the Little Grippers Jumpsuit was designed to give assistance to gain traction to crawl.
Tummy Time:
All babies need to have' tummy time'. In the early 1990's it was discovered that babies who slept on their backs dramatically reduced their chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This is accepted Worldwide as the safest way for baby to sleep in a cot or bassinette. By lying babies on their backs and they are ftequently kept upright in the life we lead today - in car seats, bouncers, jolly jumpers, prams and strollers, which means that unless you do ' tummy time' with your baby, it might lead to a delay in the development of gross motor skills. His head and neck may remain flaccid and he may be unable to lift his head for anything other than short periods.
Benefits of tummy time:
Your baby feels his body in a different position, feeling the effects of gravity.
He develops muscle strength and co-ordination of the muscles necessary for him
to stay in this position.
Promotes the development of muscle strength in his neck and shoulders so he is
able to lift his head easily.
When to start tummy time:
It is generally recommended to start tummy time when your baby is between 8-12 weeks. although even newborns will benefit. Lie your young baby on your chest in a more upright position. They will tolerate being on their stomachs more when they are propped up with a towel under their arms.
5 easy steps to doing 'tummy time':
1. Place your baby on a carpet or mat on his tummy.
2. Gently hold your baby up and place a rolled up towel under his upper torso This
supported position allows him to lift his head and look around.
3. Get down on the floor directly in front of him, let your baby look at your face
while you talk thim. You'll love it and your baby will too!
4. As your baby gets used to being on his tummy, place objects a little out of his
reach - his skills at reaching and grasping and pushing himself up will develop
very quickly!
5. Practice tummy time for at least 5 minutes twice a day.
It is never too early to start tummy time, however if your baby has little head control, he may not like it initially.