Fundamentals for Early Development
When we arrived home from hospital with our baby wrapped around our arms, families, friends and neighbours came to visit bringing with them loads of advice. Overwhelmed by everything, a new baby, the attention and the suggestions, I listened carefully and relished every memory. I guess their intentions were obliging and supportive but as a new mum I didn’t know who to listen to. One essential fact I valued from my advisors is that babies need an abundance of attention and stimulation in the initial stages after birth for them to develop. I made certain that I included the fundamentals for early development when I introduced my baby to developmental play within the first month.
Developmental Play For Babies
One Month
Early learning begins within the FIRST MONTH after baby is born. Stomach exercise for short periods in the day is a great way to strengthen the head, neck and upper part of a baby’s body. Developmental movements involving wiggling, twisting and stretching are the first steps to physical and mental growth. Parents must make time to choose the right materials to help stimulate key milestones that babies achieve around their early stages of growth. Babies need to strengthen their bodies and the use of Play Mats will be ideal for this type of activity. Babies sense of hearing is well developed at this time and Music or Singing is a soothing stimulant that leaves babies calm.
Two Months
As baby continues to grow moving into MONTH TWO, their reflexes are much more supportive which allows for arm and hand movement. Actions like bobbing and turning take place as babies hold their heads up a little longer while lying on their stomach. At this stage it will be a great opportunity to introduce small, soft toys around the play mat for baby to strengthen movement while reaching for objects. Overhead mobiles with music and toys work well while baby relaxes on the play mat.
Three Months
By the end of THREE MONTHS, you will realize just how much your baby has grown and you will see the mini milestones baby has reached. Baby will be very energetic at this time, where the head is more steady and strong enough to raise the shoulders and the upper chest. As baby lies on his/her back he will kick and turn his/her head enough to roll over and strengthen those stomach muscles.
The Five Senses
Babies will rely on their five senses which work together to guide them to tell the brain what is going on around them throughout their entire life. In other words, your baby will see, hear, touch and smell everything that he bumps into. Now will be a good time to introduce your baby to different textured toys for gripping and grasping like plastic rings, blocks, rattles and stackers. Holding your baby in front of a mirror will fascinate them and it’s a good time to let them try and recognize their own reflection.
